illy franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The illy franchise fee is $30,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $390,600 to $1,993,720, with about $160,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the illy FDD.
What are the illy franchise fees and investment?
The illy franchise requires a franchise fee of $30,000 and a total initial investment of $390,600 to $1,993,720. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $30,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $390,600 to $1,993,720 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $160,000 |
| US locations | 17 |
| Industry | Food & Restaurant (Coffee, Tea, & Drinks) |
| Headquarters | Rye Brook, New York |
| Founded | 1933 |
| Franchising since | 2008 |
How does the illy investment compare with other food & restaurant franchises?
illy's minimum investment of $390,600 is above the median minimum investment of $297,082 across the 1213 food & restaurant franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 461 of the other 1211 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $30,000 compares with an industry median of $35,000.
By minimum investment, illy belongs with franchises from $250,000 to $500,000.
What should you verify in the illy FDD?
Verify six parts of the illy Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether illy discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to illy?
These food & restaurant franchises have the closest minimum investment to illy:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Pho Hoa | $30,000 | $391,100 to $759,180 |
| Pretzelmaker | $25,000 | $391,500 to $573,000 |
| Tommy Pastrami New York Delicatessen | $25,000 | $391,500 to $652,000 |
| BHC Chicken | $40,000 | $391,838 to $805,188 |
| Rascal House | $30,000 | $389,300 to $695,100 |
See every brand in food & restaurant franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a illy franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a illy franchise ranges from $390,600 to $1,993,720, including a franchise fee of $30,000, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a illy franchise?
illy lists a minimum of about $160,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many illy locations are there?
illy reported 17 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has illy been franchising?
illy started offering franchises in 2008 after the company was founded in 1933.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. illy and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by illy. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.