About Us
Our Story
BIGGBY® COFFEE started with a single coffee shop in East Lansing, Michigan, in 1995 on a belief that a great cup of coffee can do more than make someone’s day, it can bring people together.
Today, BIGGBY® has grown to more than 470 locations across 13 states, while remaining 100% franchise-owned. Every BIGGBY® coffee shop is independtly owned and operated by franchisees who are building businesses, creating opportunities, and becoming part of the communities they serve.
That people-first mindset has shaped BIGGBY® from the beginning. We believe business can be a force for good—for our franchise owners and their teams, for the guests who walk through our doors, and for the coffee-producing communities that make what we do possible.
As BIGGBY® continues to grow, we're committed to growing the right way: supporting local ownership, investing in strong franchise partnerships, sourcing coffee through relationships that prioritize people and the planet, and creating experiences that make life a little better.
Because at the end of the day, that's what we're here to do.
BIGGBY® Makes It Better.
Our Purpose & Vision
Purpose
BIGGBY® COFFEE exists to build communities where people feel connected, valued, uplifted, and inspired.
Whether you’re grabbing your morning latte or starting your journey as a franchise owner, our goal is to make sure you leave every interaction feeling better than when you arrived.
Vision
To create a world where people are energized by purpose, connected by community, and uplifted through everyday interactions.
That’s the heart of everything we do—fostering real relationships, encouraging kindness, and creating spaces where people feel like they belong.
Our Founders
It All Began With a Handshake
In 1997, BIGGBY® COFFEE co-founder Bob Fish invited Michael McFall, then a barista hired by Mary Rozel, Bob's partner at the time, to take a walk around Michigan State University’s campus. The conversation was supposed to be about Mike becoming a manager. Instead, it ended with a handshake and a decision to become business partners.
That walk helped shape what BIGGBY® would become.
Today, Bob and Mike—often known as “BaM”—remain Co-Owners of BIGGBY® COFFEE. The values at the heart of their original partnership, trust, opportunity, shared success, and a belief in people, continue to influence how BIGGBY® grows.
What started with one conversation and a handshake has grown into a community of local entrepreneurs building businesses of their own.
Bob put himself through college at Michigan State University, working at a local pancake house. After graduation he had an idea to open a cafe that served great coffee and gave customers a sense of belonging. A year later, after seeing how popular his business had become, Bob started thinking about franchising his concept.
Fast forward 30 years, and Bob has seen hundreds of BIGGBY® stores opened, and many entrepreneurs become successful using the BIGGBY® franchise system he started.
In 2018 Bob and his wife Michelle launched a new venture; One BIGG Island in Space (or OBIIS for short). The idea was to use the purchasing power of BIGGBY® to improve how coffee is bought and sold. They now travel over 200 days a year to places like Africa and South America to create direct, personal relationships with coffee producers.
Mike made an astonishing journey from barista to Co-Owner and Co-CEO of BIGGBY®, and has a unique, personal perspective on the company; having led BIGGBY® from start-up to substantial growth.
Today, Mike spends a lot of his time visiting our stores and talking to our employees and owners about why they love BIGGBY®. Sometimes he’ll even work behind the counter to stay connected to the experience.
Mike likes to share what he has learned about running a business, and has published two books: Grind and Grow, about the spirit and ethos of being a successful entrepreneur. He also serves as a member and contributor to the Forbes Business Council and teaches entrepreneurialism at The University of Michigan Center of Entrepreneurship.
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Interested in owning a BIGGBY® COFFEE?
Submit an inquiry today!