THE HUMAN BEAN
The Human Bean franchise offers the right to operate espresso drive-thru stands specializing in the preparation and sale of espresso coffee, related beverages, and products. The business model involves granting licenses for single units or area developments, with initial investments ranging from $572,090 to $1,298,903, and relies on affiliates for company-owned operations while enforcing strict standards and specifications. It targets convenience-seeking customers, particularly coffee enthusiasts who prefer quick drive-thru service.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 140 franchised stores for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2024, as described in Table 2, and adjusted EBITDA for franchised units as described in Table 3.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How THE HUMAN BEAN Compares to Other Coffee & Bakery Franchises
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
THE HUMAN BEAN Current | N/A | $35K | N/A | 165 |
| PANERA BREAD BAKERY-CAFÉ | $633K - $4.9M | $35K | 5.0% | 1,112 |
| SCOOTER'S COFFEE | $955K - $1.5M | $40K | 6.0% | 825 |
| NOTHING BUNDT CAKES | $667K - $1.0M | $45K | 6.0% | 643 |
| GREAT AMERICAN COOKIES | $341K - $463K | $25K | 6.0% | 395 |
| 7 BREW | $894K - $2.2M | $35K | 4.5% | 297 |
Coffee & Bakery Average 37 franchises | $498K - $1.1M | $40K | 5.5% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 37 Coffee & Bakery franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+10 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for THE HUMAN BEAN franchisees (2013 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How many THE HUMAN BEAN franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, THE HUMAN BEAN has 165 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 2002.
Can you get an SBA loan for a THE HUMAN BEAN franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for THE HUMAN BEAN franchises. Historical data shows 56 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for THE HUMAN BEAN franchisees, with an average loan amount of $446,788. The historical default rate is 8.9%.
Is THE HUMAN BEAN a good franchise to buy?
THE HUMAN BEAN shows several positive indicators: established brand with 165+ locations, transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in THE HUMAN BEAN?
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