Black Rifle Coffee Company franchise startup costs run $760K–$2.2M for a premium coffee shop brand with a strong veteran-owned identity. Founded by veterans and built on a patriot-focused community, BRCC has expanded from a direct-to-consumer brand into a growing retail and franchise coffee concept.
Black Rifle Coffee Company (BRCC) is a premium coffee brand founded in 2014 by U.S. Army veteran Evan Hafer in Salt Lake City, Utah. BRCC built its brand through direct-to-consumer coffee subscriptions and a strong patriot and veteran community identity before expanding into brick-and-mortar retail coffee shops. The franchise program targets operators who align with the brand's veteran-owned, pro-military positioning. As of 2026, BRCC operates and franchises coffee shop locations across the US and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker BRCC. The retail coffee shop format combines full-service espresso drinks, brewed coffee, and a limited food menu with branded merchandise — creating a retail destination that serves as both a coffeehouse and a brand store. BRCC has a high-loyalty customer base that values the brand's identity as much as the product.
Per the current FDD filed under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436), total estimated initial investment for a Black Rifle Coffee Company franchise runs $760,000–$2,200,000. Leasehold improvements, branded interior buildout, and espresso equipment are the primary investment components:
Black Rifle Coffee Company charges a 6% royalty on net sales plus a 2% advertising fund contribution, for a combined 8% of net sales. The royalty structure is consistent with premium coffeehouse franchise norms. The brand's strong national marketing presence — driven by social media, podcast sponsorships, and the BRCC content engine — supplements the local ad fund spend.
Black Rifle Coffee Company is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. Common financing paths:
Premium coffeehouse concepts with strong brand identity typically target break-even within 24–48 months. The merchandise component at BRCC locations adds a revenue stream beyond beverage sales, which can support stronger average transaction values. Actual break-even depends on rent, local market penetration, and operator alignment with the brand's community-building approach — BRCC locations that integrate into veteran and patriot community networks tend to build loyal repeat customer bases faster.
Black Rifle Coffee Company franchises suit operators who genuinely align with the brand's veteran-owned, pro-military identity — not just as a marketing angle but as a community commitment. The brand's customer base is exceptionally brand-loyal and responds to operators who engage authentically. Food and beverage retail experience is valuable for managing the coffee shop operation. Net worth of $750K+ and liquid capital of $300K+ are the financial benchmarks for the higher buildout cost range.
BRCC is on the SBA Franchise Directory, enabling expedited SBA loan eligibility review. At $760K–$2.2M, the investment range spans both SBA 7(a) standard territory and upper-range builds that approach the $5M cap. Lenders underwrite the following on a BRCC application, per SBA SOP 50 10 7:
Higher-end BRCC builds approaching $2M+ benefit from splitting the financing stack: SBA 7(a) for the franchise fee, leasehold improvements, and working capital; separate equipment financing for espresso machines, grinders, and refrigeration ($90K–$200K) at potentially lower rates with the equipment as collateral. This preserves SBA 7(a) capacity for the non-equipment components and can reduce blended interest cost on the full stack.
ClearValue Lending works with premium coffeehouse and specialty retail franchise operators on SBA, equipment, and working capital financing. Apply for franchise financing at Find my match. Your file routes to one matched lender.
Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $760,000–$2,200,000. Leasehold improvements, branded interior buildout, espresso equipment, and the $50,000 franchise fee are the primary cost drivers.
Black Rifle Coffee Company is publicly traded on the NYSE under ticker BRCC. The company was founded by U.S. Army veteran Evan Hafer in 2014 and built its brand through direct-to-consumer coffee subscriptions before expanding into retail franchise coffee shops.
Black Rifle Coffee Company charges a 6% royalty on net sales plus a 2% advertising fund contribution, for a combined 8% of net sales.
Yes. Black Rifle Coffee Company is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) covers franchise fee, leasehold improvements, equipment, and working capital. Higher-end builds at the upper range may require large 7(a) loans up to $5M.
BRCC built its identity around a veteran-owned, pro-military community rather than lifestyle or third-place positioning. The brand combines full-service espresso with merchandise retail and a content-driven national marketing engine — creating a brand-destination coffee experience for a deeply loyal patriot community customer base.
SBA guidelines require a minimum 1.15× DSCR; lenders underwriting BRCC applications typically require 1.25×+ to account for the 12–18 month new-location revenue ramp. The 8% combined fee (6% royalty + 2% ad fund) is factored into the DSCR model as a direct cost against projected gross sales. Lenders cross-reference projections with BRCC's FDD Item 19 comparable unit data.
SBA requires a minimum 10% equity injection; lenders typically require 20–25% in practice — meaning $152K–$550K on a $760K–$2.2M BRCC build. ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups) using 401(k) or IRA funds counts as equity injection without a taxable distribution, and is a common path for BRCC applicants.