A Biggby Coffee caramel latte is piled high with whipped cream in this stock photo.
Photos provided
A Michigan coffee chain is opening Tuesday in a vacant storefront near Interstate 65 in Franklin.
Biggby Coffee will hold a grand opening on Tuesday at 2120 E. King St, Franklin, next to the Marathon Mini Mart.
The business first opened in East Lansing, Michigan in 1995 and is entirely franchised, meaning individuals own the stores and there are no corporate stores, said Jim Goetz, Indianapolis area developer with Biggby Coffee.
Biggby Coffee currently has over 350 open locations across 11 states. There are currently seven open shops in the Indianapolis area, including shops in Greenwood and Southport. The chain isn’t done growing in Indiana, as three more are expected to open by the end of the year, Goetz said.
Goetz chose Franklin because it is growing, the demographics are right and the location near the interstate is desirable, Goetz said.
“Biggby Coffee itself as a brand succeeds very well in communities that value local involvement and we kind of feel like Franklin is one of those towns,” he said.
Goetz said Biggby Coffee tries to be a positive light in the community.
“Our fundamental philosophy on business is that you get what you give, being a part of the community, (being a part of) the schools,” he said. “I know that I’ve kind of reached out to the local chamber and being a member of that.”
The chain is working toward 100% farm-direct coffee supply. The goal is to make sure their coffee beans are ethically sourced, he said.
“A lot of people don’t think about all the people that go behind that bean when they drink coffee … we’re getting with suppliers that again are positive lights within their community,” he said.
That commitment is shown through the drink called “Living Hope,” which is named after an orphanage in Zambia that is supported by a coffee plantation that provides beans to Biggby, Goetz said.
Living Hope International houses both an orphanage and a coffee farm, and “the orphanage cares for vulnerable children, providing essentials and education. The 47-acre farm also comprises dorms, a dining hall, a recreation area and a school set to open in 2024,” according to Biggby’s website.
Coffee sales from the Living Hope Coffee farm “provide love, life, education and opportunity to children who have little hope,” according to Living Hope International.
A good portion of the chain’s main coffee called “Biggby Best” is from a Nicaragua farm that mentors local farmers and provides schools for workers so their children can still learn and be educated, Goetz said.
Biggby offers lattes, coffee, smoothies, hot chocolate, teas, energy drinks with or without caffeine and grab-to-go food. They offer options that are hot, iced and frozen, dairy-free and reduced calorie. There is a drive-through and dining area, and customers will eventually be able to order from DoorDash and on the company’s app.
The menu is similar to competitors — of which there are many in Franklin — however Biggby is differentiated by taste and corporate culture, Goetz said.
“Product wise, we are similar to other coffee shops. I mean, I do believe our stuff tastes better, but who we are as a company is (we’re) really trying to be a conscious corporation locally but also throughout our whole structure as well,” Goetz said.
The coffee shop will be open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. There are several specials planned this week to celebrate the grand opening week, including $2.99 coffees on opening day.
“(I) really can’t wait to be open and to serve Franklin and I look forward to serving the community,” Goetz said.
GRAND OPENING WEEK SPECIALS
Tuesday: Hot or iced 20 oz. drinks are $2.99 with upgrades available
Wednesday: Free Biggby Mug with the purchase of any specialty drink while supplies last, limit one per order
Thursday: 50% off all sandwiches
Friday: Free shot of espresso with every drink purchased
