US-based Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is seeking new franchise owners as it expands its mobile coffee business across the country, with eight Coffee Cruisers currently operating, another eight in production and dozens of additional opportunities in development. The company is targeting entrepreneurs interested in combining business ownership with its mission of creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Founded in 2016 in Wilmington, North Carolina, by Amy and Ben Wright, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee has grown from a single coffee shop into a recognised inclusive-employment brand. Named after two of the couple’s children, who have Down syndrome, the business was established to challenge perceptions of people with disabilities and create opportunities for them to participate in the workforce.
The company’s latest expansion drive centres on its Coffee Cruiser franchise, a fully equipped mobile coffee trailer that allows operators to serve customers at festivals, sporting events, schools, corporate gatherings, private functions and other community venues. The format enables franchisees to take the brand directly to customers without the commitment of running a permanent retail location.
Franchise owners receive a branded trailer, initial training at the company’s headquarters, operational guidance, marketing resources, technology systems and purchasing and distribution support. Operators are responsible for managing their businesses, securing bookings, building local partnerships and developing relationships with event organisers and community groups.
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is also expanding its mobile offering through the Mini Cruiser, introduced in June 2026. The compact format is designed to provide a more accessible entry point for entrepreneurs, with a streamlined menu and an operating model suited to smaller events and locations.
According to the company’s published franchise information, the Mini Cruiser carries a $20,000 initial franchise fee, while the fully built and branded trailer costs $29,000. The estimated total initial investment ranges from $68,250 to $83,450, including other startup expenses. The standard Coffee Cruiser carries an initial franchise fee of $25,000, with additional costs for the trailer and other business requirements.
The company also offers a traditional brick-and-mortar franchise model. Its published estimates place the initial investment for a conventional coffee shop between $456,500 and $845,250, with a $50,000 initial franchise fee. Financing of up to 100% may be available to qualified applicants through the company’s financing partner, subject to lender approval and eligibility requirements.
The mobile formats give prospective franchisees alternatives to the higher capital commitment associated with a permanent coffee shop. They also allow operators to develop revenue opportunities across multiple venues, depending on local demand, event schedules and their ability to establish commercial partnerships.
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee employs more than 500 people with disabilities across its operations, according to the company. Its franchise model extends this employment mission by encouraging business owners to create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their own communities.
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee operates coffee shops across multiple US states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Alabama. Its mobile network allows the business to reach customers beyond its permanent locations, while the latest recruitment drive aims to bring additional franchise partners into the system.
With eight more Coffee Cruisers in production and dozens of opportunities progressing through development, the company is positioning mobile franchising as a key route to nationwide growth. Prospective owners can explore available territories, investment requirements and eligibility through the company’s franchise programme.
