The BBQ Franchise Cost with Famous Dave’s BBQ Franchise

Famous Dave’s, one of the leading names in BBQ, offers a franchise opportunity that blends an established brand, strong support, and an ever-growing fanbase. But for entrepreneurs looking to join the BBQ business through Famous Dave’s, a common question arises: what does a BBQ franchise cost? Understanding the investment needed, along with what you get in return, is crucial to deciding if this franchise is the right fit for you.

Investment Ranges: Famous Dave’s Franchise Models

Famous Dave’s offers several models to fit different markets, customer bases, and location types – Full Service, Flex/Counter Service, QSR (quick service restaurant), plus a ghost kitchen add-on. Depending on which model you choose, the BBQ franchise investment cost will vary. Here’s a breakdown of the main models and their investment ranges:

Full-Service Restaurant

This is the classic Famous Dave’s model. A full-service BBQ restaurant with indoor dining, a complete menu, and a larger footprint. The investment for this model when leasing your real estate typically ranges between $1,316,250 – $2,920,750. While this is a significant investment, it offers a high revenue potential due to larger seating capacities and the full dining experience customers expect from a BBQ restaurant.

Counter Service

A smaller-scale operation, the counter, or line-service model is perfect for high-traffic areas where a full-service restaurant might not be feasible. This model features a streamlined menu and focuses on serving customers quickly. The BBQ franchise cost for a counter service model ranges from $735,750 – $1,525,750. While this option involves a lower initial investment, it still delivers the renowned BBQ experience Famous Dave’s is known for.

Quick-Service (QSR)/Line Service Model

This option provides a more convenient experience for customers without compromising the quality of the food, creating a more affordable model for franchisees. The investment ranges from $481,750 – $1,060,750.

Ghost Kitchen Add-On

The ghost kitchen model is growing in popularity as online orders and food delivery services continue to surge. It allows franchisees to operate without a customer-facing dining room, focusing solely on preparing food for delivery. The investment here is substantially lower, with costs ranging between $70,500 – $645,000, making it an attractive option for franchisees seeking a leaner operation with reduced overhead.

Franchise Fees and What They Cover

In addition to the initial investment, franchisees must also pay an initial Franchise Fee, which is the upfront cost required to operate under the Famous Dave’s brand. The Franchise Fee for Famous Dave’s is $45,000. (The Franchise Fee for an add on ghost or cloud kitchen is $10,000. We also offer discounted three and five-unit franchise fees to select candidates). This fee grants you access to a proven business model, a recognizable brand, and ongoing support from Famous Dave’s corporate team.

Here’s a closer look at the value you receive for your investment:

  • Comprehensive Training: Franchisees and their staff undergo a thorough training program that covers all aspects of operating a Famous Dave’s restaurant. This includes food preparation, customer service, financial management, and marketing. Training is crucial in ensuring every location delivers the same high-quality BBQ experience.
  • Site Selection and Buildout Support: Famous Dave’s corporate team assists franchisees in selecting the ideal location for their restaurant. They also help with the buildout process, ensuring that your location meets brand standards while being designed for optimal customer flow and experience.
  • Marketing and Branding: As a franchisee, you’ll benefit from national marketing campaigns that keep the Famous Dave’s brand top-of-mind for customers. The company also provides local marketing tools to help drive traffic to your specific location, from digital marketing strategies to in-store promotions.
  • Operational Support: Famous Dave’s offers ongoing operational support to its franchisees, ensuring they have access to the resources and expertise needed to run a thriving BBQ franchise. Whether it’s troubleshooting issues, optimizing operations, or staying updated on the latest trends in the food industry, you’ll have the backing of an experienced team.
  • Proven Systems and Technology: Franchisees have access to Famous Dave’s proven systems, including point-of-sale (POS) technology, inventory management systems, and customer relationship management (CRM) tools. These systems make it easier for franchisees to manage day-to-day operations and ensure consistency across locations.

Additional Costs to Consider

While the BBQ franchise cost with Famous Dave’s includes the initial investment and franchise fee, there are other costs to consider as you plan your journey into BBQ franchising. Some of these include:

  • Royalty Fees: Franchisees are required to pay an ongoing monthly 5% royalty fee, which covers the continued use of Famous Dave’s brand, as well as access to corporate support and resources.
  • Marketing Fees: There’s also a marketing fee of 1% of revenue, which contributes to national advertising and local marketing efforts.
  • Real Estate and Leasehold Improvements: Depending on your location, leasing or purchasing property for your Famous Dave’s franchise may require an additional investment. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of any leasehold improvements needed to bring the space up to brand standards.

Why Invest in a Famous Dave’s Franchise?

Despite the initial investment, Famous Dave’s stands out as a top BBQ franchise due to our recognizable brand, strong support systems, and diverse model options. Whether you choose the full-service restaurant or opt for the ghost kitchen model, Famous Dave’s offers a range of opportunities for entrepreneurs with varying budgets and business goals.

Learn more about the Famous Dave’s franchise opportunity here. Start a conversation with our franchise team about becoming a franchisee with Famous Dave’s by filling out our inquiry form here. We’ll be in touch to set up an introductory call and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to connecting with you!