Barbecue restaurants are engaged in preparing and serving pork ribs, chicken, beef brisket, and several flavors of barbecue sauce for immediate consumption. The startup capital for establishing a BBQ restaurant or BBQ retail outlet and purchasing inventory can be substantial for potential industry entrants.
Since most operators already carry an extensive range of products, new entrants must find a niche market or incur a considerable cost during set up. So, if you are interested in this thriving industry, you can actually start your own BBQ business via franchising.
Franchising is not a business, but a way of doing business. It is a unique and highly effective method of distribution for all kinds of products, goods, and services. It is also an industry that generates direct and indirect economic impact, over $2.3 trillion in annual sales.
Franchised businesses demand products and services from other businesses and provide income to their workers and owners, who then spend their income and create still more income for other parties. Franchising has become one of the most popular ways to grow a business in the United States. If you choose to open a BBQ business, here are some of the best BBQ franchises you can buy in the United States of America;
16 Best BBQ Franchise Opportunities and Their Cost
1. Bar – B – Cutie Smokehouse
Bar – B – Cutie Smokehouse is a fast – casual restaurant chain which uses only the best and freshest ingredients in their foods without re-heating. The company was founded in 1950 and is based in Brentwood, Tennessee with her head office at 5120 Virginia Wy., #B – 23 Brentwood, TN 37027, USA.
Bar – B – Cutie franchise is a family – owned BBQ business, with over 65 years experience in the BBQ restaurant business. Bar – B – Cutie Smokehouse started franchising in 2003 and currently, the company operates 11 franchises in the United States.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment: $266,986 – $2,080,491
- Net – worth Requirement: $250,000 – $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $75,000 – $225,000
- Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $35,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee: to 2%
2. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is a family – owned American barbecue restaurant chain based in Dallas, Texas with her head office at 4514 Cole Ave., #1015 Dallas, TX 75205, USA. Travis Dickey established the restaurant in 1941. The restaurant is the largest barbecue franchise in the United States.
The restaurant began franchising in 1994. By January 2017, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Franchise had more than 560 restaurant locations in 43 states.
Financial Requirements
- Initial investments: $289,939 – $421,244
- Net – worth Requirement: $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
- Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $20,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee: 4%
3. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is a Hawaiian – themed franchise restaurant chain based in Honolulu, Hawaii, centered on the Hawaiian plate lunch and with her corporate head office at 931 University Ave., #202 Honolulu, HI 96826, USA.
Today they offer franchises throughout the U.S. and also have locations in American Samoa, New Zealand and Japan. The company was founded in 1976, started franchising in 1991 and as of 2018 L&L Hawaiian Barbecue owns and operates 183 franchises in the United States and 2 outside the country.
Franchise Opportunities
- Initial investments: $135,700 – $527,000
- Net – worth Requirement: $500,000 – $1,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $300,000 – $600,000
- Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $30,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee: 4%
- Ad Royalty Fee: 2%
4. Gyu – Kaku Japanese BBQ
Gyu – Kaku is a chain of Japanese yakiniku restaurants specializing in Japanese – Korean barbecue. Gyu – Kaku is owned by the Colowide Group, headquartered in Yokohama, Japan with operation head office in 20000 Mariner Ave., #500 Torrance, CA 90503, USA.
There are over six hundred Gyu – Kaku locations in Japan, and locations have also been opened in the United States. Gyu – Kaku Japanese BBQ also offers franchise opportunities. Gyu – Kaku Japanese BBQ was founded in 1996 and began franchising 1997 and as of 2018, the company operates 20 franchises in the United States and 686 franchise units outside the country.
Financial Requirements
- Initial investments: $1,017,631 – $2,099,391
- Net – worth Requirement: $1,200,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $500,000
- Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $50,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee: 1.5%
5. Voodoo BBQ & Grill
Voodoo BBQ & Grill was founded in 2002 and began franchising since 2006, about 14 years ago. Currently, Voodoo BBQ & Grill has 12 franchise units in operation. During training, franchisees are given a detailed manual covering a wide array of topics key to operating the restaurant. Their store opening team is always on site with franchisees several days before they open to help them set up and train their staff.
Financial Requirements
- Initial investment: $340,500
- Royalty Fees: 5%
6. Billy SIMS BBQ
Billy SIMS BBQ was founded in 2004 and began franchising in 2008, about 12 years ago and currently, they have 48 franchise units in operation. They are developing markets across the United States and are always interested in meeting those who would like to be a part of the Billy Sims Barbecue franchise system. At Billy Sims Barbecue, they incorporate proven systems, time – tested, effective business practices, and operational support for franchisees.
Financial Requirements
- Initial investment: from $169,200
- Royalty Fees: 6%
7. Urban Bar – B – Que
Urban Bar – B – Que was founded in 2003 and they began franchising in 2013 and that is about 8 franchise units in operation. Urban Bar – B – Que was founded in 2003 by Dave “Urban” Calkins and Lee “BBQ” Howard. The estimated investment required to open an Urban Bar – B – Que Franchise is between $182,650 – $365,150. There is an initial franchise fee of $30,000 which grants you the license to run a business under the Urban Bar – B – Que name.
Financial Requirements
- Initial investment: from $182,650
- Royalty Fees: 6%
8. Crave Hot Dogs and BBQ
Crave Hot Dogs and BBQ was founded in 2018 and began franchising in 2018, about 2 years ago. Currently, Crave Hot Dogs and BBQ has 4 franchise units in operation. Crave is now looking for franchise partners throughout the U.S. as well as Internationally.
If you want to own your own business, encourage creativity and still have time for your family, Crave could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Crave offers: real estate assistance, training programs, marketing assistance, operational support, systems in place, ongoing training. Join the Crave family!
Financial Requirements
- Initial investment: from $217,400
- Royalty Fees: 6%
9. Red Hot & Blue
Red Hot & Blue was founded in 1988 and began franchising in 1990, and currently they have 25 franchise units in operation. Red Hot & Blue is a Memphis style barbecue restaurant franchise. The Red Hot & Blue mission is to “serve only the best quality authentic Memphis – style Barbeque in a fun, casual atmosphere surrounded by blues music and memorabilia.
Now you can be part of the fast growing family of restaurateurs who love going home with barbecue sauce under their fingernails, the smell of hickory smoke in their clothes and a look of intense joy on their faces.
Financial Requirements
- Initial investment: from $380,700
- Royalty Fees: 5%
10. Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque was founded in 2011 and began franchising in 2018, about 2 years ago. Currently, Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque has 13 franchise units in operation. Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque is currently one of the fastest growing fast casual barbeque restaurants in the country.
The Mighty Quinn’s BBQ experience can only be as good as the people behind it. They’re looking for franchisees and qualified investors with a passion for food who want to invest in a brand that will lead the fast casual barbeque category.
Financial Requirements
- Initial investment: from $498,250
- Royalty Fees: 6%
11. Tony Roma’s
Tony Roma’s was founded in 1972 when chef David Smith and Tony Roma experimented with Smith’s secret barbecue sauce in a little restaurant called Tony Roma’s in North Miami, Florida. A hit with customers, the barbecue taste is now the trademark of the more than 225 Tony Roma’s locations across the world.
Franchising since 1979, about 41 years ago, Romacorp Inc. offers franchises for the traditional Tony Roma’s restaurants as well as a more casual concept called Tony Roma’s Rib Grills. The company is based in Dallas. Tony Roma’s has her corporate head office at 3662 Avalon Park E. Blvd. Orlando, FL 32828 and John Brisco is the President and current CEO of the company.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment: $2,182,500 – $3,580,000
- Net – worth Requirement: $3,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $1,000,000
- Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $30,000 – $30,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee: 4%
- Ad Royalty Fee: 0.5%
12. Virginia Barbeque
Virginia Barbeque is one the fastest growing Barbecue businesses in the United States that is also into franchising. Virginia Barbeque was founded in 2000 and began franchising since 2004, about 16 years ago. Virginia Barbeque has her corporate head office at 1814 Country Rd. Beaverdam, VA 23015 – 9567 and the company is under the Leadership of Richard Ivey who is the current CEO.
Virginia Barbeque has relationships with third – party sources which offer financing to cover only equipment.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment: $81,500 – $221,500
- Net – worth Requirement: $100,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $30,000
- Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $25,000 – $25,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee: 6%
- Veteran Incentives: $5,000 off franchise fee
13. Bandana’s Bar – B – Q
Bandana’s Bar – B – Q is no doubt amongst the growing barbecue restaurants in the United States of America. Bandana’s Bar – B – Q was founded in 1996 and began franchising in 2004, about 16 years ago. Bandana’s Bar – B – Q has her corporate head office at 16141 Swingley Ridge Rd., #205 Chesterfield, MO 63017 and it is under the leadership of Rick White who is the current CEO.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment: $380,200 – $1,122,500
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $250,000
- Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $40,000 – $40,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee: 0.5%
14. Fat Jack’s BBQ
Fat Jack’s BBQ is a “true ground floor opportunity”. Fat Jack’s BBQ is a very unique concept, and is poised for nationwide growth and success for many years to come. Now is the very best time to jump on the Fat Jack’s bandwagon, and take advantage of this truly exciting situation. Don’t let another success story pass you by again.
Fat Jack’s has established a name in the Delaware Valley and even BBQ fans as far away as Maryland and North Carolina crave the taste of Fat Jack’s. News of their fabulous food is bound to spread even further with each new franchise store that opens.
Fat Jack’s has a vested interest in the success of their franchise and they are very motivated to share their expertise in appropriate site selection and lease negotiation in order to help new franchisees open as quickly, effectively and affordably as possible.
Financial Requirements
- Cash Investment: $9,500
- Investment Range: $9,500 – $9,500
- Franchise Fees: $1
15. Woody’s Bar – B – Q
Over 30 years ago, Woody and his partner, Yolanda, set out to create a Bar – B – Q restaurant where the meat melted in your mouth, the cole slaw was so fresh you’d think it was mixed at your table, and the authentic Bar – B – Q flavored beans were the best you’d ever had.
So with their passion for Bar – B – Q and a dog – eared collection of homemade recipes, they went onto create a dining experience in the tradition of the South’s great home – town Bar – B – Q shacks. It’s the kind of Bar – B – Q you and your family can call, well, your Bar – B – Q. As a Woody’s Bar – B – Q franchise owner, you will become part of a family that truly cares, supports, and encourages each other every step of the way.
Founded in 1980 as a family – owned restaurant, they know just how tremendous a step it is to invest in and open your own restaurant. That’s why they’ve done their best to simplify the process to help you avoid the pitfalls you might experience working independently. Woody’s Bar – B – Q franchisees will own and operate their own business, but will never work alone.
Financial Requirements
- Cash Investment: $80,000
- Investment Range: $150,000 – $600,000
- Franchise Fees: $39,500
16. Shane’s Rib Shack
Shane’s Rib Shack is America’s leading fast – casual BBQ concept. Their award – winning system is currently operating across 14 states and growing fast. They offer high – quality, Southern inspired BBQ & Americana inspired items in a comfortable, community – centered and family oriented environment. Shane’s proprietary smoking process and secret BBQ sauce allow the franchise to be portable, highly scalable and adaptable to varied real estate types.
When you are part of the Shane’s Rib Shack family you will benefit from their trademark, trade secrets and secret recipes. You will also have access to their operating systems, proprietary methods, training and all elements of our franchise system. Shane’s provides both local and national marketing support.
Financial Requirements
- Cash Investment: $20,000
- Investment Range: $20,000 – $20,000
- Franchise Fees: $3,000