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Description
Investment Icon

What Are the Initial Investment Requirements for a Famous Dave's Franchise?

To become a franchisee of Famous Dave's, you should anticipate an initial investment ranging from $80,500 to $4,495,750. The franchise fee varies between $15,000 and $45,000, depending on the location and size of the unit. Additionally, you will need to demonstrate a cash requirement of $80,500 to $585,000 and a net worth of $500,000 to $1,500,000. These financial thresholds are crucial for ensuring that potential franchisees have the necessary resources to launch and sustain their business.

Fees Icon

What Are the Ongoing Fees Associated with a Famous Dave's Franchise?

As a Famous Dave's franchisee, you will be responsible for ongoing fees that include a royalty fee of 5% of your gross sales and a marketing fee of 1%. These fees are essential for maintaining brand standards and supporting national advertising efforts. Understanding these costs upfront can help you better plan your financial strategy and ensure that you are prepared for the ongoing investment required to operate your franchise successfully.

Revenue Icon

What Is the Average Revenue Potential for a Famous Dave's Franchise?

Famous Dave's franchises can generate significant revenue, with an average annual revenue per unit reported at approximately $2,996,521. The median annual revenue stands at $2,967,673, indicating a healthy income potential. However, it's important to note that revenues can vary widely, with the lowest recorded annual revenue at $852,846 and the highest reaching $6,379,347. This variance highlights the importance of location, management, and market conditions in determining your franchise's financial performance.

Breakeven Icon

What Is the Typical Breakeven and Payback Period for a Famous Dave's Franchise?

Franchisees can expect to reach their breakeven point within approximately 18 months after opening. This relatively quick recovery period is a positive indicator for investors. Additionally, the investment payback period is estimated at around 12 months, meaning that you could recoup your initial investment in just one year of operation. These timelines can significantly influence your decision-making process when considering the financial viability of a Famous Dave's franchise.

Famous Dave's Franchise Financial Requirements

Below, you’ll find an overview of the initial investment needed to launch the business, along with the ongoing fees required by the franchisor to maintain operations over time.

Net Worth Required icon The minimum total assets (minus liabilities) you must possess.

i Net Worth Required:

$500,000 - $1,500,000
Investment Payback icon The estimated period to recoup your total investment.

i Investment Payback:

12 Months
Franchise Fee icon The initial fee paid to join the franchise system.

i Franchise Fee:

$15,000-$45,000
Royalty Fee icon Ongoing percentage of revenue paid to the franchisor.

i Royalty Fee:

5%
Marketing Fee icon Regular contribution toward the franchise’s advertising fund.

i Marketing Fee:

1%
Breakeven Time icon The estimated timeframe to recover your initial costs.

i Breakeven Time:

18 Months
Initial Investment icon The total amount required to launch the franchise.

i Initial Investment:

$80,500 - $4,495,750
Cash Required icon The minimum liquid capital you must have on hand.

i Cash Required:

$80,500 - $585,000
Average Revenue icon The typical yearly revenue generated per franchise location.

i Average Revenue:

$2,996,521
Median Revenue icon The middle value of yearly revenue among franchise locations.

i Median Revenue:

$2,967,673
Highest Revenue icon The largest reported annual revenue among franchisees.

i Highest Revenue:

$6,379,347
Lowest Revenue icon The smallest reported annual revenue among franchisees.

i Lowest Revenue:

$852,846
Industry icon A broad sector defining similar types of franchise businesses.

i Industry:

Food Franchises
Category icon A more specific division within the broader industry.

i Category:

Casual Dining
Leadership icon The key individuals guiding the franchise’s strategy and growth.

i Leadership:

Eric Lefebvre
Corporate Address icon The official business address of the franchisor’s headquarters.

i Corporate Address:

12701 Whitewater Drive, Suite 290 Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343-4164
Funding Year icon Available financing options to help start the franchise.

i Funding Year:

1994
Parent Company icon The main organization that owns the franchise brand.

i Parent Company:

Famous Dave's of America, Inc.

Famous Dave's Franchise Unit Growth Summary

A breakdown of corporate, franchised, and total units, with yearly net changes.

The overall number of operating franchise locations.

Total Units i

132
The number of locations owned by independent franchisees.

Franchised Units i

90
The number of locations owned and run by the franchisor.

Corporate Units i

42
Units 2020 2021 2022
Total Units 122 136 132
Net Change YoY 14 -4
Franchised Units 90 97 90
Net Change YoY 7 -7
Corporate Units 32 39 42
Net Change YoY 7 3
Investment About

Company Background

Famous Dave's is a renowned barbecue restaurant chain founded in 1994 by Dave Anderson in Hayward, Wisconsin. Known for its mouthwatering ribs and a variety of smoked meats, Famous Dave's has established itself as a leader in the casual dining segment. With a focus on authentic, flavorful barbecue and a warm, inviting atmosphere, the brand has grown to encompass over 130 locations across the United States, offering a memorable dining experience for barbecue lovers.

Potential About

Franchise Opportunity

Investing in a Famous Dave's franchise presents a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. With an initial investment ranging from $80,500 to $4,495,750, franchisees can tap into a well-established brand with a loyal customer base. The franchise model is designed for success, with comprehensive training and support to help franchisees thrive in the competitive restaurant market. Famous Dave's offers a proven operational system and marketing strategies that can lead to profitable outcomes.

Metrics About

Financial Overview

Famous Dave's franchises have shown promising financial performance, with average annual revenue per unit at approximately $2,996,521. The brand's strong profitability is reflected in its median annual revenue of $2,967,673. Franchisees can expect a breakeven time of around 18 months and an investment payback period of just 12 months, making it an attractive option for those looking to enter the restaurant industry.

Fees About

Royalty and Marketing Fees

Franchisees are required to pay a royalty fee of 5% of gross sales, along with a marketing fee of 1%. These fees contribute to the overall brand strength and marketing efforts that drive customer traffic to each location. By participating in a collective marketing strategy, franchisees benefit from increased visibility and brand recognition, which can lead to higher sales.

Breakeven About

Operational Costs

Famous Dave's franchises incur various operational expenses, with total running expenses averaging around $112,963 annually. Key costs include wages and benefits at $60,607, rent at $10,060, and professional fees at $15,139. Understanding these costs is crucial for franchisees to manage their finances effectively and ensure a profitable operation.

Units About

Growth Potential

Famous Dave's has demonstrated steady growth, with 90 franchised units in 2020, increasing to 97 in 2021, and maintaining 90 in 2022, alongside a rise in corporate units from 32 to 42 during the same period. This stability indicates a robust franchise system with room for expansion, making it an appealing choice for multi-unit operators and those looking to invest in a growing brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

The initial investment for a Famous Dave's franchise ranges from $80,500 to $4,495,750, which includes the franchise fee and other startup costs.