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- Founded in 1995
- Franchising Since 1998
- 81 US Franchises
- $70,500 - $6,120,750 Investment Range
- $2,279,942 Average Gross Revenue
- 5% Royalty Fee
- $10,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Famous Dave's franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingTake our Fit Score survey to see if Famous Dave's is a good match for you.
Famous Dave's has established itself as a beloved name in BBQ since 1995, bringing authentic, pit-smoked barbecue to communities across America. Founded on a passion for genuine barbecue craftsmanship, Famous Dave's has perfected the art of slow-smoking meats and creating signature sauces that keep customers coming back for more.
The restaurant is renowned for its diverse menu featuring award-winning ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken, complemented by a selection of house-made sides that elevate the traditional BBQ experience. Their commitment to quality is evident in every aspect, from their carefully selected meat cuts to their proprietary smoking techniques and distinctive sauce varieties that cater to different palate preferences.
What sets Famous Dave's apart is their dedication to creating an authentic BBQ joint atmosphere while maintaining consistent food quality across locations. The restaurant's warm, rustic ambiance combines with exceptional customer service to create a dining experience that's both casual and memorable. Their generous portions and family-style feast options make it an ideal choice for both intimate dinners and large gatherings.
Customer reviews consistently praise the restaurant's signature items, particularly their tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and legendary cornbread muffins. The franchise has successfully balanced maintaining traditional BBQ techniques while adapting to modern dining preferences, offering convenient takeout options and catering services for events of all sizes.
For potential franchisees, Famous Dave's represents an opportunity to join a well-established brand in the casual dining sector, backed by proven operational systems and a loyal customer base built over decades of serving quality BBQ.
How much does it cost to start a franchise with Famous Dave's?
- Franchise Fee
- $10,000
- Investment Range
- $70,500 - $6,120,750
- Investment Midpoint
- $3,095,625
- Minimum Cash Required
- $70,500
- Royalty Fees
- 5%
- Brand Fund
- 1%
Established in 1995 with 116 active units, Famous Dave's demonstrates mature franchise infrastructure and proven scalability built over nearly three decades. The system's longevity provides operational stability, though the moderate unit count suggests selective growth rather than aggressive expansion. The BBQ sector benefits from Americans' enduring appetite for comfort food and experiential dining, with barbecue restaurants showing resilience during economic fluctuations.
The investment structure accommodates various investor profiles, from single-unit operators to multi-unit developers seeking portfolio diversification. The wide investment range indicates significant variation in market size, format selection, and real estate costs. Prospective franchisees should possess substantial liquid capital given the premium positioning and restaurant operational complexity.
Ideal candidates include experienced restaurant operators or well-capitalized investors seeking established brand recognition in the competitive casual dining segment. The multiple format options provide territory optimization opportunities, though success requires understanding local market dynamics and operational excellence.
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See the Revenue Potential!
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Financing Details
Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Famous Dave's. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.
Why Financing with Franzy Partners?
Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.
Finance Partners
The franchise's geographic distribution reveals a strategic focus on markets with strong barbecue culture appreciation and middle-income demographics. Particularly successful in suburban areas near metropolitan centers, Famous Dave's has room for expansion in the Southeast and Northeast, where BBQ demand remains strong but presence is limited. The significant concentration of units in the Midwest suggests operational advantages in this region, likely due to established supply chains and brand recognition.
Ideal locations for new franchises typically include areas with: 1) median household incomes above $60,000, 2) population densities of 100,000+ within a 5-mile radius, 3) high visibility sites near major retail corridors, and 4) limited direct BBQ competition. The brand's success in diverse markets from California to Michigan demonstrates adaptability to different regional tastes while maintaining consistent quality standards.
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Track Growth to Gauge Success!
See how this franchise is expanding over time. The net unit growth reveals the health and popularity of the brand—key indicators for a promising investment.
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Executive Team
Get to know the leadership behind Famous Dave's. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Famous Dave's's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Litigation
Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Famous Dave's. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Bankruptcy
Review Famous Dave's's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Franchisor Assistance
Learn about Famous Dave's's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
- Founded in 1995
- Franchising Since 1998
- 81 US Franchises
- $70,500 - $6,120,750 Investment Range
- $2,279,942 Average Gross Revenue
- 5% Royalty Fee
- $10,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Famous Dave's franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingTake our Fit Score survey to see if Famous Dave's is a good match for you.
