- Stellarossa is a Brisbane cafe brand founded in 2009, with kiosk, cafe and drive-thru formats mostly in Queensland.
- Directory figures put investment from about $225,000. New site listings range from about $280,000 to $410,000.
- Royalties of 4.5% to 6% have been quoted. Some listings describe a 2% local marketing spend instead of a levy, and others a 1% marketing fee.
Stellarossa was founded by Darren Schultz and Phil Cronin as an espresso bar in Brisbane in 2009. It has grown to roughly 25 or more cafes, kiosks and drive-thrus, mostly in south-east and regional Queensland.
Coffee is the core of the model, so margins are good, but sales depend on strong morning trade and on the format you choose.
Stellarossa franchise at a glance
| Founded | 2009, Brisbane |
|---|---|
| Founders | Darren Schultz and Phil Cronin |
| Network | Around 25 stores (directory figures) |
| Investment | From about $225,000. New sites listed at about $280,000 to $410,000 |
| Fees | Royalty 4.5% to 6% (directory and listing figures) |
Figures come from the public sources listed at the end of this guide and can change. Treat them as a starting point and confirm current numbers in the franchise disclosure document.
How the Stellarossa model works financially
Coffee is a large share of revenue, especially in kiosks. In larger cafes, food makes up more. Coffee carries a high gross margin, so the mix shapes profit.
Drive-thru sites cost more to build but can reach higher volumes. Kiosks cost less and need fewer staff.
Listings quote a 7-year franchise term with a 7-year option, depending on the lease.
The numbers to test before you buy a Stellarossa franchise
- Coffee cups per day and the coffee share of sales.
- Gross margin by coffee and food.
- Wages as a percentage of sales.
- Rent and outgoings as a percentage of sales.
- Royalty and marketing obligations in your agreement.
- Fit-out cost by format (kiosk, cafe, drive-thru).
- Lease term compared with the franchise term.
Buying an existing Stellarossa business
Stellarossa resales are listed regularly, often in the $245,000 to $350,000 range. Compare each with the cost of a new site.
Verify sales with POS reports and BAS, and check the remaining lease term.
How Franchise Co. can help with a Stellarossa purchase
We work with buyers and owners of franchise businesses across Australia. For a Stellarossa business we can:
- Review the numbers before you sign. Our business due diligence starts from $2,000 + GST and tests the sales, costs and lease behind the asking price.
- Set up the structure and the books. Entity choice, GST, payroll and a chart of accounts that matches how the franchisor reports. See accounting and tax and bookkeeping, BAS and payroll.
- Check your franchise fees. We reconcile royalties and levies to the sales they are calculated on. See royalties and franchise fees.
- Plan the next site. If a second store is on the cards, we model the cash flow and funding first. See multi-site reporting.
Stellarossa franchise FAQs
How much does a Stellarossa franchise cost?
Directory figures start from about $225,000. New sites have been listed at about $280,000 to $410,000 depending on format. Confirm with the franchisor.
What royalty does Stellarossa charge?
Figures of 4.5% to 6% have been quoted. Check the current agreement.
Are there Stellarossa franchises for sale?
Yes. Existing cafes and new sites are listed regularly, mostly in Queensland.
Does Stellarossa have drive-thrus?
Yes. It runs kiosks, traditional cafes and drive-thru cafes.
Franchise Co. is an independent accounting practice. We aren’t affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Stellarossa. Stellarossa is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to identify the brand this guide discusses.
Sources and further reading
- SEEK Business: Stellarossa
- The Stellarossa franchise business model, Franchise Buyer
- Top Franchise: cafe franchises in Australia (2026)
- ACCC: Franchise disclosure document
Sources checked November 2026. Franchise costs and fees change. Confirm current figures with the franchisor before acting.
This guide is general information for people considering a franchise in Australia. It doesn’t take your circumstances into account and isn’t personal tax, legal or financial advice.
Talk it through
Every franchise is different. Ask us how this applies to yours.
