Buy a Coffee Shop in Colorado Springs, CO

The Colorado Springs Coffee Market

Colorado Springs is a city of 483,000 people sitting between Denver and Pueblo, with a military-heavy population, a growing tech sector, and a median household income of $83,198.

Coffee culture here runs deep. The city has a well-established independent shop scene, a large daily-commuter base tied to Fort Carson, Peterson, and Schriever, and a university population anchored by UCCS.

That translates into predictable foot traffic, loyal local customer bases, and shops that have been operating long enough to have real financial history.

As of Q1 2026, there are roughly 5 active coffee shop listings in Colorado Springs, with asking prices ranging from $130K to $1.45M and a median of $250K.

How Much Does a Coffee Shop Cost in Colorado Springs?

A 2.3x average multiple is well inside the SBA sweet spot of 3x to 5x EBITDA. That means buyers are not overpaying on average.

The wide price range, $130K to $1.45M, reflects everything from a small neighborhood kiosk to a multi-location operation with real estate. At the lower end, expect older equipment and thin margins. At the upper end, expect leasehold improvements, established wholesale accounts, or multiple units.

The median tells the real story: a $250K shop doing $193K in cash flow is a compelling entry point for an owner-operator.

One important note: cash flow figures from brokers are often stated as SDE (Seller Discretionary Earnings), which includes the owner's salary addback and other one-time items. Real buyer cash flow after replacing the owner's labor is typically 15% to 50% lower. Always recast the P&L before running your debt service math.

What Do the Deal Economics Look Like?

Here is a realistic scenario for a mid-market Colorado Springs coffee shop acquisition, based on Q1 2026 market data:

These are rough estimates based on market data. Actual terms depend on individual qualification and lender.

At this price point, a buyer needs roughly $12,500 in cash out of pocket (the 5% cash portion of the equity injection). The seller note at 0% interest and full standby means no payments on that $37,500 for the duration of the SBA loan term.

Regalis Capital achieves full standby seller notes at 0% interest on over 90% of the deals we structure.

What Should You Look For When Buying a Colorado Springs Coffee Shop?

A coffee shop can look great on paper and destroy a buyer in year one. Here is what actually matters.

POS data is non-negotiable. Most shops run Square, Toast, or Clover. Pull 24 to 36 months of raw transaction data. It should reconcile to the tax returns within 5 to 10%. If it does not, walk away.

Lease terms are often the deal-killer. A profitable shop on a lease expiring in 18 months with no renewal option is a trap. You need at minimum 3 years remaining or a landlord willing to sign a new lease at closing. SBA lenders will require this anyway.

Owner dependency kills resale value. If 40% of regulars come in because of the current owner personally, that revenue is at risk. Look for shops where the manager runs day-to-day operations and the owner is largely absent.

Equipment age matters more than most buyers realize. Commercial espresso machines, grinders, and refrigeration are expensive to replace. A La Marzocca or Synesso setup that is 8 years old with no service history is a liability. Get an equipment inspection before letter of intent.

Colorado Springs-specific note: The city's altitude (6,035 feet) affects extraction. Experienced baristas calibrate for this. Shops with high staff turnover in a high-altitude market can see inconsistent product quality, which shows up in reviews and repeat visit rates.

Based on Regalis Capital's analysis of recent acquisitions, shops with owner-independent operations, clean POS reconciliation, and leases of 5 or more years close faster and at tighter multiples than those without.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much cash do I need to buy a coffee shop in Colorado Springs?

For a $250,000 acquisition financed through SBA 7(a), you need roughly $12,500 in cash as your equity injection. The standard structure is 5% buyer cash plus 5% seller note on full standby acting as equity. That means $12,500 out of pocket covers the cash portion, with the remaining $37,500 funded by a seller note at 0% interest with no payments during the loan term.

Can I get SBA financing to buy a coffee shop in Colorado?

Yes. Coffee shops are SBA-eligible businesses in Colorado. SBA 7(a) loans cover up to 90% of the acquisition price, with a 10-year repayment term. Current rates are approximately 10% to 11% based on WSJ Prime plus 1.5% to 2.75%. You will need clean tax returns from the business, a personal financial statement, and a business plan. Most lenders also want to see 2 to 3 years of operating history.

What is the average cash flow for a coffee shop in Colorado Springs?

As of Q1 2026, the median cash flow for listed Colorado Springs coffee shops is approximately $192,650. This figure is typically stated as SDE, which includes owner salary addbacks. Adjusted for a replacement manager salary of $45,000 to $60,000, real free cash flow is often closer to $130,000 to $150,000 on a median-priced shop.

What lease length do SBA lenders require for a coffee shop acquisition?

SBA lenders typically require the business lease to extend at least through the end of the loan term, or include renewal options that cover it. For a 10-year SBA loan, you need a lease with remaining term plus options that reaches 10 years. Anything shorter requires a landlord letter confirming intent to renew, and even then, some lenders will not proceed.

How long does it take to close a coffee shop acquisition in Colorado Springs?

From signed letter of intent to close, a standard SBA 7(a) acquisition takes 60 to 90 days. The primary variables are lender processing time, third-party appraisal scheduling, and lease assignment from the landlord. Colorado Springs does not have unusual regulatory delays for coffee shop transfers, but city business license transfer and sales tax account setup add a week or two post-close.

Talk to Regalis Capital About Coffee Shop Acquisitions in Colorado Springs

If you are evaluating a coffee shop in Colorado Springs and want a second set of eyes on the deal, Regalis Capital's team reviews 120 to 150 deals per week and can help you assess whether the numbers hold up before you spend money on due diligence.

We handle deal sourcing, financial analysis, negotiation, and SBA financing coordination from start to close.

Start a free deal assessment at Regalis Capital