What is the estimated range for pre-opening training expenses for a Bonchon fast casual restaurant?
Bonchon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ment of their first Bonchon Business.
[2] We provide the Initial Training Program for you (if the franchisee is an individual) or your Operating Principal (if franchisee is a business entity) and your General Manager, Manager and Area Manager at no charge. If you or your Operating Principal will not be overseeing the management of the Restaurant's daily operations on a full-time basis, then you or your Operating Principal (as applicable) must either attend and successfully complete our Initial Training Program or Partner Training Program, which we will provide free of cost. If you replace your Operating Principal, General Manager, Manager or Area Manager, then we may charge you a replacement training fee of up to $5,500 per trainee. The replacement training cost will not apply to any replacement Operating Principal, General Manager, Manager or Area Manager who has already attended and successfully completed the Initial Training Program or the Partner Training Program (as applicable). You must pay all of your trainees' living and transportation expenses. Travel expenses depend on where your home base is located, whether you and your trainees can commute by car to our training base, and the number of people receiving the Initial Training Program or Partner Training Program. Lodging and food expenses depend on the number of people being trained and the class of accommodation. You pay all these expenses. The range of cost covers the expenses for the trainees who will attend a fifteen-day Initial Training Program or Partner Training Program and the expenses you will incur during the on-site opening training and assistance that we will provide during the 12-14 days surrounding the opening of your Restaurant. See Item 11.
If you are entering into a Franchise Agreement for your first, second or third Restaurant, then we will send 3 to 4 trainers to your Restaurant (depending on the Restaurant Concept that you will operate) for a period of 12–14 days surrounding your Restaurant's opening to provide you with onsite training and assistance. While there is no fee for the actual training, you will be responsible for our trainers' lodging, travel and meals expenses. To cover these expenses, you will be required to pay us an On-Site Opening Training and Assistance Fee equal to: (i) $6,500 if you will be operating a Fast Casual, Delivery and Carryout Only, or Remote Kitchen Restaurant or (ii) $9,500 if you will be operating a Dine-In Restaurant. The On-Site Opening Training and Assistance Fee is i
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT YOUR ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT\ (FDD pages 24–37)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bonchon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees receive initial training for themselves (or their Operating Principal), General Manager, Manager, and Area Manager at no charge. However, the franchisee is responsible for covering all living and transportation expenses for these trainees. The cost depends on the distance to the training base and the class of accommodation chosen. These expenses cover a 15-day Initial Training Program or Partner Training Program, as well as on-site opening training and assistance provided during the 12-14 days surrounding the restaurant's opening.
Additionally, if a franchisee is opening their first, second, or third restaurant, Bonchon will send 3 to 4 trainers to the restaurant for 12–14 days to provide on-site training and assistance. While there is no fee for the actual training, the franchisee must pay an On-Site Opening Training and Assistance Fee. For a Fast Casual restaurant, this fee is $6,500, which covers the trainers' lodging, travel, and meals expenses. This fee is included in the estimated cost range provided in the FDD.
In summary, while Bonchon does not charge tuition for the initial training program, a franchisee must budget for the trainees' living and travel costs, as well as a $6,500 On-Site Opening Training and Assistance Fee for a Fast Casual restaurant. These pre-opening training expenses are crucial for ensuring that the franchisee and their staff are well-prepared to operate the Bonchon restaurant according to the brand's standards.