What is the estimated high amount for utility deposits and business licenses for a Bojangles restaurant?
Bojangles Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of Expenditure | Estimated Low Amount | Estimated High Amount | Method of Payment | When Due | To whom payment is to be made |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee1 | $20,000 | $20,000 | Lump Sum | At signing of Franchise Agreement | Us |
| Insurance2 | $5,000 | $21,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Insurers |
| Pre-opening salaries, training materials, travel, living expenses during initial training3 | $144,550 | $166,500 | As arranged and as incurred | During training | Employees, suppliers of food, training materials and lodging |
| Upfitting costs4 | $327,000 | $705,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Contractors and Suppliers |
| Equipment, furniture, | $231,000 | $702,500 | As arranged | As incurred | Suppliers |
| signage and fixtures5 | |||||
| Initial inventory6 | $20,000 | $62,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Suppliers |
| Utility deposits & business licenses7 | $220 | $23,500 | As arranged | As incurred | Utility Companies, Government Authorities |
| Additional funds8 | $30,900 | $186,400 | As arranged | As incurred | Employees, |
| (3 months initial | insurers, | ||||
| phase) | suppliers | ||||
| Total10 | $778,670 | $1,886,900 | (Does not include real estate acquisition or leasehold costs.9) |
Source: Item 9 — Initial inventory. The estimate covers initial inventory of products, including food and paper products, and cleaning, office and general supplies for the opening of the Restaurant. (FDD pages 27–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bojangles's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated high amount for utility deposits and business licenses is $23,500. This figure represents the higher end of the range that a new franchisee might expect to pay to utility companies and government authorities to get their Bojangles restaurant connected to utilities and properly licensed to operate. The low end of this range is estimated to be $220. Utility deposits are generally refundable based on the utility company's terms.
The FDD notes that the amount of utility deposits will vary depending upon the practices of the utility companies. Additionally, the locality in which the Bojangles restaurant is placed may require a business license, which may require the franchisee to pay a fee. There may also be impact fees or other like development fees charged by the municipal authority or utility company.
This initial investment is paid as arranged and as incurred to utility companies and government authorities. It is important for prospective franchisees to budget accordingly and to contact local utility companies and government authorities to determine the specific costs in their area. Understanding these costs is crucial for accurate financial planning when opening a Bojangles franchise.