What is the initial franchise fee for a single Bonchon Business?
Bonchon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
TEM 5 INITIAL FEES**
If you will open a single Bonchon Business, the Initial Franchise Fee is $35,000 which you must pay in full on the date you sign the Franchise Agreement. Last year, franchisees who qualified for our 2024 development incentive program and met the conditions thereunder paid a reduced Initial Franchise Fee. We will not refund any portion of the Initial Franchise Fee.
If you will operate under an Area Development Agreement (in which case you must agree to develop and operate two or more Bonchon Businesses and Restaurants), you must pay an Area Development Fee equal to: (i) the Initial Franchise Fee for the first Bonchon Business that you will develop, plus a $10,000 deposit for each subsequent Bonchon Business you are required to develop, own and operate (the "Area Development Deposit") when you sign the Area Development Agreement. The Area Development Deposit for each Bonchon Restaurant Business will be applied against the Initial Franchise Fee for that Bonchon Restaurant Business which would otherwise be payable. The Area Development Fee is fully earned when paid and it is not refundable under any circumstances. Your Initial Franchise Fee for each Bonchon Restaurant Business you open under the Area Development Agreement will be calculated according to the
Source: Item 5 — INITIAL FEES (FDD pages 12–13)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bonchon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial franchise fee for a single Bonchon Business is $35,000. This fee is due in full when the Franchise Agreement is signed. Bonchon does not offer refunds on any portion of this initial fee.
However, the 2025 FDD outlines some incentive programs that could reduce this initial fee. For example, veterans of the United States military may qualify for a $10,000 discount on the initial franchise fee for their first Bonchon Business, bringing the fee down to $25,000. To qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements, including providing a DD 214 form and owning a majority interest in the Bonchon Business. This program can be modified or discontinued at Bonchon's discretion.
Existing franchisees can also benefit from a referral program. They can receive a $10,000 referral fee for introducing a prospective franchisee who signs a Franchise Agreement and pays the initial fee within six months of the referral. The referring franchisee must be in good standing and the referral must be documented in writing. This incentive is paid within 60 days of the new franchisee's agreement execution and fee payment, assuming all conditions are met. Bonchon retains the right to change or end this referral program at any time.