America's Fastest Growing Coffee Chains

CNBC|Sept. 22, 2011 11:59 am EST

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Americans crave their daily fix of coffee, drinking an estimated 400 million cups a day, so it's no wonder that coffee retailers have grown significantly over the last several years, even in the face of tough economic times.

Here, we take a look at the coffee retail chains that had the fastest year-over-year pace of growth in 2010, according to figures from market research group Technomic.

5. Starbucks
Stores: 11,158
2010 Sales: $9.07 billion

This world-renowned and ubiquitous brand continues to grow, increasing sales in 2010 by nearly 9 percent, even though the number of stores declined by 23 in 2010.

4. The Coffee Beanery
Stores: 100
2010 Sales: $50.5 million

This privately held company based in Flushing, Mich., was founded in 1976. The chain added four additional stores in 2010.

3. Scooter's Coffeehouse
Stores: 89
2010 Sales: $42.6 million

The first Scooter's Coffeehouse opened in 1998 in Bellevue, Neb. Since then, the chain has moved into seven states, adding four new stores in 2010.

2. Dunkin' Donuts
Stores: 6,900
2010 Sales: $5.62 billion

It's hard to pinpoint the exact moment Dunkin' Brands became a major player in the coffee retail industry, but the company's own brand of coffee hit grocery store shelves in 2007.

Known primarily for its doughnuts since its founding in Quincy, Mass., in 1950, the chain now claims to sell more coffee by the cup than any other retailer out there. It added 400 stores in 2010.

1. Biggby Coffee
Stores: 118
2010 Sales: $65 million

The first Biggby Coffee location opened in East Lansing, Mich., in March 1995. Since then, the chain's units have doubled every two years, according to the company. In 2010, Biggby grew from 110 locations to 118, a 7.3 percent increase, making it the fastest-growing coffee chain in the country.

See the full list of Fastest Growing Coffee Chains in America.

CNBC's The Coffee Addiction premieres Thursday, Sept. 29 at 9 p.m., with re-airs at 10 p.m., 12 a.m., and 1 a.m. ET.

— Constance Parten, CNBC.com