Coffee Shop Business Valuation
Coffee Shop Valuation Calculator & Exit Planning Built for Cafe Owners
We built one platform that tracks your coffee shop's value monthly, identifies exit gaps early, and ensures your personal finances align with your exit timeline.
1,000+ Businesses have joined YourExitValue.com
Most Coffee Shop Owners Have No Idea What Their Business is Actually Worth
Current Coffee Shop Valuation Multiples (2026)
Coffee shop valuations vary widely based on drive-through capability, food programs, and lease terms. Here's the reality:
Every business is different. That's why you need to track your value.
Included in Your Exit Value is a complete Exit Planning Assessment where you track your progress quarterly against your results from the previous quarter.
Know your number and watch it grow
Most business owners guess at their value. You'll know it with precision.
Our platform uses six proven valuation methodologies to give you a complete picture of what your business is worth today—and tracks how that number changes month over month. No more waiting for annual appraisals or paying $15K+ for outdated reports.
See your trends. Spot opportunities. Make informed decisions
What Actually Drives Coffee Shop Value
A busy cafe doesn't automatically mean a valuable one. Buyers evaluate these specific factors that most owners overlook:
Drive-Through
Drive-Through Lane
Drive-through coffee shops command dramatically higher valuations. The convenience factor drives volume that sit-down-only locations can't match.
No drive-through = traffic ceiling
Lease Terms
10+ Years Remaining
Coffee shops live and die by location. Buyers need long lease terms to protect their investment in build-out and customer development.
Short lease = deal killer
Food Program
25%+ Food Revenue
Coffee-only shops hit a revenue ceiling. Strong food programs—breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods—increase ticket average and differentiation.
Drinks only = limited growth
Barista Team
Stable, Trained Staff
Good baristas are hard to find. A stable team that delivers consistent quality gives buyers confidence the experience will continue.
High turnover = quality risk
Brand Identity
Strong Local Following
A distinctive concept with loyal regulars is worth more than a generic coffee shop. Brand strength shows in reviews, social presence, and repeat rates.
Generic concept = commodity competition
Owner Role
Management Only
Owners behind the counter every day are earning wages. Transitioning to oversight shows the business operates independently.
Owner as barista = owner job
How to Value a Coffee Shop
The U.S. coffee shop market includes over 65,000 locations generating approximately $50 billion in annual revenue. Coffee shop valuations vary widely between independent shops, franchise locations, drive-through concepts, and specialty roaster-retailers.
Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE) is the primary valuation method. Coffee shops typically sell for 1.5x to 3.0x SDE. Shops at the higher end have strong daily traffic, multiple revenue streams (food, retail, catering), a recognizable brand, and staff who manage daily operations without the owner present.
Revenue multiples generally range from 0.25x to 0.50x annual revenue. Drive-through locations and shops with strong morning traffic volume command the upper end.
The unique valuation factor for coffee shops is the location, lease terms, and daily transaction count. Morning traffic is the lifeblood of a coffee shop — consistent daily transaction counts above 300 demonstrate strong demand and brand loyalty. Drive-through capability dramatically increases volume potential and commands premium valuations. Lease terms are critical: a coffee shop's value is inseparable from its location, so a favorable long-term lease protects the investment. Specialty capabilities (in-house roasting, unique drinks, food programs) differentiate from chain competition and support premium pricing.
The independent coffee shop market remains vibrant despite Starbucks' dominance, with specialty and community-focused shops thriving in local markets. Use our free calculator above to get your instant estimate, then track your value monthly with YourExitValue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What multiple do coffee shops sell for?
Most coffee shops sell for 1.8x – 3.0x SDE. Drive-through locations command the higher end. Small sit-down-only cafes without food programs often struggle to reach even 2x.
How important is drive-through for coffee shop value?
Critical. Drive-through coffee shops typically sell for 30-50% higher multiples than sit-down-only. The convenience factor drives volume and appeals to commuters who value speed over ambiance.
What food program should my coffee shop have?
A mix of baked goods, breakfast items, and light lunch options. Target 25-35% of revenue from food. Focus on items with minimal kitchen complexity and good margins—buyers don't want restaurant-level operations.
Does being a franchise affect my coffee shop value?
It depends on the franchise. Strong brands command premiums, but franchise fees reduce cash flow. For independents, a strong local brand with loyal following can be equally valuable to the right buyer.
How do lease terms affect coffee shop sales?
Lease terms are critical. Buyers want 10+ years remaining including options. A great coffee shop with a 2-year lease is nearly unsellable—landlord risk overshadows everything else.
What makes a coffee shop concept scalable?
Documented recipes and procedures, strong brand identity that could transfer to new locations, proven unit economics, and systems that don't depend on you. Buyers pay premiums for concepts they can replicate.