PJ's Coffee vs The Human Bean: franchise cost side by side
PJ's Coffee is the cheaper of the two to open, from $522,500; The Human Bean starts at $672,000.
Every figure comes from the brand's FDD, the disclosure file it must hand you before you sign.
PJ's Coffee is the cheaper to open, from $522,500.
The Human Bean starts at $672,000, the lowest cost to open given in each FDD.
| From each FDD |  PJ's Coffee |  The Human Bean |
|---|
| Total cost to open | $522,500 to $899,000 | $672,000 to $1,532,000 |
|---|
| Upfront fee | $15,000 to $40,000 | $35,000 |
|---|
| Royalty (ongoing fee) | 5% of net sales | none (the franchisor earns from the coffee and supplies it sells you) |
|---|
| Marketing fund | 2% of net sales | 1% of adjusted gross sales |
|---|
| Published sales | $603,785 a year (average of 122 locations, 2025) | $813,587 a year (average of 155 locations, 2025) |
|---|
| Outlets | 167 franchised, 13 company | 176 franchised, 12 company |
|---|
| Year filed | 2026 | 2026 |
|---|
Not sure which brands to pick? Get help choosing or browse the full table.
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Read the full figures on the PJ's Coffee franchise page and the The Human Bean franchise page, or read how to compare franchise costs.
Every brand's fee, royalty and Item 7 range is also in one table you can download: the franchise fee comparison.
