The Coffee Franchise Blends Hospitality, Drive-Thru Speed and Innovation
When Brandon and Camrin Knudsen (above) started Ziggi’s coffee shop in Longmont, Colo., in 2004, their goal was not just to serve the best cup of joe in the Rockies, but to be known as a space where customers felt welcomed as regulars every time they walked in the door.
“From day one, our goal was to create warmth and consistency in every guest interaction,” says Brandon. “Community is the heartbeat of our brand.”
Today, that culture of hospitality is a hallmark of Ziggi’s Coffee, a nationally recognized franchise that boasts more than 100 drive-thru and coffeehouse locations that offer not only coffee, but specialty drinks, dirty sodas, breakfast sandwiches and pastries among other menu items.
Brewing Up Success
Whether customers stop into a Ziggi’s in Henderson, Colo., or drive-thru in Savannah, Ga., they instantly feel at home, and that’s because community involvement is a foundational pillar of the Ziggi’s brand and franchise model. “It’s not just encouraged — it’s expected as part of what makes a Ziggi’s location feel local and authentic,” says Justin Livingston (below with family), vice president of franchise development. “All of our franchisees embrace their roles as local ambassadors of the Ziggi’s brand.”
Even in the drive-thru — Ziggi’s was voted best drive-thru coffee in the country by USA Today — customers get a personal experience. “We train our teams to create friendly, memorable moments of connection, even when service is on the go.”
It’s a formula for success: The dedication to quality of product, community involvement and innovation landed Ziggi’s on Restaurant Business’s 2024 Future 50 list.
“Franchisees are never left to figure it out alone.” – Justin Livingston
Community, Grit and Passion
The ideal Ziggi’s Coffee franchise owner is someone looking beyond just owning a business, says Livingston. “We’re looking for people who are present in their communities and who are looking to build a brand and help it grow for years to come.”
“Community, grit and passion: These values are the foundation of our brand,” he adds.
Back in 2004, the Knudsens juggled their fledgling business with a new baby, new home and Brandon working extra shifts at an ice cream company to help pay the bills. So Ziggi’s corporate team understands that providing support to today’s franchisees is paramount. “Franchisees are never left to figure it out alone,” Livingston says.
Before opening day, owners go through Ziggi’s University to understand company standards, expectations and the customer-first philosophy. To stay on track, a proprietary checklist app helps franchisees stay organized with every step leading up to their store openings. Once the doors are open and the coffee is brewing, the Ziggi’s team provides ongoing support throughout every phase of the store ownership journey.
“We value our franchisees; they’re not just operators,” Brandon says. “We’re all committed to their long-term success.”
Because of the operational structure and the efficiencies with Ziggi’s drive-thru format, many franchisees have been able to expand with multi-unit ownership.
Staying on Track
With new markets opening every day, how does Ziggi’s Coffee ensure its culture is embedded across franchises in far-flung locations? It starts with setting expectations at the corporate level, says Brandon, and then it’s about leadership and franchise owners working together toward a common goal and values. “It shows in how we support our franchisees and how they show up for their teams and communities,” says Livingston.
That means acting on feedback from local units on everything from trends to customer demand. Menu and product innovation have evolved based on franchisee feedback. Brandon notes that input has helped shape seasonal drink development and ongoing product strategy. “Their feedback doesn’t just influence small tweaks — it drives larger strategic shifts and reinforces our commitment to collaboration and shared success,” Brandon says.
Livingston says it’s also important to provide weekly operational updates for stores on product launches, training and new initiatives, along with monthly franchise calls to foster community and alignment, and bi-annual conferences that recognize successes.
“At the core, we’re united by a shared commitment to quality, community and guest experience,” Brandon says. “That alignment fuels long-term success on both sides.”
Learn more about the Ziggi’s Coffee franchise.
