Summer Moon Coffee Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$616,150 - $1,041,500
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Min Cash Required
$40,000
Total US Locations
36
Business Summary
Summer Moon Coffee Shop operates retail stores offering specialty coffees, teas, merchandise, baked goods, whole bean coffee, and other related food products, beverages, and desserts under the trade name SUMMER MOON. These shops are typically located in retail strip malls, in-line shopping centers, or non-traditional locations in high-traffic urban and suburban areas.
Corporate History
Summer Moon Franchising LLC was incorporated in Texas in March 2020 and began offering franchises in May 2020. The brand's heritage dates back to November 2004 when Dustin Karnes formed SUMMER MOON Coffee Roasters as a sole proprietorship. In January 2013, the assets of SUMMER MOON Coffee Roasters were merged into Coffee Unplugged, LLC, which then started offering licenses for an earlier version of Summer Moon Coffee Shops in May 2015. While Summer Moon Franchising LLC itself does not own or operate any shops, its affiliates operate 10 company-affiliated Summer Moon Coffee Shops.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$616,150 - $1,041,500
Franchise Fee (Low)
$25,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$25,000
Minimum Cash Required
$40,000
Royalty %
6%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$302,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$635,000
Working Capital
$45,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The franchisor, Summer Moon Franchising LLC, has disclosed a special risk regarding its financial condition. The franchisor states that its financial condition, as shown in its financial statements, raises questions about its financial ability to provide services and support to franchisees.
Financing Details
Summer Moon Franchising LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. Summer Moon Franchising LLC also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other financial obligations for franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
36
Franchised Units
26
Corporate Units
10
Avg Square Footage
2,000
Franchising Since
2020
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Summer Moon Coffee Shop has no litigation to report.
Bankruptcy History
Summer Moon Coffee Shop has no bankruptcy history to report.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, Summer Moon Coffee Shop franchisees must not be in default of their agreements. They must also provide proper notice, pay a successor fee, upgrade their Summer Moon Coffee Shop to meet current brand standards, sign the then-current form of franchise agreement (which may have different terms), sign a general release of claims, and attend any required training.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Summer Moon Franchising LLC provides extensive support to its franchisees. Before opening, Summer Moon Franchising LLC furnishes standards for leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and signage, and lists of approved food and beverage products and suppliers. The franchisor or its affiliates are the sole source for certain proprietary items like coffee, Moon Juice, and Nitro, which they sell to franchisees. Summer Moon Franchising LLC offers initial training for up to three people (Controlling Principal, General Manager, and one other approved trainee) for the first coffee shop, covered by the Initial Training and Grand Opening Support Fee. Summer Moon Franchising LLC also loans a Brand Standards Manual and provides on-site pre-opening and opening support from its operations representatives for at least five days. After opening, Summer Moon Franchising LLC continues to provide operational guidance, maintains the Summer Moon Operating System (if applicable), and advises on publicity and promotions. Franchisees have access to Summer Moon Franchising LLC staff for consultation via phone or email during business hours. The franchisor conducts periodic quality, service, and cleanliness reviews and provides updates to the Brand Standards Manual. Franchisees are invited to mandatory conventions and seminars. Summer Moon Franchising LLC also sells or facilitates the sale of approved and proprietary food and beverage products and provides promotional and digital marketing materials.
Initial Training Hours
104
Training Location
Driftwood, TX, and Austin, TX metropolitan area
Ongoing Support
After opening, Summer Moon Franchising LLC provides ongoing support to its franchisees through various channels. Summer Moon Franchising LLC maintains the Summer Moon Operating System (if applicable) and offers advice on planning publicity and promotions, including print and display advertising. Its staff is available for consultation via telephone, fax, email, or other electronic communication during regular business hours. Summer Moon Franchising LLC may also conduct periodic on-site quality, service, and cleanliness reviews and consult with franchisees on brand standards compliance, although it does not provide routine field supervision. Franchisees receive additions and supplements to the Brand Standards Manual and are invited to mandatory conventions and seminars at their own expense. Summer Moon Franchising LLC also sells or facilitates the sale of approved and proprietary food and beverage products and provides promotional and digital marketing materials.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Summer Moon Franchising LLC typically seeks newly formed entities or individuals who wish to own and operate a franchised coffee shop. Ideal candidates usually have some prior experience in the restaurant or food service business sector.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
Hands-On
Territory Type
Limited
Territory Size Requirements
Summer Moon Coffee Shop territories are defined as a radius of approximately 3 miles around the approved location, measured by metes and bounds. However, these territories exclude any areas where Summer Moon Franchising LLC has existing contractual commitments and may be adjusted to be slightly larger or smaller based on the population surrounding the Summer Moon Coffee Shop.
Staffing Notes
Summer Moon Coffee Shops require a Controlling Principal, who must be approved by Summer Moon Franchising LLC, to supervise and manage all business aspects. For a new Summer Moon Coffee Shop, franchisees can also have a full-time General Manager; the Controlling Principal and General Manager may be the same person. The Controlling Principal, General Manager (if applicable), and one other approved person (the Training Team) must complete mandatory initial training. If a Controlling Principal or General Manager leaves, a qualified replacement must be appointed within 30 days. Summer Moon Coffee Shop franchisees are fully responsible for all employment matters, including hiring, firing, wages, and working conditions, as Summer Moon Franchising LLC does not act as a joint employer. All employees must receive training, supervision, adhere to grooming and dress codes, and wear logoed items. Managerial staff, including the Controlling Principal and General Manager, must sign confidentiality and non-compete agreements. Developers expanding to three or more Summer Moon Coffee Shops may be required to employ a multi-unit supervisor.