5 Best Drive-Thru Franchises with High Demand

Outside view of a Scooter's Coffee kiosk on a cloudy day with cars in the drive thru and the american flag in the background

Interested in a business model that’s not just thriving, but accelerating at full throttle? Then it’s time to take a closer look at drive-thru franchises. Among the titans in this industry, Scooter’s Coffee® stands out, offering not just a product, but an experience that keeps customers coming back for more. Let’s explore why Scooter’s and other drive-thru coffee businesses are dominating the market and why you should consider joining the drive-thru revolution.

The Drive-Thru Giants

When it comes to the best drive-thru franchises in the U.S., a few names consistently rev their engines ahead of the pack. According to Entrepreneur.com, below are the financial requirements for each franchise.

  1. Dunkin’: Dunkin’ has a loyal customer base and a strong presence in the drive-thru market. Investors may be attracted to its established brand and menu diversity. Expect to prove a minimum net worth of $500,000 and at least $250,000 in liquidity for each store. Startup costs range from about $439,000 to about $1.8 million.
  2. Jack in the Box: Jack in the Box offers a large and distinctive 24/7 menu with five dayparts to customers. If you want to invest, you’ll need a minimum net worth of $1.5 million and at least $500,000 in liquidity. Startup costs range from around $1.2 million to $4.5 million.
  3. Taco Bell: This franchise operates over 8,000 drive-thru locations in the U.S. This makes Taco Bell the largest Mexican QSR concept in the world when it comes to their total number of restaurants. You’ll need a net worth of $5 million and at least $2 million in cash. The initial investment ranges from about $576,000 to $3.4 million.
  4. McDonald’s: With its extensive drive-thru network and recognizable brand, McDonald’s is a dominant force in the fast-food industry. However, the cost to own a McDonald’s franchise is steep. McDonald’s generally requires a minimum of $500,000 in liquid assets. The initial investment ranges from about $1 million to $2.2 million.
  5. Scooter’s Coffee. Scooter’s Coffee isn’t just another coffee chain — it’s a lifestyle. Our brand’s mission is to showcase amazing people, amazing drinks, amazingly fast! And just for comparison, our startup costs range from $894,500 to $1,393,000. You need a $500,000 net worth and a liquidity of $250,000.

Don’t overlook Scooter’s Coffee on the drive-thru coffee franchise scene. With a commitment to quality, community, and customer service, Scooter’s Coffee has quickly become a beloved fixture in neighborhoods across the country. But what sets it apart from the competition?

  • Quality products: At the heart of Scooter’s Coffee’s success is our unwavering dedication to quality. From signature espresso drinks to decadent pastries, every item on the Scooter’s Coffee menu is crafted with care using only the finest ingredients. When customers pull up to a Scooter’s Coffee drive-thru, they know they’re getting a delicious, satisfying experience every time, always delivered with a smile.
  • Drive-thru convenience: In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king. Scooter’s Coffee understands this better than most, offering a seamless drive-thru experience that allows customers to get their caffeine fix without ever leaving the comfort of their car. With quick service and friendly staff, Scooter’s Coffee makes it easy for customers to fuel up on the go.
  • Community engagement: Beyond just serving great coffee, Scooter’s Coffee is deeply invested in the communities we serve. Whether it’s hosting fundraising events, supporting local schools, or sponsoring charitable initiatives, Scooter’s Coffee goes above and beyond to make a positive impact. This commitment to community building fosters customer loyalty and sets Scooter’s Coffee apart as a brand with heart.

Jump on the Drive-Thru Bandwagon with Scooter’s Coffee

Now that we’ve covered why drive-thru franchises are dominating the market, let’s talk about why you should consider opening one yourself with Scooter’s Coffee.

  • Proven success: Drive-thru businesses have a track record of success that’s hard to ignore. With established business models, built-in demand, and widespread brand recognition, these franchises offer a solid foundation for aspiring entrepreneurs. By joining forces with a trusted brand like Scooter’s, you can tap into this success and hit the ground running.
  • Low overhead costs: One of the biggest advantages of drive-thru franchises is their relatively low overhead costs compared to traditional brick-and-mortar businesses. With no need for expensive dining areas or extensive interior decoration, drive-thru establishments can operate efficiently with a smaller footprint. This translates to lower startup costs and higher potential profits for franchisees.
  • Flexible business model: Whether you’re looking to run a single drive-thru or multiple locations, drive-thru franchises offer flexibility to suit your business goals. With options for various sizes and formats, you can customize your franchise to fit your vision and scale as your business grows. Plus, with the rise of mobile ordering and delivery services, there are even more opportunities to expand your reach and maximize profits.

When you choose to invest in a Scooter’s Coffee franchise, you’re not just opening a coffee shop; you’re becoming part of a community that values integrity, courage, love, and humility. At Scooter’s Coffee, we offer a robust menu that caters to all tastes — from our signature Caramelicious® to our energizing Red Bull® Infusions — and a comprehensive supply chain network that simplifies operations for our franchisees. By focusing on small to mid-sized markets, you have the unique opportunity to foster strong local connections and drive growth with the support of a nationally recognized brand. Join us, and turn your entrepreneurial spirit into a thriving business that stands out in the coffee industry.

To learn more about your opportunities with Scooter’s Coffee, request franchise information.