That rich, aromatic smell of roasting coffee beans, the warm, inviting atmosphere, the familiar logo- it’s more than just a coffee shop; it’s a global experience. For many aspiring entrepreneurs, the dream of business ownership is perfectly blended with the vision of running a beloved brand like Costa Coffee.
But let's move beyond the dream and into the reality. Getting a Costa Coffee franchise isn't as simple. It's a serious, high-stakes business venture that requires significant capital, proven experience, and a deep alignment with the brand's values.
Costa Coffee, now backed by the deep pockets of Coca-Cola, is incredibly picky about who they partner with. They're not just selling a name; they're entrusting you with a 50-year-old brand reputation.
They typically work in two ways:
The Classic Franchise: This is the model you're probably imagining. You own and run the shop, following their every rule, in exchange for using their brand.
Licensed Deals: For places like airports or universities, they often partner with the big company already running that space. For most of us, we're focusing on the first one.
This guide is your essential first step. We're going to break down the entire process, from the sobering financial investment to the step-by-step journey of how you can actually make it happen.
Also read: Chaayos franchise: Cost, benefits and requirements

The Investment Breakdown

Costa doesn't publish a pretty price list on their website, and for good reason- it's a massive, variable investment. The numbers I'm sharing are based on industry insiders and franchisees, so treat them as very well-informed estimates.

The Initial "Just to Get Open" Costs:

The Franchise Fee

It's a one-time payment to Costa for the right to use their name and systems. It's non-refundable, so you better be sure.

Store Build-Out

This is the massive cost and it varies wildly. Are you building in a shiny new mall or converting an old bookshop on a street corner? You're looking at ₹1.6 crores on the very low end to well over ₹4.5 crores. This covers everything from architects and construction to those specific lights and comfy chairs that scream "Costa”.

Equipment

You can't serve Costa coffee without their standard gear. Those high-end espresso machines, grinders, fridges, and ovens? Budget another ₹83 lakhs to ₹1.45 crores. This stuff isn't cheap, but it's what ensures every cup tastes the same in London or Dubai.

The Opening Stock

You need to fill the place up. Your first order of coffee beans, syrups, milk, cups, lids, and pastries will likely set you back ₹12.4 Lakhs to ₹20.7 Lakhs.

The Ongoing Fees

The costs don't stop once you're open. This is how Costa makes its money long-term.
Royalty Fees: This is a chunk of your sales, usually around 5-7%, paid every month. Think of it as rent for using the business model.
Marketing Fee: Another 2-4% of your sales that goes into a national marketing pot to fund those TV ads and promotions.
Misc. Fees: There will be annual fees for software updates, training platforms, and other admin.

Working Capital

This is the most important number that new entrepreneurs forget. You need a safety net. You must have enough cash in the bank to run the place for 3 to 6 months without making a profit. That means covering rent, salaries, and utilities even if you only have two customers a day. Do not, I repeat, do not skip this.
Estimated Working Capital: INR 1 crore+.
To even get Costa to look at you, you generally need a personal net worth of over ₹8.3 Crores, with at least ₹2.49 to ₹4.15 Crores of that in liquid cash (money you can actually touch, not just tied up in your house).

Also read: Chai Sutta Bar franchise: Cost and how to get

Requirements:

You might have the money, but are you the right person? Costa is looking for a specific profile.
You're a Seasoned Operator, Not a Newbie: They don't want to teach you Business 101. A track record of running multiple food, retail, or franchise locations is almost mandatory. This is for people who already know how to read a P&L statement and lead a team.
Hands-On Operator: This isn't a passive investment. They expect you to be the hands-on boss, the face of the brand in your community.
Cultural Fit: You have to genuinely embody the warm, community-focused spirit of Costa. You're not just selling coffee; you're selling an experience.
Multi-Unit Experience: A strong, demonstrated track record of successfully running multiple units in the QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) or retail sector is highly preferred. Experience with other food franchises is a massive advantage.
Financial Strength: This is non-negotiable. You must prove your financial health through bank statements and net worth verification. They need to see that you can not only afford the initial investment but also withstand the early, potentially unprofitable months.

Your Roadmap: How to Get a Costa Coffee Franchise (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Intense Self-Evaluation

This is the most important step. Be brutally honest with yourself.

• Do you meet the financial thresholds?
• Do you have the required business experience on your CV?
• Are you prepared to dedicate the next decade of your life to this?
• Research your target market thoroughly. Is there a viable location?

Step 2: The Initial Inquiry

Go to the official Costa Coffee franchising website (e.g., costacoffee.franchise or their regional site). There will be an inquiry form. Fill it out professionally. This is your first impression.

Step 3: The Formal Application & Disclosure

• If you pass the initial screen, you'll be invited to complete a detailed formal application. You'll need to provide your financial statements, business history, and a personal resume.
• If they are seriously considering you, they will provide a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). This is a critical legal document. Hire a franchise lawyer to review every page. It contains vital information about fees, litigation history, and all your obligations.

Step 4: The Interview Process (The "Discovery Day")

• You'll have multiple interviews with the franchise development team. They are assessing your personality, business philosophy, and commitment. This is also your chance to interview them. Ask tough questions about support, marketing strategies, and what they look for in a partner.
• You'll be invited to meet the franchise team. It's a two-way interview. They're seeing if you're a good fit, and you're seeing if you actually want to work with them. Come with smart questions.

Step 5: Signing the Agreement & Site Selection

Once you pass the interviews and agree to the terms, you sign the franchise agreement. Then, the hunt for the perfect location begins. You'll work with Costa's real estate team to find, approve, and secure a site that meets their strict criteria for traffic, visibility, and demographics.
You've made it! You sign the franchise agreement. Now the real work begins.

Step 6: Training & Certification

You and your managers will go through intense training at a Costa College or a designated training store. You'll learn everything from coffee craft and customer service to inventory management and digital systems.

Step 7: Build-Out, Hiring, and Grand Opening

You'll manage the construction, hire your team, and finally, after all this, you'll have your grand opening. It's a long process, often taking 9 to 18 months from start to finish.
Also read: Top 10 Cafe Franchise To Consider in India

The Final Reality Check

A Costa Coffee franchise is a path for established, financially secure, and experienced business operators. It's not a side hustle or a first business. It's a commitment to operate at the highest level of the retail food industry. You're opening a business with one of the most recognised coffee brands in the world. The systems are tried and tested. If you're the rare person with the capital, the experience, and the grit, then this business is perfect for you. It can be an incredibly rewarding and profitable journey. But if you're just a coffee lover with a dream, this might not be the path. Maybe start with a local coffee cart, learn the ropes, and build from there.
You might also like: 7 Best Tea Franchise Opportunities in India