A coffee, a muffin, and a +398.5% increase in popularity in just one year. Columbus Café is off to a pretty good start in 2026.

With its famous bear and indulgent universe, the French brand continues to grow and has ambitious plans for the years ahead.

But what is really driving Columbus Café’s momentum in 2026?

How many Columbus Café locations are there in 2026?

Columbus Café has 280 locations worldwide, including 253 in France. France therefore accounts for more than 90% of the brand’s locations.

The other locations are spread internationally, particularly across Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Poland, Morocco, and the French overseas territories (Réunion, Tahiti).

What are the key features of a Columbus Café coffee shop?

Can you picture a Columbus Café at your location? The brand outlines several specific criteria for opening a new coffee shop:

• An ideal total surface area of 100 m²
• A terrace in addition to the indoor space
• No extraction system required
• A location in a high-footfall area
• An investment starting from €250,000, excluding leasehold rights and any major structural work

These criteria provide a clearer picture of what a Columbus Café coffee shop looks like.

Where should a Columbus Café be located?

Columbus Café prioritizes high-footfall locations. The brand highlights several types of locations for its coffee shops:

• City centers;
• Shopping centers;
• Train stations;
• Shop-in-shop locations.

The brand also states that most of its locations are currently found in city centers and shopping centers.

Columbus Café also adapts to other high-traffic locations, with coffee shops in airports, motorway service areas, as well as within companies and healthcare facilities.

This variety of locations allows the brand to be present in many places people visit as part of their everyday lives.

Columbus Café vs. Starbucks?

On one side, Starbucks, the American brand founded in Seattle in 1971. On the other, Columbus Café, the French coffee shop brand founded in 1994.

Two origins, two identities, and the same passion for coffee. Starbucks has turned its American model into a global benchmark, while Columbus Café cultivates its French identity and indulgent universe.

With a target of 500 coffee shops by 2030, Columbus Café has ambitious plans for the future. Could it one day become a giant like Starbucks, but with a French twist?

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a Columbus Café franchise agreement?

A Columbus Café franchise agreement is signed for a period of 7 years.

What are the franchise fees for Columbus Café?

Columbus Café charges a royalty fee of 6% of revenue excluding VAT, as well as a 2% marketing fee.

How much personal investment is required to open a Columbus Café?

Columbus Café charges an initial franchise fee of €35,000 excluding VAT, which includes opening assistance and initial training. The brand also recommends a personal contribution equivalent to 30% of the total investment.

Don’t wait any longer!

With 280 locations, a +398.5% increase in popularity, and a target of 500 coffee shops by 2030, Columbus Café has ambitious plans for the future.

A 100 m² format, no extraction system required, and a concept suited to a variety of high-traffic locations. So, why not imagine the next Columbus Café at your location?