The health food space isn't slowing down anytime soon. And from what we're seeing, investor appetite is only growing stronger going into next year.
If you've been researchingg franchise opportunities that align with the wellness movement, you've likely come across Toastique, a fast-casual café concept that's been turning heads with its gourmet toasts, smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices, and handcrafted coffee.
First franchise or fifth? Doesn't matter. Here's the breakdown on Toastique heading into 2026.
Why Health-Conscious Franchise Concepts Are Dominating 2026
Eating habits look different now. Quick food that actually makes you feel good afterward—that's the bar now. And it's not going back to the way things were.
According to Grand View Research, the global smoothies market at $12.46 billion in 2023. The growth projection? It's 9.3% a year through 2030. Acai bowls hit $846 million in 2023, too. Customers are spending real money on stuff that's fast and nutritious.
What's pushing this?
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More people connecting the dots between what they eat and how they feel day-to-day
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Growing interest in knowing where ingredients actually come from
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The appeal of fast-casual spots that feel a cut above typical quick-service
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Instagram and TikTok are making photogenic food part of the dining decision
Breakfast and brunch concepts fit this moment particularly well. Morning and midday meals bring people back again and again. Someone grabs a latte on Monday, comes back for a smoothie bowl on Wednesday, and brings a friend on Saturday. Those patterns stick around.
Steady traffic like that looks good on paper. For franchise investors, it means more predictable revenue and tighter unit economics.
Toastique fits squarely into this picture. A café focused on fresh, colorful food in a format that works for how people actually live now.
Toastique Franchise Growth: From D.C. Startup to Nationwide Expansion
Brianna Keefe opened the first location in D.C. back in 2018. She'd played Division I athletics and wanted to build something that made eating well feel easy and enjoyable. The concept clicked.
Franchising started in 2020. Since then:
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97 franchise partners have signed on
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226 territories are spoken for across the country
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The 100th location is on the horizon
That kind of traction says something. The brand figured out how to scale without diluting what made it work in the first place. Plenty of fast-casual concepts lose their identity as they expand. Toastique hasn't. At least not yet.
What does that mean if you're evaluating this now? The model has proof behind it. Infrastructure exists. But here's the catch: Toastique is limiting how many franchises they'll award. It's a way of protecting the brand, basically. So the territory that's open today might not be next year.
Learn more about the brand's journey.
Toastique Franchise Cost and Investment Breakdown
Let's get into the money. The 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document lays it out:
Total investment runs between $471,152 and $890,846. That covers your franchise fee, build-out, equipment, initial inventory, signage, training, and launch marketing.
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Franchise fee: $55,000
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Royalties: 6% of gross sales
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Brand fund: up to 2% of gross sales
You'll need at least $300,000 in liquid capital and $650,000 net worth to qualify.
Compare that to a typical restaurant franchise, and Toastique looks lean. Most full-service concepts start at $500K minimum and can run well past $2 million. The smaller footprint and simpler kitchen setup here keep costs down.
Funding Your Toastique Investment
Toastique won't finance your build-out directly. But there are a few routes that work. Figuring this out early saves time later and makes you a stronger candidate when you apply.
SBA Loans
A lot of franchise owners go with SBA loans. The 7(a) program gives you better rates, up to 10 years to pay it back, and a smaller down payment than most bank loans.
Some lenders already know Toastique, which helps move things along. Plan on putting 10–20% down. Lenders also want to see some business or management background.
401(k) Rollovers (ROBS Programs)
Rollover for Business Startups programs allow you to use retirement funds to invest in your franchise without early withdrawal penalties or tax hits. If you've got a solid 401(k) or IRA and don't want to carry a loan, this could be a fit.
It's a bit of a process: setting up a C corp, creating a retirement plan, and moving your funds over. You'll want someone who does this regularly to keep everything IRS-compliant.
Third-Party Franchise Lenders
Several lenders specialize in franchise financing and understand the unit economics of concepts like Toastique. These lenders often offer faster approvals and more flexible terms than traditional banks.
Toastique connects prospective owners with trusted providers who can help structure a financing package tailored to your situation.
Other Options
Some franchise partners use home equity lines of credit, securities-backed loans, or partner with outside investors to fund their build-out. Combining multiple sources is common, especially for multi-unit deals.
Starting conversations with lenders early—even before signing—gives you a realistic picture of what you can afford and positions you to move quickly when the right territory opens up.
Exploree Franchise Investment for a complete breakdown.
What the Numbers Say About Toastique Franchise Profit Potential
Financial performance is where the conversation gets real. Toastique provides transparent earnings data in its Franchise Disclosure Document, giving prospective owners a clear view of what existing locations are generating.
2025 System-Wide Performance (per 2026 FDD):
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Franchise Outlets Open For Two Years Or More Average Gross Sales: $745,577 (Refer to 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document Item 19-table 10)
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Top-performing location: $1,122,669 in gross sales (after two years of operation). (Refer to 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document Item 19- Table 9-11)
What Supports Strong Unit Economics:
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You're not dealing with ovens, fryers, or hood vents
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Locations run about 1,200 to 1,400 square feet—nothing oversized
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Most shifts need just 3 to 5 people
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Money comes in from a few directions—dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering
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All-day menu appeals from morning coffee through afternoon smoothies
The simplicity of the operating model contributes directly to profitability. Lower build-out costs, reduced labor complexity, and efficient kitchen workflows mean more of every dollar flows to the bottom line.
See Franchise Performance Potential for a closer look at the numbers.

Why This Gourmet Toast Franchise Opportunity Stands Out
Health food franchises are not new. Smoothie bars and juice concepts have been around for years. So what makes Toastique different?
A Menu That Defies Category
Toastique isn't just a juice bar or a coffee shop. You've got gourmet toasts, smoothie bowls, juices, wellness shots, collagen lattes, and espresso. Everything's made fresh with ingredients that Toastique actually vets.
The Avocado Smash, Smoked Salmon Toast, and DragonBerry Bowl—these have their own fan bases at this point.
That range gives people a reason to come back more than once. Morning latte, lunch bowl, juice after the gym. Same customer, three visits. That adds up and spreads your revenue across the day.
Operational Simplicity
The kitchen setup is way simpler than most restaurants. Without fryers, ovens, or exhaust hoods, build-outs are faster and more affordable. You run it with fewer people, so scheduling's easier, and payroll stays lower.
Lifestyle-Friendly Hours
Most Toastique locations close by 5 p.m., others at 7 p.m. If you've ever worked restaurant nights, you know what a difference that makes.
Founder-Led Support
Brianna Keefe, named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, remains actively involved in the business alongside COO Kyle Izett. Franchise partners receive hands-on guidance from leadership who understand what it takes to open and operate a successful location.
Territory Protection
Each franchise agreement includes a designated territory with a 2-mile radius around the cafe, but this may vary depending on population density and demographics. This helps protect your investment from direct competition with another Toastique location.
Training and Support: What Franchise Partners Receive
Investing in a franchise means investing in a system. Toastique provides comprehensive training and ongoing support designed to set owners up for success—regardless of prior restaurant experience.
Initial Training Program:
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In-store instruction covering recipes, ordering, inventory management, point-of-sale systems, and employee training
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Hands-on training at the corporate location in Washington, D.C.
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Optional on-site training during the pre-opening and launch phases. This service may include a fee.
Ongoing Support:
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Regular check-ins with the corporate team
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Marketing assistance and social media guidance
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Field support from leadership during site selection, construction, and permitting
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Access to operational best practices and system updates

Is Toastique the Right Fit for Your Investment Goals?
Not every franchise is right for every investor. Toastique looks for partners who share a genuine passion for wellness and community building, not just financial returns.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
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Strong leadership and management skills
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Passion for health, wellness, and quality food
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Community-minded with a desire to create a welcoming space
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Entrepreneurial drive and commitment to the brand's mission
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Ability to lead a small team and deliver excellent guest experiences
Ownership Models:
Toastique supports both owner-operator and semi-absentee ownership structures. Many partners start with a single unit and expand to multiple locations once they've established operational confidence.
Questions to Consider:
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Does the health and wellness positioning resonate with your personal values?
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Is there demand for elevated, health-forward dining in your target market?
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Do you have access to the required capital and financing options?
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Are you prepared to commit to the brand's standards and guest experience?
Take the franchise quiz to see if Toastique aligns with your goals.
Available Territories and Next Steps
Toastique has stated its intention to limit franchise awards to preserve the brand's boutique character. With 220+ territories already claimed, availability is tightening in key markets.
Current growth priorities span coast to coast, with active expansion in urban centers, suburban communities, and high-traffic retail corridors. If you've identified a market you believe would embrace Toastique's concept, now is the time to explore whether that territory remains open.
The Discovery Process:
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Submit an inquiry through the franchise website
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Participate in an initial call to discuss your background and goals
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Review the Franchise Disclosure Document
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Attend Discovery Day in Washington, D.C., to meet the team and tour operating locations
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Finalize your agreement and begin site selection
View current availability on the Available Franchise Territories page.
Ready to Explore This Franchise Opportunity?
Toastique offers a compelling combination: a health-forward concept aligned with long-term consumer trends, a business model built for operational simplicity, and financial performance that stands out in the fast-casual space.
For aspiring franchise owners evaluating opportunities heading into 2026, the fundamentals are strong. The brand is growing, the unit economics are proven, and the support system is designed to help partners succeed.
If you're ready to take the next step, request the Franchise Disclosure Document or schedule a call with the development team. Contact us and discover the full process on how to start your Toastique franchise.
Your community is hungry for something fresh. Toastique might just be the opportunity to nourish it.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Toastique Franchise
How long does it take to open a Toastique location?
Most franchise partners open within 6 to 12 months after signing their agreement. The timeline depends on site selection, lease negotiations, permitting, and build-out. Toastique's compact footprint and simplified kitchen design often speed up construction compared to traditional restaurant concepts.
What does Toastique look for in a location?
Ideal sites include high-traffic retail corridors, mixed-use developments, and neighborhoods with health-conscious demographics. Proximity to gyms, yoga studios, office buildings, and college campuses tends to perform well. The 1,200–1,400 square foot footprint offers flexibility in real estate selection.
How long until a location typically breaks even?
Results vary by market and operator, but the lean staffing model, lower build-out costs, and multiple revenue streams help many locations reach profitability faster than traditional restaurant concepts. Reviewing the FDD with a financial advisor can help you model realistic projections for your target market.
What is the franchise agreement term?
The initial franchise agreement is typically 10 years, with options to renew. Specific terms are outlined in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Can I sell my Toastique franchise later if I decide to exit?
Yes. Toastique allows franchise resales, subject to approval and transfer requirements outlined in your agreement. Building a profitable location creates equity you can potentially sell to another qualified buyer down the road.
