Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

Information based on 2024 FDD

Food & Beverage · Coffee & Tea

Investment min
$514K
Total: $514K–$981K
Avg gross revenue
$702K
Unit-level, 2024
Franchise fee
$30K–$40K
Per current disclosure
Royalty
5%
of gross revenue
Locations
31
Franchising since 1998

Description

What is Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii?

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii brings the spirit of Aloha and premium Hawaiian coffee culture to the mainland United States. Founded in 1989, this unique franchise pays homage to the hardworking Hawaiian coffee farmers and their donkeys (the original 'Bad Ass' ones) who carried coffee beans down steep mountain trails.

The brand stands out in the competitive coffee market by offering an authentic Hawaiian coffee experience, featuring 100% Kona coffee and other Hawaiian-blend options. Their innovative approach includes signature details like coffee ice cubes in cold drinks to prevent dilution, and their beverages are served in an inviting, island-inspired atmosphere that transports customers to the beaches of Hawaii.

Beyond their exceptional coffee offerings, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii provides a comprehensive menu including breakfast sandwiches served on Hawaiian sweet rolls, specialty frozen drinks, teas, and locally-inspired treats like malasada donuts. Their locations are designed to be community gathering spaces, featuring comfortable seating areas, warm hospitality, and a laid-back Hawaiian vibe.

What truly sets this franchise apart is their commitment to quality and customer experience. Their stores maintain strict freshness standards, replacing brewed coffee every two hours, and their staff is known for providing friendly, knowledgeable service. The brand has cultivated a loyal following through their unique combination of premium Hawaiian coffee, island-inspired food offerings, and authentic tropical atmosphere, making it a distinctive option in the specialty coffee segment.
  • Authentic Hawaiian coffee heritage since 1989
  • Premium 100% Kona coffee offerings
  • Unique tropical coffeehouse atmosphere
  • Above-average revenue performance metrics
  • Differentiated positioning in crowded market
  • Specialty roast expertise and authenticity

Location Analysis

Where Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii wins

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii maintains a strategic presence across multiple states, showing particular strength in coastal and tourism-heavy markets. The franchise has notable concentrations in Florida and California, with established presence in Colorado, Alabama, and Arizona. This distribution suggests successful adaptation to both beach/tourism markets and urban centers.

The brand's strong average rating across thousands of customer reviews indicates excellent operational execution and customer satisfaction, particularly evident in premium locations like Naples, Florida. This performance suggests the concept resonates strongly in high-traffic, affluent areas with strong tourism elements.

The current geographic footprint reveals significant expansion opportunities, particularly in the untapped Northeast and Upper Midwest markets. Successful locations typically share characteristics including proximity to business districts, tourist attractions, or high-income residential areas with strong coffee culture appreciation.

Ideal locations should target areas with median household incomes above $75,000, strong morning commuter traffic, and a mix of residential and commercial zones. The brand's Hawaiian theme performs particularly well in markets where consumers value premium coffee experiences and unique brand storytelling, suggesting strong potential in upscale suburban and urban locations with established coffee consumption habits.
Total US locations
33
Franchise units
31
Corporate locations
2
Avg. sq. footage
N/A

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Financial Analysis

The numbers behind Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

Avg gross revenue$702,376
Investment range$514,200 – $980,500
Investment midpoint$747,350
Brand fund2%
Royalty5%
Franchise fee$30,000–$40,000
Min. net worth
Min. liquid capital
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii requires a $514,200-$980,500 investment, positioning it as a premium coffee franchise opportunity significantly above sub-sector averages of $296,954-$610,306. This elevated investment reflects the brand's Hawaiian specialty positioning and premium market approach within the competitive coffee segment.

The reported gross revenue of $702,376 substantially exceeds the sub-sector average of $307,288, indicating stronger unit-level performance that may justify the higher capital requirements. However, with only 33 units since 1989, the system demonstrates limited scale compared to major coffee chains, suggesting a boutique franchise model focused on quality over rapid expansion.

The coffee industry benefits from consistent consumer demand and growing specialty coffee appreciation, though market saturation in many areas creates competitive challenges. Bad Ass Coffee's Hawaiian theme and specialty roasts, including 100% Kona offerings, provide differentiation in crowded markets but may limit broad demographic appeal.

Prospective investors should possess substantial liquid capital given the premium investment level and consider markets with demographics appreciating specialty coffee experiences. The limited unit count raises questions about franchisor infrastructure and support systems compared to larger coffee franchises, though it may offer greater territory availability.

Ideal candidates likely include experienced restaurant operators or high-net-worth individuals seeking lifestyle businesses in tourism-adjacent or affluent markets. The Hawaiian positioning suggests strong performance potential in coastal or vacation-oriented locations where the brand's tropical theme resonates with target demographics.
Did you know? Bringing the laid-back Hawaiian coffee culture to your community through a Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii franchise requires a total investment between $514,200 and $980,500, which covers everything from your franchise fee and premium coffee equipment to tropical-themed build-out costs and working capital needed to serve up that authentic island coffee experience.

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$514K–$981K
Most common
$514,200
Minimum
$747,350
Midpoint
$980,500
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $514,200 to $980,500. The midpoint $747,350 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

FDD Item 19

Average gross sales

$800K$640K$480K$320K$160KN/A
$721K
$717K
$702K
2022
2023
2024
Avg
$713K
YOY change (2023 -> 2024)
-2%

According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii has an average gross revenue of $702K. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)

Growth over time

Franchise footprint

+27% YoY
4032241680
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
33 units open as of 2024 FDD+7 in last 12 mo

2024 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii's 2024 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2024 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii franchise typically ranges between $514,200.00 and $980,500.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii
$702K avg revenue · 31+ US franchises

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