

There are over 39,000 coffee shop locations operating across the United States, according to industry estimates. These establishments employ more than 1.1 million people nationwide across barista positions, management, food preparation, customer service, and support roles. Coffee shops are estimated to generate $55 billion annually in food and beverage sales. From independent neighborhood coffeehouses and specialty cafés to drive-thru coffee concepts and nationally recognized chains, coffee shops represent one of the largest and most resilient segments of the U.S. foodservice industry.
Coffee shops for sale are something many buyers explore due to consistent consumer demand, strong repeat business, and multiple revenue opportunities. The category includes independent coffee shops, specialty coffee roasters, espresso bars, drive-thru coffee concepts, breakfast cafés, and franchise brands. Many coffee shop operators benefit from daily customer visits, beverage-focused margins, loyalty programs, mobile ordering, and growing consumer interest in premium coffee and specialty beverages.
It's no wonder those buying a business flock to coffee shops for sale offered by Restaurant Brokers. Coffee shops are an influential part of the American foodservice landscape. The category's combination of recurring customer traffic, relatively simple operations, strong brand loyalty, and all-day demand creates opportunities for business owners across a wide variety of concepts and operating models.
Resources for Buying a Coffee Shop For Sale
Buying a Coffee Shop for Sale is a team sport and you may need all kinds of help. Our Certified Restaurant Broker© team has plenty of resources and aid for you. Here’s a starting point for the most common requests:



















































Frequently Asked Questions: Coffee Shops for Sale
What is the average price of a coffee shop for sale? Independent coffee shops typically list between $50,000 and $500,000. Established cafés, drive-thru coffee concepts, franchise locations, and high-volume operations may sell for more than $1 million.
Can I buy a coffee shop with an SBA loan? Yes. Many coffee shop acquisitions qualify for SBA 7(a) financing. We Sell Restaurants can connect buyers with experienced business lenders.
How many coffee shops are there in the United States? Industry estimates indicate there are approximately 39,000 coffee shop locations operating nationwide.
How many people work in coffee shops? Coffee shops are estimated to employ between 900,000 and 1.2 million workers across the United States.
How much do coffee shops generate in annual sales? The U.S. coffee shop segment is estimated to generate more than $55 billion annually in food and beverage sales.
What types of businesses are included in this category? The category includes coffee shops, coffeehouses, espresso bars, specialty coffee cafés, drive-thru coffee concepts, and coffee-focused franchise brands.
What are the biggest challenges facing coffee shop owners? Common challenges include labor costs, coffee bean price volatility, competition, occupancy costs, staffing, and maintaining consistent beverage quality and customer service.
Do I need a broker to buy or sell a coffee shop? Not legally, but a Certified Restaurant Broker helps maintain confidentiality, qualify buyers, manage due diligence, and guide the transaction from listing to closing.
Is We Sell Restaurants a franchise? Yes, We Sell Restaurants is itself a franchise opportunity, not just a service provider to restaurant franchises. Franchisees become Certified Restaurant Brokers™ through our structured onboarding process, then use We Sell Restaurants' proprietary BOSS (Broker's Operations and Sales System) platform and Restaurant For Sale marketplace to help entrepreneurs buy, sell and lease hospitality properties in their territory.