Famous Dave's®
Famous Dave's of America, Inc.
Free for qualified buyers
Investment Range
$68,500 - $4,510,750
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Royalty
5%
Marketing Fee
2.5%
Total Units
112
Median Revenue
$2,675,602/yr
AI Summary
Famous Dave's offers franchises for authentic, down-home barbecue restaurants, serving hickory-smoked ribs, brisket, and other comfort foods in a casual environment. Prospective franchisees can expect an initial investment ranging from $68,500 to $4,510,750, with a standard initial franchise fee of $35,000 and an ongoing royalty rate of 5% of weekly revenues. The system size saw a decline in 2023, closing 12 units (1 company-owned, 11 franchised) and opening none, resulting in a total of 112 restaurants. A notable risk for potential franchisees is the franchisor's extensive litigation history, which includes cases related to franchise disputes, misrepresentation, and statutory violations, some resulting in significant settlements.
Unit Growth
2023
112
Initial Investment Breakdown
| Category | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Fee | $8,000 | $35,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $0 | $1,600,000 |
| Land, Building and Construction | $0 | $3,200,000 |
| Travel and Living Expenses for You and Your Management Staff During Training | $10,000 | $40,000 |
| Reimbursement of Expenses for Opening Team | $25,000 | $100,000 |
| + 10 more categories (apply to see all) | ||
| TOTAL INVESTMENT | $68,500 | $4,510,750 |
Financial Performance Data
Access detailed revenue metrics, expense breakdowns, and profitability data from the Item 19 Financial Performance Representation.
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Apply for Free AccessIs Famous Dave's® a Good Investment?
Based on the FDD data, here are key factors to consider when evaluating a Famous Dave's® franchise opportunity:
Potential Advantages
- •Growing network with 112 locations
- •Competitive royalty fee of 5%
- •Financial Performance Representation (Item 19) available for review
Considerations
- •Litigation history disclosed in FDD (review Item 3 carefully)
- •Higher initial investment requires significant capital
Disclaimer: This analysis is based on publicly available FDD data and should not be considered financial advice. Always consult with a franchise attorney and accountant before making any investment decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Famous Dave's®
How much does a Famous Dave's® franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a Famous Dave's® franchise ranges from $68,500 to $4,510,750. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, inventory, real estate, and other startup costs as disclosed in the FDD.
What is the Famous Dave's® franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for Famous Dave's® ranges from $35,000 to $35,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Famous Dave's® franchise?
Famous Dave's® franchisees pay a 5% royalty fee and a 2.5% marketing/advertising fee on an ongoing basis.
How many Famous Dave's® franchise locations are there?
Famous Dave's® currently operates 112 franchise locations. This includes both franchised and company-owned units.
Quick Facts
Free for qualified franchise buyers
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- Financial performance metrics
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- Historical year-over-year trends
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