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WaBa Grill Franchise ProfileRestaurant Franchises > Quick-Service Restaurants |
How Much Does it Cost to Open a WaBa Grill Franchise?
Starting a WaBa Grill franchise requires a total initial investment ranging from $336,000 to $577,000. This includes an initial franchise fee of $35,000. Prospective owners must meet specific financial qualifications, including a minimum net worth of $1,000,000 and at least $250,000 in liquid cash. Once operational, franchisees are responsible for ongoing costs, such as a 5% royalty fee on gross sales and a 3% marketing fee to support brand growth and national advertising efforts.
What is the Financial Performance and Growth of WaBa Grill?
WaBa Grill has shown consistent growth in its franchise network, increasing from 184 units in 2022 to 189 units by 2024. Notably, the brand operates under a 100% franchised model with zero corporate-owned units, demonstrating a strong commitment to its franchise partners. Based on the latest data, the highest annual revenue per unit reached $1,150,000, with a median annual revenue of $1,000,000. For new investors, the estimated breakeven time and investment payback period is approximately 28 months, providing a clear timeline for potential return on investment.
Why Should You Consider Opening a WaBa Grill?
WaBa Grill offers a health-conscious alternative in the fast-casual dining sector, specializing in high-quality protein bowls and plates. Choosing this franchise allows you to tap into a proven business model that emphasizes fresh ingredients and efficient operations. With an average annual revenue per unit of $1,150,000 for top performers, the brand presents a compelling opportunity for entrepreneurs looking for a scalable concept. The steady increase in unit count over the last three years indicates a stable and expanding market presence that benefits from collective brand recognition.
Is a WaBa Grill Franchise the Right Opportunity for You?
If you are a business-minded individual with a passion for healthy food and have the required $250,000 in liquid capital, WaBa Grill may be the right fit. The brand's focus on a "healthy grilled" menu sets it apart from traditional fast food, appealing to modern consumer preferences. Before committing, you should evaluate your local market competition and ensure you are prepared for the 28-month payback period. With nearly 190 franchised locations and a robust support system, WaBa Grill provides the framework necessary for motivated franchisees to build a successful and sustainable restaurant business.
WaBa Grill 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.
The minimum total assets (minus liabilities) you must possess.
Net Worth Required:
The estimated period to recoup your total investment.
Investment Payback:
The initial fee paid to join the franchise system.
Franchise Fee:
Ongoing percentage of revenue paid to the franchisor.
Royalty Fee:
Regular contribution toward the franchise’s advertising fund.
Marketing Fee:
The estimated timeframe to recover your initial costs.
Breakeven Time:
The total amount required to launch the franchise.
Initial Investment:
The minimum liquid capital you must have on hand.
Cash Required:
The typical yearly revenue generated per franchise location.
Average Revenue:
The middle value of yearly revenue among franchise locations.
Median Revenue:
The largest reported annual revenue among franchisees.
Highest Revenue:
The smallest reported annual revenue among franchisees.
Lowest Revenue:
A broad sector defining similar types of franchise businesses.
Industry:
A more specific division within the broader industry.
Category:
The key individuals guiding the franchise’s strategy and growth.
Leadership:
The official business address of the franchisor’s headquarters.
Corporate Address:
Available financing options to help start the franchise.
Funding Year:
The main organization that owns the franchise brand.
Parent Company:
WaBa Grill Franchise Unit Growth Summary
A breakdown of corporate, franchised, and total units, with yearly net changes.
Total Units
Franchised Units
Corporate Units
| Units | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 184 | 188 | 189 |
| Net Change YoY | N/A | +4 | +1 |
| Franchised Units | 184 | 188 | 189 |
| Net Change YoY | N/A | +4 | +1 |
| Corporate Units | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Net Change YoY | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Brand Concept
WaBa Grill is a leading healthy fast-casual franchise specializing in nutritious, fire-grilled protein bowls and plates. Founded on the principle that healthy food should be accessible and delicious, the menu features high-quality ingredients like ribeye steak, wild-caught salmon, and plant-based proteins, all prepared without deep frying. The brand caters to health-conscious consumers looking for protein-rich, low-calorie meals served with their signature WaBa sauce.
Financial Requirements
Prospective franchisees must meet specific financial criteria to be considered for an opportunity. This includes a minimum liquid cash requirement of $250,000 and a total net worth of at least $1,000,000. These standards ensure that owners have the necessary capital to successfully launch and sustain their operations during the initial growth phase of the business.
Initial Investment and Fees
The total initial investment for a WaBa Grill franchise ranges from a low of $336,000 to a high of $577,000, depending on the location and build-out requirements. This investment includes an initial franchise fee of $35,000. Ongoing costs include a royalty fee of 5% of gross sales and a marketing fee of 3% to support brand-wide promotional efforts and local advertising.
Unit Growth and Performance
WaBa Grill has shown steady growth in its franchise network, increasing from 184 units in 2022 to 189 units by 2024. Notably, the brand operates under a 100% franchised model, with zero corporate-owned units reported over the last several years. The system demonstrates strong performance consistency, with a median annual revenue per unit of $1,000,000 and high-performing units reaching up to $1,150,000 in annual revenue.
Return on Investment
Based on the latest disclosure data, the franchise offers a predictable timeline for financial recovery. Both the breakeven time and the investment payback period are estimated at approximately 28 months. This timeline provides a clear benchmark for new owners regarding when they can expect their initial capital outlay to be recovered through the store's operational profits.
Franchisee Support and Model
WaBa Grill offers a proven business model focused on operational simplicity and efficiency. Because the brand does not utilize deep fryers, the kitchen setup is streamlined compared to traditional fast-food outlets. Franchisees benefit from a scalable system that has successfully expanded to nearly 190 locations, backed by a corporate structure dedicated entirely to supporting franchised partners rather than managing company-owned stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
The total investment required to open a WaBa Grill location typically ranges from a low of $336,000 to a high of $577,000, depending on various factors such as site location and construction costs.