What Are Alternative Franchise Chains to Flame Broiler Franchise
Considering alternatives to the Flame Broiler franchise? If you're looking for similar fast-casual dining concepts with a focus on healthy, customizable bowls, exploring other options can lead to a more suitable investment. Discovering brands that align with your financial goals and operational preferences is key to a successful franchise journey. For those ready to dive deeper into the financial planning for such ventures, our Flame Broiler Franchise Business Plan Template offers a robust framework.
| # | Alternative Franchise Chain Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | BIBIBOP Asian Grill | BIBIBOP offers a healthy, Korean-inspired build-your-own-bowl concept, similar to Chipotle but focusing on Korean flavors and a 'Well B-ing' philosophy with ingredients like purple rice and kimchi. With over 70 locations, it's a premium option for investors seeking strong unit economics in the Asian fast-casual market. |
| 2 | Gogi Guys Korean BBQ | Gogi Guys provides a fast-casual approach to Korean BBQ, offering flavors in accessible bowls, plates, and burritos with a streamlined kitchen, significantly lowering the entry barrier compared to full-service models. As an emerging brand with under 20 units, it presents an attractive opportunity for franchisees looking to grow with a lower-cost Korean rice bowl franchise. |
| 3 | Cupbop | Cupbop is a high-energy Korean fast-casual franchise known for its unique 'Korean BBQ in a cup' concept and customizable heat levels, adaptable from food trucks to brick-and-mortar locations. With over 150 locations and strong average unit volumes, it's a scalable and popular choice for those interested in Korean flavors. |
Key Takeaways
- Several fast-casual Asian bowl concept franchises, such as Teriyaki Madness, WaBa Grill, and BIBIBOP Asian Grill, are strong alternatives to a Flame Broiler franchise, with significant expansion projected.
- Prospective franchisees can discover Flame Broiler alternatives by utilizing online franchise portals, attending expos, consulting with brokers, and thoroughly analyzing Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs).
- Low-cost Asian food franchises in 2025 are generally defined as those with a total initial investment under $400,000, often featuring smaller footprints and reduced equipment packages compared to more established brands.
- Flame Broiler's estimated 2025 financials include an Average Unit Volume (AUV) between $890,000 and $930,000, with an initial investment ranging from $356,000 to $697,000, and ongoing fees of 5% royalty and 2% marketing.
- When comparing competitors, Teriyaki Madness reports a higher AUV (over $11 million for top performers) than Flame Broiler, while WaBa Grill has a slightly lower AUV (around $850,000) but strong West Coast brand recognition.
What Alternative Flame Broiler Franchise Unit Options Exist?
What franchises are like Flame Broiler?
For those exploring franchise opportunities similar to Flame Broiler, the fast-casual Asian bowl concept sector offers several compelling alternatives. Brands like Teriyaki Madness, WaBa Grill, and BIBIBOP Asian Grill provide similar healthy, customizable rice bowl menus that resonate with today's consumers. These concepts have demonstrated strong growth trajectories, with Teriyaki Madness expanding to over 400 locations as of Q1 2025, achieving a 25% unit growth rate year-over-year. WaBa Grill, a prominent player on the West Coast, operates more than 190 units and continues to grow at a steady pace of 3-5% annually. The fast-casual Asian segment is projected for significant expansion, with an anticipated growth of 85% in 2025, highlighting the robust demand for these types of franchise opportunities.
How to find alternatives to Flame Broiler?
Identifying alternatives to a Flame Broiler Franchise Unit involves a strategic approach to research. Prospective franchisees can leverage online franchise portals, attend industry-specific franchise expos, and engage with franchise brokers who specialize in the fast-casual dining sector. These resources are invaluable for gathering detailed comparisons of initial investment requirements, royalty fees, and the level of franchisee support offered. A critical step in this process is thoroughly analyzing the Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) of competing brands. For instance, a review of a leading Korean rice bowl franchise option's 2025 FDD might reveal an average unit volume (AUV) of $950,000 with a food cost around 28%, providing essential data for a comprehensive franchise comparison.
To uncover emerging brands, searching industry websites with terms like 'new franchise opportunities Asian bowls' or 'low cost Asian food franchise' is effective. As of early 2025, several new regional Asian bowl concepts have entered the franchising landscape, often with initial investment projections that are approximately 15% lower than more established competitors. This makes them attractive options for entrepreneurs seeking a lower cost of entry into the Korean fast casual franchise market or other Asian food franchise ventures. For a deeper dive into the specifics of this particular brand, you might find it helpful to review What Are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Flame Broiler Franchise?
Tips for Finding Asian Bowl Franchise Alternatives
- Diversify your search: Look beyond the most well-known names in the fast-casual Asian cuisine space.
- Analyze FDDs carefully: Pay close attention to financial performance representations, operational requirements, and franchisee support.
- Network with brokers: Experienced franchise brokers can provide access to off-market opportunities and expert advice.
- Consider emerging brands: New concepts may offer lower initial investment and more flexible terms.
- Visit existing locations: Experience the brand firsthand as a customer to gauge operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
What Are The Investment Level Alternatives?
When exploring alternatives to established brands, understanding the spectrum of investment levels within the fast casual Asian franchise sector is crucial. While a particular Flame Broiler Franchise Unit investment can range from approximately $356,000 to $697,000, there are certainly options that cater to different capital capacities. For instance, in 2025, you can find emerging bowl concept restaurant franchises with a total initial investment often falling between $250,000 and $375,000. These lower entry points are frequently a result of more compact real estate requirements, typically around 1,200 sq ft compared to the 1,500 sq ft often seen in larger operations, and streamlined equipment packages.
Furthermore, the initial franchise fee for these more accessible alternatives averages around $30,000 in 2025. This contrasts with the approximately $40,000 franchise fee common among more established players in the fast casual Asian franchise market, making them a more inviting prospect for individuals new to franchise ownership.
What is a low cost Asian food franchise?
A low cost Asian food franchise in 2025 is generally defined as one with a total initial investment under $400,000. While a Flame Broiler Franchise Unit typically ranges from $356,000 to $697,000, some alternatives offer a lower entry point. For example, some smaller, emerging bowl concept restaurant franchises have an estimated total investment between $250,000 and $375,000 as of 2025. This lower cost is often due to smaller real estate footprints (1,200 sq ft vs 1,500 sq ft) and reduced equipment packages. The initial franchise fee for these lower-cost alternatives averages around $30,000 in 2025, compared to the $40,000 fee for more established brands in the fast casual Asian franchise space, making them more accessible for first-time investors.
What is the franchise investment for Korean food?
The franchise investment for Korean food varies significantly by concept as of 2025. A Korean fast casual franchise focused on bowls has an average investment of $350,000 to $700,000. In contrast, starting a Korean BBQ restaurant franchise requires a much larger capital outlay. The average investment for full-service Korean BBQ franchise opportunities in 2025 ranges from $800,000 to over $25 million due to extensive ventilation systems, tabletop grills, and larger restaurant sizes (4,000+ sq ft).
For franchise options for Korean cuisine lovers seeking a mid-range investment, some hybrid fast-casual models are emerging. These concepts, with investments between $500,000 and $900,000, offer simplified grill-it-yourself elements without the full-service overhead, capturing a niche in the market.
Tips for Evaluating Investment Levels
- Understand Total Investment: Always look beyond the initial franchise fee to the total estimated investment, which includes build-out, equipment, initial inventory, and working capital. For a Flame Broiler Franchise Unit, this range can be significant.
- Compare Unit Economics: Review average unit volumes and profitability data from franchisor disclosures. A lower initial investment doesn't always mean higher returns if revenue potential is limited.
- Factor in Royalties and Fees: Ongoing fees like royalty fees (typically 5% for a new unit) and marketing fees (around 3%) impact long-term profitability.
For a detailed breakdown of costs associated with a specific brand, you can refer to How Much Does a Flame Broiler Franchise Cost?. This provides essential context when comparing investment levels across different franchise opportunities.
Is Flame Broiler A Good Franchise Investment?
When considering if a franchise is a sound investment, diving into the financials is crucial. For a Flame Broiler Franchise Unit, projections for fiscal year 2025 indicate an Average Unit Volume (AUV) ranging between $890,000 and $930,000. The initial investment for a new unit in 2025 is estimated to fall between $356,000 and $697,000. This range includes a franchise fee of $40,000 and accounts for an estimated 4% increase in construction costs due to inflation compared to the previous year.
Ongoing financial commitments for franchisees include a royalty fee of 5% of gross sales and a marketing fee of 2% of gross sales. The brand's prime cost, which encompasses food and labor expenses, is reported to be in the range of 55-58% of sales, a key indicator of profitability. Understanding these figures is essential when evaluating the potential return on investment for this particular Korean fast casual franchise opportunity.
What are Flame Broiler's 2025 financials?
In 2025, the financial landscape for a Flame Broiler Franchise Unit shows an expected Average Unit Volume (AUV) between $890,000 and $930,000. The total initial investment is projected to be between $356,000 and $697,000, with the franchise fee set at $40,000. Construction costs have seen a slight increase of 4% year-over-year due to inflationary pressures. Franchisees will also pay ongoing fees, including a 5% royalty on gross sales and a 2% marketing fee. The brand's prime cost, a critical measure for profitability, is estimated to be around 55-58% of sales.
How does Flame Broiler compare to competitors?
When looking at alternatives to Flame Broiler franchise, it's helpful to compare their performance. In the fast-casual Asian cuisine sector, Teriyaki Madness, a notable competitor, reports a higher AUV exceeding $11 million for its top-performing quartile of stores, with a similar investment range. WaBa Grill, another option among alternatives to Korean fast casual restaurants, averages an AUV of approximately $850,000 in 2025 and holds strong brand recognition, particularly in California and Arizona. Flame Broiler's appeal in the best fast casual franchise Asian cuisine category is its straightforward, health-conscious menu and streamlined operations. This operational efficiency can translate to lower labor costs, estimated at 25-27% of revenue, potentially giving it an edge over competitors with more complex menus that might push labor costs closer to 30%.
Tips for Evaluating Franchise Investments
- Analyze the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): Pay close attention to the financial performance representations, initial investment ranges, and ongoing fees.
- Benchmark Against Competitors: Compare key metrics like AUV, prime cost, and labor costs with similar franchises in the market.
- Understand Prime Costs: A lower prime cost (food + labor) generally indicates better potential profitability.
- Consider Market Saturation: Research the brand's presence in your target market and the competitive landscape for Korean rice bowl franchise options.
- Review Franchisee Testimonials: Seek feedback from existing franchisees about their experience with support, profitability, and operational challenges.
For those exploring franchise opportunities similar to Flame Broiler, understanding how the franchise works is key. You can learn more about How Does the Flame Broiler Franchise Work? This can help in comparing it to other Korean BBQ franchise opportunities or new franchise opportunities in Asian bowls.
Teriyaki Madness
What is Teriyaki Madness's business model?
Teriyaki Madness is a prominent player in the fast-casual Asian franchise space, focusing on a made-to-order bowl concept. Their menu is centered around Seattle-style teriyaki bowls, known for generous portions and customizable options featuring various proteins, fresh stir-fried vegetables, and house-made sauces. This approach makes them a compelling alternative to Flame Broiler for entrepreneurs seeking a similar yet distinct market position.
A significant aspect of their 2025 strategy involves a strong push towards technology integration and off-premise sales channels. Currently, over 60% of their system-wide revenue is generated through online ordering, third-party delivery services, and catering. This robust digital presence has been a key driver of their rapid expansion, establishing them as one of the most visible Flame Broiler alternatives in the market.
The brand appeals to a wide demographic, from families looking for convenient meal options to health-conscious professionals. They position themselves as a healthier choice compared to traditional fast-food establishments. For mature locations in 2025, Teriyaki Madness reports an Average Unit Volume (AUV) exceeding $11.5 million, according to their latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
What is the investment for Teriyaki Madness?
The estimated total initial investment required to launch a Teriyaki Madness franchise in 2025 falls within the range of $354,500 to $768,500. This investment includes an initial franchise fee of $45,000. These figures reflect a slight increase of 3-5% from 2024 estimates, largely due to rising costs in construction and equipment.
Within this investment, key components include leasehold improvements, which can range from $150,000 to $300,000, and equipment costs estimated between $85,000 to $120,000. An initial marketing budget of approximately $15,000 is also factored into the total outlay.
For individuals exploring franchise opportunities similar to Flame Broiler, Teriyaki Madness presents an attractive investment-to-sales ratio. With a top-quartile AUV surpassing $11 million, it offers a strong potential for return on investment within the competitive Asian food franchise sector. This makes it a noteworthy option for those considering Korean rice bowl franchise options or other fast-casual Asian franchise models.
Key Considerations for Investing in Teriyaki Madness
- Technology Integration: The brand's emphasis on technology and off-premise sales aligns with current consumer trends, offering a modern operational model.
- Brand Visibility: Teriyaki Madness has achieved significant market presence, making it a recognizable name among consumers seeking Asian cuisine.
- Growth Potential: With a strong AUV and a clear strategy for expansion, it presents a compelling case for long-term growth within the fast-casual market.
| Investment Component | Estimated Range (2025) |
|---|---|
| Total Initial Investment | $354,500 - $768,500 |
| Franchise Fee | $45,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $150,000 - $300,000 |
| Equipment | $85,000 - $120,000 |
| Initial Marketing | $15,000 |
| Financial Benchmark | Teriyaki Madness (2025 Est.) | Flame Broiler (FDD Data) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Unit Volume (AUV) | > $11.5 million | $505,174 (Median Annual Revenue) |
| Franchise Fee | $45,000 | $25,000 |
| Initial Investment Range | $354,500 - $768,500 | $370,116 - $599,763 |
Waba Grill
When exploring alternatives to a Flame Broiler franchise, WaBa Grill stands out as a significant competitor, particularly in the West Coast market. This Korean fast casual franchise centers its business model on healthy, flame-grilled bowls featuring chicken, steak, and shrimp, served with rice and vegetables. It's a concept that directly appeals to the same health-conscious demographic that favors Flame Broiler, making it a compelling option for those seeking similar franchise opportunities.
WaBa Grill differentiates itself with its signature 'WaBa-secret' sauces and a steadfast commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. A key aspect of their preparation is the absence of oil in the cooking process, aligning perfectly with modern consumer demand for healthier dining. As of early 2025, WaBa Grill boasts over 190 locations, demonstrating substantial brand recognition and market penetration, especially in California and Arizona. This extensive presence signifies a well-established operational system for potential franchisees.
Why is WaBa Grill a Flame Broiler alternative?
WaBa Grill is considered a primary alternative to a Flame Broiler franchise due to its highly similar business model and target market. Both concepts focus on healthy, customizable bowls with flame-grilled proteins and fresh ingredients. The emphasis on clean eating and the Korean BBQ flavor profile are core to both brands' appeal, positioning WaBa Grill as a direct competitor and a strong option for those researching franchise opportunities similar to Flame Broiler.
What are WaBa Grill's 2025 franchise details?
For prospective franchisees in 2025, the estimated initial investment for a WaBa Grill franchise ranges from $358,000 to $604,500. This investment includes a franchise fee of $30,000. According to their 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the median net sales for WaBa Grill restaurants reached $849,721 in the most recently reported fiscal year. The brand structure includes a 5% royalty fee and a 3% marketing fee based on gross sales.
Real estate requirements for WaBa Grill typically involve spaces between 1,200 and 1,600 square feet, commonly located in high-traffic retail centers. This size is strategic for managing both initial build-out costs and ongoing operational expenses like rent.
Key Considerations for WaBa Grill Franchisees
- Investment Range: The initial investment of $358,000 to $604,500 positions WaBa Grill competitively within the Korean fast casual franchise sector.
- Revenue Potential: With a median net sales of $849,721 in 2025, the brand shows strong earning potential for franchisees.
- Brand Strength: Over 190 locations as of early 2025 indicate a proven business model and established market presence, making it a reliable choice among Asian food franchises.
| Financial Metric | Amount ($) | Percentage of Revenue (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Initial Investment | $358,000 - $604,500 | N/A |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | N/A |
| Median Net Sales (2025) | $849,721 | 100% |
| Royalty Fee | 5% | 5% |
| Marketing Fee | 3% | 3% |
For those interested in the specific costs associated with a similar concept, you can find more details on How Much Does a Flame Broiler Franchise Cost? This comparison can help in evaluating investment levels across different Korean BBQ franchise opportunities.
Bibibop Asian Grill
For those exploring alternatives to the Flame Broiler franchise, BIBIBOP Asian Grill presents a compelling option within the fast casual Asian franchise sector. It offers a unique take on the Korean-inspired 'build-your-own-bowl' concept, drawing parallels to popular fast-casual models but with a distinct Korean culinary focus.
What makes BIBIBOP a unique Asian food franchise?
BIBIBOP differentiates itself through its core 'Well B-ing' philosophy. This emphasizes the health benefits of key ingredients like purple rice, gochujang, and kimchi, providing a strong marketing angle for health-conscious consumers. This focus positions BIBIBOP as a standout among fast casual franchise Asian cuisine options.
As of 2025, BIBIBOP has expanded its footprint to over 70 locations, with a presence primarily in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Their recent push into franchising introduces one of the newer franchise opportunities in Asian bowls for potential investors.
What is the investment for a BIBIBOP franchise?
The estimated total investment for a BIBIBOP Asian Grill franchise ranges from $552,400 to $1,179,500 as of 2025. This higher investment range is reflective of their strategy to secure high-visibility locations and adhere to comprehensive build-out standards, making it a more premium choice for those interested in Korean fast casual franchise opportunities.
The franchise fee is $40,000, with ongoing contributions of a 5% royalty fee and a 3% marketing fund contribution. For context, the AUV for BIBIBOP's affiliate-owned restaurants in 2024 was reported at $158 million.
This investment tier makes BIBIBOP an attractive prospect for multi-unit operators seeking robust unit economics and a modern brand identity within the Korean food franchise market. It is an excellent choice for those looking for Korean rice bowl franchise options that offer strong growth potential.
Key Considerations for BIBIBOP Investment
- Market Demand: Research the demand for healthy, Korean-inspired fast-casual dining in your target market.
- Brand Alignment: Ensure the 'Well B-ing' philosophy resonates with your personal values and target customer base.
- Investment Scale: The higher end of the investment range requires a solid financial foundation, suitable for experienced investors or those seeking significant multi-unit opportunities.
| Metric | BIBIBOP Asian Grill | Flame Broiler (2024 FDD Data) |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Initial Investment | $552,400 - $1,179,500 (2025) | $370,116 - $599,763 |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% | 5% |
| Marketing Fee | 3% | 3% |
| Affiliate AUV (2024) | $158 million | $505,174 (Median Annual Revenue per Unit) |
When comparing alternatives to the Flame Broiler franchise, BIBIBOP Asian Grill offers a distinct experience. While the initial investment is higher than some other Korean BBQ franchise opportunities, the brand's focus on health and its growing presence make it a noteworthy option for those seeking a fast casual Asian franchise. For a more detailed comparison of costs, you can explore How Much Does a Flame Broiler Franchise Cost?.
Gogi Guys Korean Bbq
When exploring alternatives to the Flame Broiler franchise, particularly for those interested in the fast-casual Asian franchise sector, Gogi Guys Korean BBQ presents a compelling option.
Is Gogi Guys a good Korean BBQ franchise?
Gogi Guys is making its mark as a standout Korean BBQ franchise, especially for entrepreneurs drawn to a fast-casual dining experience. Unlike traditional, sit-down Korean BBQ restaurants that often feature tabletop grills, Gogi Guys streamlines operations. They focus on delivering authentic Korean BBQ flavors through a more accessible service line, offering customizable bowls, plates, and burritos. This efficient model significantly reduces the typical financial hurdles associated with opening a full-service restaurant, making it a more attainable Korean fast casual franchise for many.
What is the Gogi Guys franchise investment?
For those considering franchise opportunities in Korean cuisine, the Gogi Guys franchise investment in 2025 is estimated to fall between $320,500 and $550,000. This investment range is comparable to that of a Flame Broiler Franchise Unit, but it offers a distinctively Korean BBQ flavor profile. The initial franchise fee is $35,000. Projections from their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) indicate an Average Annual Revenue (AUV) for their initial locations to be in the $750,000 to $900,000 range. Furthermore, they target a food cost percentage of 28-32%, which is quite competitive within the fast-casual Asian franchise market. This makes Gogi Guys an attractive, lower-cost entry point into the market compared to the substantially higher multi-million dollar investments often required for more traditional Korean BBQ establishments.
Key Considerations for Gogi Guys Franchisees
- Growth Potential: As of early 2025, Gogi Guys is in an early growth phase with fewer than 20 units. This presents new franchisees with available territories and the opportunity to grow alongside an emerging brand in the Korean rice bowl franchise options space.
- Investment Alignment: The estimated initial investment aligns with other fast casual Asian franchise concepts, offering a structured entry into a popular cuisine.
- Operational Model: The fast-casual, bowl-concept restaurant approach minimizes the need for extensive kitchen equipment and specialized staff often required for full-service Korean BBQ, potentially lowering initial operating expenses.
| Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Projected AUV | Food Cost Target |
| $320,500 - $550,000 | $35,000 | $750,000 - $900,000 | 28% - 32% |
When comparing alternatives to the Flame Broiler franchise, understanding the financial commitments is crucial. For instance, the estimated initial investment for a Flame Broiler Franchise Unit can range from $370,116 to $599,763, with a franchise fee of $25,000. While both offer a fast-casual Asian food franchise model, Gogi Guys provides a distinctively Korean culinary experience. For a deeper dive into the financial aspects of the Flame Broiler franchise, you can explore How Much Does a Flame Broiler Franchise Owner Make?
The median annual revenue for a Flame Broiler unit is reported at $505,174, with a cost of goods sold (COGS) around 40.5%. This means the gross profit margin is approximately 59.5%. Gogi Guys' projected AUV of $750,000 to $900,000 and a lower food cost target of 28-32% suggest a potentially stronger gross profit margin, making it an attractive option for those seeking robust financial performance in the Korean BBQ franchise opportunities market.
Cupbop
When considering alternatives to the Flame Broiler franchise, Cupbop stands out as a dynamic Korean fast-casual concept that has rapidly gained traction. This brand offers a unique approach to Korean BBQ, serving it in a convenient cup format, which appeals to consumers seeking portable and flavorful meal options. It’s a prime example of a bowl concept restaurant that’s resonating with today’s diners.
What is the Cupbop franchise concept?
Cupbop is recognized for its high-energy atmosphere and its signature Korean BBQ bowls. What sets it apart is the customizable heat level, allowing customers to choose their spice intensity from 1 to 10. Originally a food truck, its business model has proven highly adaptable, fitting well into traditional brick-and-mortar spaces, bustling food courts, and even non-traditional venues. This versatility makes it an attractive option for those exploring franchise opportunities similar to Flame Broiler.
What are Cupbop's 2025 franchise costs?
For those interested in a Korean fast casual franchise, Cupbop presents a compelling investment. The total estimated investment to open a Cupbop franchise in 2025 ranges from $300,000 to $650,000, with an initial franchise fee of $35,000. This positions it as a competitive choice within the Korean rice bowl franchise market.
The brand has demonstrated significant financial performance, with its 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) showing that the top 50% of its locations achieved an average annual gross sales of $1,209,692. This strong Average Unit Volume (AUV) is a key indicator for prospective franchisees evaluating Korean BBQ franchise opportunities. The royalty fee for Cupbop is 6% of gross sales, with an additional 2% for marketing. The brand's strong social media presence and vibrant marketing efforts contribute greatly to its brand recognition and customer flow, supporting franchisee success.
| Investment Component | Estimated Range (2025) |
|---|---|
| Total Initial Investment | $300,000 - $650,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing Fee | 2% of Gross Sales |
Key Considerations for Franchise Investment
- Market Demand: Korean fast casual is a growing segment, with brands like Cupbop capitalizing on the increasing consumer interest in Asian flavors.
- Scalability: Cupbop's adaptable business model, from food trucks to full-scale restaurants, offers flexibility for various investment strategies.
- Financial Performance: A strong AUV, as reported by Cupbop, is a crucial factor for assessing potential profitability and return on investment.
For those comparing franchise opportunities similar to Flame Broiler, understanding the financial benchmarks is essential. While the initial investment for Cupbop is higher than the low end of Flame Broiler's range ($370,116), its reported AUV significantly surpasses Flame Broiler's median annual revenue per unit ($505,174). This highlights the trade-off between initial capital and potential revenue generation when evaluating alternatives to Flame Broiler franchise opportunities.
Cupbop's growth trajectory is notable, with over 150 locations open or in development across the US and internationally as of 2025. This expansion indicates a robust and popular concept within the fast-casual Asian food franchise sector. When researching franchise investment Korean food, it's important to look at brands that not only offer a unique product but also demonstrate a proven ability to scale and achieve strong unit economics. For a deeper dive into the Flame Broiler franchise itself, you might want to read What Are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Flame Broiler Franchise?