Who Owns Scooter’s Coffee?
Its founders, Don and Linda Eckles, still own the majority. Scooter’s is a private company based in Omaha, Nebraska, with outside investors holding a minority stake, and it has grown almost entirely through franchised drive thru kiosks.
From mall kiosk to national chain
Don and Linda Eckles opened their first Scooter’s in a small space in Bellevue, a suburb of Omaha, in 1998. Early growth was slow and risky. By their fifth location the couple had taken on significant debt to build mall kiosks, and banks were reluctant to lend for small drive thru buildings. The business took off once it settled on a compact drive thru kiosk that franchisees could build cheaply and run with a small team.
Ownership timeline
| Year | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1998 | Don and Linda Eckles open the first Scooter’s in Bellevue, Nebraska |
| 2000s | Franchising begins and the drive thru kiosk model takes shape |
| 2018 | Omaha investment firm M-One Capital (McCarthy Capital) buys a minority stake |
| 2025 | Reports say Scooter’s explored a possible sale valuing it near $1 billion |
| 2026 | The founders say they prefer to stay private and remain majority owners |
How the franchise model works
Scooter’s franchisees pay to build and run their kiosks and share a cut of sales with the company. Scooter’s coffee is roasted by an affiliated company, Harvest Roasting, which supplies every location. The chain now has more than 900 locations across roughly 30 states, making it one of the largest drive thru coffee brands in the country.
What this means for customers
Because each Scooter’s is owned locally, the company does not set one national price. Drinks like the Caramelicious can cost a little more or less depending on the owner and the state. See typical drink and food prices on the Scooter’s Coffee menu.
Related Questions
Who owns Scooter’s Coffee?
Founders Don and Linda Eckles are reported to hold the majority, with investors including M-One Capital owning a minority stake.
Is Scooter’s Coffee publicly traded?
No. Scooter’s is a private company.
Where is Scooter’s Coffee headquartered?
Omaha, Nebraska. The first store opened in nearby Bellevue in 1998.
Is Scooter’s Coffee a franchise?
Yes. Almost all locations are franchised, with only a small number owned by the company.
How many Scooter’s Coffee locations are there?
More than 900, across roughly 30 states.
Who roasts Scooter’s coffee?
Harvest Roasting, a company affiliated with Scooter’s.
More on Scooter’s Coffee
About this guide. USA Food Menu is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with Scooter’s Coffee. Ownership details come from public reporting, including Forbes and Reuters, and may change. See current prices on the Scooter’s Coffee menu.
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