What is the estimated range of costs associated with pre-opening salaries, training materials, travel, and living expenses during the initial training phase for a Bojangles franchise?
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 Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee1 | $35,000 | $35,000 | 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 | During training | Employees, suppliers of food, training materials and lodging |
| Site selection4 | $100 | $10,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Suppliers |
| Building5 | $1,100,000 | $1,300,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Suppliers, contractors |
| Site work6 | $625,000 | $1,135,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Suppliers, contractors |
| Soft costs7 | $140,000 | $200,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Service providers; government authorities |
| Equipment, furniture, | $550,000 | $690,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Suppliers |
| signage and fixtures8 | |||||
| Initial inventory9 | $20,000 | $62,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Suppliers |
| Utility deposits & business licenses10 | $220 | $23,500 | As arranged | As incurred | Utility Companies, Government Authorities |
| Additional funds11 (3 months initial phase) | $31,000 | $186,400 | As arranged | As incurred | Employees, insurers, suppliers |
| Total12 | $2,650,870 | $3,829,400 | (Does not include real estate acquisition or leasehold costs.) |
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 24–27)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bojangles's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated cost for pre-opening salaries, training materials, travel, and living expenses during the initial training phase ranges from $144,550 to $166,500. This investment covers the expenses associated with sending seven to nine people, plus the Managing Owner and Designated Operator, to Bojangles's initial training program. While Bojangles provides the instructors, the franchisee is responsible for purchasing instructional materials and arranging transportation, food, and lodging for themselves and their employees. The cost will vary depending on the distance traveled and the type of accommodations chosen, estimated at $205 to $225 per day per person in training.
In addition to travel and accommodation costs, franchisees must also pay wages to their employees during training. However, the estimate of $144,550 to $166,500 does not include salaries for the Managing Owner or Designated Operator. This means franchisees should budget separately for compensating these key personnel during the training period. These pre-opening costs are due during the training period and are paid to employees and suppliers of food, training materials, and lodging.
Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these costs when planning their initial investment. The actual expenses may fluctuate based on the number of employees sent for training, their wage rates, the distance they need to travel, and the type of accommodations selected. It is prudent to obtain detailed quotes for training materials, travel, and lodging to refine this estimate and ensure adequate funding is available during the pre-opening phase. Understanding these costs is crucial for a smooth and successful launch of a Bojangles franchise.