Black Rifle Coffee Company has become one of the most recognized veteran-owned coffee brands in the United States. Founded in 2014 by Army Special Forces veteran Evan Hafer, the brand built its reputation on premium, roast-to-order coffee and an unapologetic pro-military, pro-America identity. For entrepreneurs looking to align their business ownership with those values, pursuing a Black Rifle Coffee franchise is a compelling opportunity. But like any franchise, the biggest question is: how do you fund it?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Black Rifle Coffee franchise cost, available financing options, qualification requirements, and how Crestmont Capital helps aspiring franchisees secure the capital they need to open and grow a Black Rifle Coffee location.
In This Article
Black Rifle Coffee Company (BRCC) is a veteran-founded, military-lifestyle brand built around premium coffee and patriotic values. The company was launched by Evan Hafer, a former Green Beret and CIA contractor, who started roasting coffee in his garage before the brand grew into a multi-million dollar enterprise with a loyal national following.
BRCC differentiates itself from mainstream coffee chains through its brand identity - donating a portion of revenue to veteran causes, employing veterans and first responders, and marketing directly to a demographic that values American military culture and outdoor lifestyle. The company went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2022, giving it additional visibility and brand credibility.
The brand sells its coffee primarily through an online subscription model, but has been expanding into physical retail locations including company-owned and licensed coffee shops and outposts. For entrepreneurs interested in the coffee franchise space, Black Rifle Coffee represents a unique opportunity to combine business ownership with a mission-driven brand that has a passionate and growing customer base.
Brand Reach: Black Rifle Coffee Company has sold over 150 million cups of coffee and has millions of social media followers. The brand's loyal community-based following creates a strong built-in customer base for new franchise and licensed locations.
The Black Rifle Coffee Company has been evolving its retail strategy, including expanding through licensed brick-and-mortar coffee outposts and shops. While BRCC primarily operates through a direct-to-consumer model and licensing arrangements rather than a traditional multi-unit franchise system, entrepreneurs interested in opening a BRCC-branded location should anticipate costs typical of a specialty coffee concept.
Based on industry benchmarks and what BRCC has communicated about its retail expansion plans, below are estimated cost ranges for launching a Black Rifle Coffee location:
| Cost Component | Estimated Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial License/Franchise Fee | $25,000 - $50,000 | Varies by arrangement type and location |
| Leasehold Improvements | $80,000 - $200,000 | Depends on location size and condition |
| Equipment (espresso machines, grinders, brewers) | $40,000 - $100,000 | Commercial-grade specialty coffee equipment |
| Furniture, Fixtures, and Build-Out | $30,000 - $80,000 | Brand-specific design standards |
| Initial Inventory and Supplies | $10,000 - $25,000 | Coffee beans, cups, food items, merchandise |
| Technology (POS, security, wifi) | $5,000 - $15,000 | Point-of-sale and operational systems |
| Working Capital Reserve | $30,000 - $75,000 | First 3-6 months of operational expenses |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $5,000 - $20,000 | Local advertising, social media, events |
| Total Estimated Investment | $225,000 - $565,000 | Varies significantly by location and format |
These figures are estimates and may vary based on location, local real estate costs, size of the coffee shop, and the specific terms of any licensing or franchise agreement. Entrepreneurs should request the most current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) or licensing agreement directly from Black Rifle Coffee Company for the most accurate cost information.
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Apply Now →Given the total investment typically ranges from $225,000 to over $500,000, most prospective Black Rifle Coffee franchisees and licensees will need external financing. The good news is that specialty coffee as a category has strong financing support from lenders who understand its market dynamics. Here are the primary financing options available:
The Small Business Administration's 7(a) loan program is one of the most popular choices for franchise financing. These loans are partially guaranteed by the federal government, which reduces risk for lenders and allows for competitive terms for borrowers. SBA 7(a) loans can be used to cover startup costs, equipment, working capital, leasehold improvements, and even the franchise or license fee itself.
For a Black Rifle Coffee location, an SBA 7(a) loan could provide between $150,000 and $500,000+ depending on project costs and borrower qualifications. Terms typically range from 7 to 25 years depending on the use of funds, with interest rates starting around the prime rate plus 2-3%.
Commercial coffee equipment - including espresso machines, grinders, roasters, brewing systems, and refrigeration - is expensive. Equipment financing allows you to purchase this equipment using the equipment itself as collateral. This approach preserves your working capital while allowing you to acquire the tools your shop needs to operate.
Equipment loans typically cover 80-100% of the equipment cost, with terms of 3-7 years and fixed monthly payments. Because the equipment serves as collateral, qualification requirements are often more accessible than unsecured loans.
If your Black Rifle Coffee location includes real estate - for example, purchasing a commercial building rather than leasing space - an SBA 504 loan provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets. These loans are structured through a Certified Development Company (CDC) and typically finance 40% of project costs through the CDC, 50% through a conventional lender, and require a 10% owner contribution.
A business line of credit provides flexible, revolving access to funds you can draw from as needed. This is particularly useful for managing the working capital demands of a coffee business - covering payroll during slow periods, ordering seasonal inventory, or handling unexpected maintenance costs.
Traditional term loans from banks and alternative lenders provide a lump sum upfront, repaid over a fixed schedule. For franchise launches, these can be used alongside other financing to cover gaps in the capital stack. Alternative lenders often have faster approval timelines than banks, which can be valuable when you need to move quickly on a lease or location opportunity.
Key Insight: Most successful Black Rifle Coffee franchise operators use a combination of financing products - often an SBA 7(a) for the franchise fee and build-out, equipment financing for specialty coffee machines, and a line of credit for working capital. Stacking these strategically minimizes out-of-pocket costs while optimizing terms.
The SBA loan process can feel intimidating, but it's one of the best tools available to small business owners seeking affordable franchise financing. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the SBA 7(a) program approved over $27 billion in loans in fiscal year 2023 - with a significant portion going to franchise-based businesses.
Here's why SBA loans are often the right choice for coffee franchise financing:
To qualify for an SBA loan for a Black Rifle Coffee franchise, you'll generally need to meet these baseline requirements:
Veterans receive special consideration through the SBA Veteran Advantage program, which waives upfront guarantee fees for qualifying veteran-owned businesses. Given that Black Rifle Coffee has a strong veteran-owned identity and frequently attracts veteran entrepreneurs, this is worth exploring as part of your financing strategy.
Understanding the steps involved in securing financing for your Black Rifle Coffee franchise will help you plan your timeline and increase your approval odds. Here's what the typical process looks like:
Step 1: Determine Your Total Capital Need
Work with BRCC's franchise or licensing team to understand the exact startup costs for your proposed location. Add a 10-15% contingency buffer to cover unexpected expenses.
Step 2: Assess Your Financial Position
Pull your personal and business credit reports. Calculate your liquid assets, net worth, and any existing debt obligations. Lenders will evaluate all of this during underwriting.
Step 3: Apply for Financing
Work with a lender like Crestmont Capital who specializes in franchise financing. You'll submit a loan application along with financial statements, tax returns, a business plan, and the franchise or licensing agreement.
Step 4: Underwriting and Approval
The lender evaluates your application, credit profile, and business viability. For SBA loans, this process can take 30-60 days; alternative lenders may approve in days to weeks.
Step 5: Closing and Funding
Once approved, you'll sign loan documents and funds are disbursed. You can then proceed to signing your franchise agreement, securing your location, and beginning the build-out process.
By the Numbers
Black Rifle Coffee Franchise - Key Statistics
$225K+
Minimum estimated investment to open a location
$38B
U.S. coffee shop industry market size (IBISWorld, 2024)
3.5%
Annual growth rate projected for U.S. coffee shops through 2029
84%
Of American adults drink coffee daily or occasionally (NCA, 2023)
Crestmont Capital is a leading U.S. business lender with expertise in franchise financing across dozens of concepts. Our team understands the unique capital needs of coffee franchise owners - from the upfront build-out costs to the working capital needed to cover payroll and inventory during the early months of operation.
When you work with Crestmont Capital for your Black Rifle Coffee franchise loan, here's what you get:
Other franchise owners in adjacent coffee and food-service concepts have successfully used Crestmont's financing to launch their businesses. Our First Watch franchise financing guide and our Firehouse Subs franchise loan guide show how the same financing strategies apply across different franchise categories. The principles are the same: understand your total capital need, match it to the right loan products, and execute with a lender who knows franchising.
For veterans specifically, we actively work to identify programs that reduce your cost of borrowing, including SBA Veteran Advantage fee waivers and favorable loan structures built around veteran business ownership. The commercial financing options at Crestmont Capital include both conventional and government-backed products - giving you the flexibility to optimize your capital structure from the start.
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Speak with a Crestmont Capital franchise financing advisor today. Get matched with the right loan product for your Black Rifle Coffee investment.
Apply Now →Lender requirements vary by loan type, but here's a general overview of what you'll need to qualify for franchise financing for a Black Rifle Coffee location:
For SBA loans, most lenders look for a personal credit score of at least 680. Some alternative financing options are available at 650 or below, but better scores unlock better rates. If your score needs improvement, focus on paying down revolving balances and resolving any collections or derogatory marks before applying.
For existing business owners expanding into a new concept, 2+ years in business with solid financials is ideal. For first-time franchise owners, lenders focus more heavily on your industry experience, personal financial strength, and the strength of the franchisor's brand.
Most SBA lenders require borrowers to contribute 10-20% of the total project cost from their own funds. For a $350,000 total investment, that means $35,000-$70,000 from your own resources. Your net worth also matters - lenders want to see that you have assets to back the loan beyond just the business itself.
A strong business plan is non-negotiable. Your plan should include a market analysis of your proposed location, projected revenue and expenses for the first three years, an explanation of how you'll market the business, your management team's qualifications, and a clear repayment strategy.
According to a Forbes article on business plan financing, lenders are most interested in cash flow projections that demonstrate a clear path to loan repayment within the first year or two of operations.
For secured loans, you'll need collateral - typically the equipment being purchased, leasehold improvements, or personal assets such as real estate. The SBA requires that lenders take available collateral when it exists, but an insufficient collateral position alone does not automatically disqualify an application.
Understanding how other entrepreneurs have structured their franchise financing can help you build your own plan. Here are several realistic scenarios for financing a Black Rifle Coffee location:
A former Army officer with a 715 credit score, $80,000 in savings, and no existing business wants to open a Black Rifle Coffee outpost in a high-traffic suburban location. Total estimated project cost: $320,000.
Financing strategy: SBA 7(a) loan for $256,000 (80% of project cost), with $64,000 from personal funds. SBA Veteran Advantage fee waiver saves approximately $5,000 in upfront costs. Loan term: 10 years. Estimated monthly payment: approximately $2,700-$3,000.
An established coffee shop owner with 5 years of operating experience and strong financials wants to add a Black Rifle Coffee-licensed location to expand their brand portfolio. Total investment: $275,000.
Financing strategy: Conventional equipment financing ($90,000) for the specialty coffee equipment, a business line of credit ($40,000) for working capital, and a conventional term loan ($110,000) for build-out. The owner contributes $35,000 as a down payment. Multiple lenders coordinated by Crestmont Capital.
A multi-unit franchise operator with existing food-service locations wants to add two Black Rifle Coffee shops in adjacent markets. Total project cost for both locations: $650,000.
Financing strategy: SBA 7(a) loan for $520,000 covering both locations, leveraging the operator's existing business track record and real estate equity as collateral. Term: 10 years. Personal guarantee from the primary business owner required.
Two veterans partner to open a BRCC location, combining their resources. Combined credit average: 700, combined liquid assets: $120,000. Total project cost: $400,000.
Financing strategy: SBA 7(a) loan for $320,000, partnership contributes $80,000. Business is structured as an LLC with both veterans as equal members. Crestmont Capital helps structure the loan to account for the partnership structure and ensure both guarantors qualify.
| Loan Type | Best For | Loan Amount | Term | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) | Full startup costs | Up to $5M | Up to 25 years | 30-60 days |
| Equipment Financing | Coffee equipment purchase | $10K - $500K | 3-7 years | Days to 2 weeks |
| Business Line of Credit | Working capital, cash flow gaps | $10K - $500K | Revolving | Days to 1 week |
| SBA 504 | Real estate or major equipment | Up to $5.5M | Up to 25 years | 45-90 days |
| Conventional Term Loan | Established operators, speed | $25K - $2M+ | 1-7 years | Days to 3 weeks |
The right financing option depends on your specific situation - your credit profile, available collateral, timeline, and total capital need. A Crestmont Capital advisor can help you evaluate all options and build the most efficient capital structure for your Black Rifle Coffee investment. You can also review our SBA loan programs to understand which products may be available to you.
Pro Tip: If you're a veteran looking to open a Black Rifle Coffee location, explore the SBA's programs for veteran-owned businesses. The Veteran Advantage program reduces or eliminates upfront guarantee fees on qualifying SBA loans, potentially saving thousands of dollars on your startup financing.
According to a CNBC report on veteran entrepreneurship, veterans are 45% more likely to be self-employed than non-veterans and they have higher rates of business success - a factor that lenders increasingly recognize and reward with favorable loan terms. This gives Black Rifle Coffee's core customer base of veteran entrepreneurs a genuine competitive advantage in the financing process.
The total estimated investment for a Black Rifle Coffee location typically ranges from $225,000 to over $565,000, depending on location size, market, leasehold improvement requirements, and specific licensing or franchise arrangement terms. This includes the initial license or franchise fee, build-out costs, equipment, inventory, technology, and working capital reserve. Prospective owners should request current cost information directly from BRCC for the most accurate figures.
Black Rifle Coffee Company has primarily operated through direct-to-consumer sales and company-owned locations, but has been expanding through licensed retail locations and exploring franchise arrangements. The structure may differ from traditional franchise systems. Entrepreneurs interested in opening a BRCC location should contact the company directly to learn about current retail partnership and licensing opportunities available in their market.
Yes. Veterans can access the SBA's Veteran Advantage program, which reduces or eliminates upfront guarantee fees on qualifying SBA loans. This can save thousands of dollars on a franchise startup loan. Additionally, many lenders including Crestmont Capital specifically value military experience as part of the underwriting process, recognizing that veterans bring leadership, discipline, and operational expertise that correlates with business success.
For SBA loans, most lenders require a minimum credit score of 680. Some alternative financing options are available at 650 or slightly below. For conventional term loans and equipment financing, requirements vary by lender. The stronger your credit score, the better your interest rate and loan terms will be. If your score is below 680, working to improve it before applying - by paying down revolving balances and resolving negative items - can make a significant difference in your financing options.
Approval timelines vary by loan type. SBA loans typically take 30-60 days from application to funding due to the government guarantee process. Equipment financing and conventional term loans from alternative lenders like Crestmont Capital can be approved in as little as 24-72 hours, with funding in 1-2 weeks. Having your financial documents organized and ready - tax returns, bank statements, business plan - helps accelerate the process significantly.
Typical documentation required for a franchise loan application includes: 2-3 years of personal and business tax returns, 3-6 months of bank statements, a detailed business plan with financial projections, the franchise or licensing agreement, a copy of your driver's license and Social Security number, a personal financial statement, and (for SBA loans) an SBA borrower information form. Some lenders may also request your resume and a list of assets used as collateral.
Yes. SBA 7(a) loans can be used to cover franchise fees, initial license fees, and nearly all startup costs associated with opening a franchise or licensed location. This includes leasehold improvements, equipment, inventory, working capital, and the initial franchise or license fee. This broad eligibility makes SBA loans one of the most versatile tools for franchise financing.
The U.S. coffee shop industry is a $38+ billion market that has shown consistent growth even through economic downturns, according to industry data from IBISWorld. Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, with the National Coffee Association reporting that 84% of American adults drink coffee. Specialty coffee concepts with strong brand identities - like Black Rifle Coffee Company - have demonstrated particularly resilient performance by appealing to loyal, passionate customer communities rather than competing solely on price.
Prior business ownership is not required, but it helps. Lenders look favorably on relevant industry experience - particularly in food service, retail management, or operations. For veteran applicants, military leadership experience is frequently recognized as highly relevant. If you lack direct industry experience, partnering with a co-owner who has relevant background, or hiring an experienced manager, can strengthen your loan application significantly.
Most coffee shop operators recommend having 3-6 months of projected operating expenses available as working capital when you open. For a Black Rifle Coffee location, this typically means $30,000-$75,000 set aside beyond your build-out and startup costs. This reserve ensures you can cover payroll, rent, and inventory costs during the critical early months before the business reaches consistent profitability. A business line of credit can supplement this reserve for added flexibility.
Yes. Equipment financing is a standalone loan product that uses the equipment itself as collateral, allowing you to finance espresso machines, grinders, brewing systems, and other specialty coffee equipment independently from other startup costs. This approach is often used alongside an SBA loan for the franchise fee and build-out. Separating the equipment financing can sometimes result in better overall terms by optimizing each financing product for its intended purpose.
Specific royalty terms for Black Rifle Coffee licensing and franchise arrangements are disclosed in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) or licensing agreement provided by BRCC. Typical coffee franchise royalties range from 5-8% of gross sales, plus a marketing fund contribution of 1-3%. Prospective owners should review the most current FDD or licensing terms directly with BRCC for accurate, current figures before making any financial commitments.
Black Rifle Coffee Company provides its retail partners with access to its established brand, marketing materials, roast-to-order coffee supply, and operational support. The company's strong social media presence and loyal customer base provide built-in marketing reach that independent coffee shops would need to build from scratch. BRCC also benefits from a national PR footprint and media recognition that drives customer awareness at the brand level.
While grants for specific franchise concepts are rare, veterans have access to a variety of small business grant programs through organizations like the Small Business Administration, the USDA Rural Business Development program, and private foundations. State and local economic development agencies also offer grants and low-interest loan programs specifically for veteran entrepreneurs. These should be explored alongside traditional loan products to reduce your total financing cost.
Crestmont Capital specializes in franchise and small business financing with a track record of helping hundreds of franchise owners across dozens of concepts secure the capital they need. We offer access to multiple loan products under one roof, a streamlined application process, and advisors who understand the specific financial dynamics of franchise investments. For veteran entrepreneurs, we bring specialized knowledge of SBA Veteran Advantage programs and other veteran-specific financing tools. We focus on finding the right loan - not just any loan - for each borrower's situation.
Start Your Black Rifle Coffee Franchise Journey Today
Crestmont Capital is ready to help you secure the funding you need. Apply today and speak with a franchise financing specialist who understands your goals.
Apply Now →The Black Rifle Coffee franchise cost typically ranges from $225,000 to over $565,000 depending on location, size, and specific arrangement terms with BRCC. For entrepreneurs passionate about the brand's veteran-focused mission and premium coffee identity, the investment can represent a compelling business opportunity in a growing market segment. The key is securing the right financing - structured efficiently to minimize out-of-pocket costs while setting your business up for sustainable, long-term success.
Whether you're a veteran exploring BRCC as a natural extension of your values, or an experienced food-service operator looking to expand your portfolio with a high-identity brand, Crestmont Capital has the franchise financing expertise to help you get funded. From SBA 7(a) loans to equipment financing and business lines of credit, we build customized capital solutions for franchise owners nationwide. Apply today and take the first step toward owning your Black Rifle Coffee location.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Funding terms, qualifications, and product availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Crestmont Capital does not guarantee approval, rates, or specific outcomes. For personalized information about your business funding options, contact our team directly.