Lake City, Florida (July 30, 2026) – Ellianos Coffee, a southeast-based drive-thru specialty coffee brand, is proud to announce it has been named a 2026 Top Recession-Resistant Franchise by Franchise Business Review, the nation's leading market research firm specializing in franchisee satisfaction and performance.
Franchise Business Review's Top Recession-Resistant Franchise list recognizes brands that have the highest owner satisfaction ratings and the greatest potential to perform well during volatile financial market conditions. Over 35,000 franchisees were surveyed across nearly 350 leading franchise brands, and the brands that earned this recognition have an average owner satisfaction rating 10 to 40 percent higher than competitors and meet criteria essential to proving themselves recession-resistant. Key criteria include essential goods and services, diverse revenue streams, strong brand recognition within their business category, lower cost alternatives, franchisee investment to revenue ratio, and the range of investment across the model.
The recognition is particularly meaningful given what the drive-thru coffee industry has demonstrated over the past several years. While traditional coffee shops faced significant headwinds during the COVID-19 pandemic, drive-thrus filled much of that gap with a 13 percent increase in traffic over the same period when food establishments overall were serving 16 percent fewer on-site customers. The reason is straightforward: drive-thru coffee businesses are able to operate with fewer staff than most QSRs, with minimal customer contact and price points that are affordable to the masses. Even when people cut back on vacations and big splurges, the simple joy of a specialty beverage is still in the cards for most. Today, a record 59 percent of coffee purchases occur at drive-thrus, up from 55 percent just a year ago, a trend bolstered by pandemic effects, post-pandemic inflation, and a societal move toward mobility and efficiency.
Ellianos Coffee was built for exactly this kind of moment. With a fast, efficient double-sided drive-thru format, an accessible menu that offers something for everyone, and a model designed for speed and consistency, Ellianos is a daily habit for guests no matter the economic climate.
"Being recognized as a Top Recession-Resistant Franchise by Franchise Business Review is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the hard work our entire franchise family puts in every single day," said Lawton Unrau, President of Ellianos Coffee. "We have always believed that quality, consistency, and care are non-negotiable for our guests, and this recognition validates that our model is built to last through any season."
The recognition comes on the heels of significant momentum for the brand. Ellianos Coffee currently operates 85 open locations across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina, with over 200 more in various stages of development. The brand has signed development agreements across South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Michigan, marking a major expansion beyond its Southeast roots. Ellianos was also recently named a 2026 Top Franchise and recognized as one of Franchise Business Review's Most Profitable Franchises for 2025.
About Ellianos Coffee
Ellianos Coffee, established in 2002 by entrepreneurs Scott and Pam Stewart, strives to deliver unmatched quality and care to Every Guest. Every Time. Throughout its 20-year history, Ellianos has expanded to 85 stores, with over 200 stores in various stages of development, including open stores. Franchise Business Review (FBR) recognized Ellianos as a 2026 Top Franchise and a 2025 Top Food Franchise. Entrepreneur Magazine included Ellianos in its 2026 Franchise 500® list, highlighting it among the nation's top franchises. Additionally, Ellianos was celebrated as a Top 10 Coffee Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2024 and was featured in QSR Magazine's 16 Best Restaurant Franchising Deals for 2024. To explore franchising opportunities with Ellianos Coffee, visit www.ellianosfranchising.com
