What is the maximum estimated cost for the buildout of a Browns Chicken restaurant?
Browns_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Expenditures | Range | When Due | To Whom Payments Are to be Made |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 | $15,000 when you sign the Preliminary Agreement, the balance when upon store opening. | Brown |
| Rent & Security | $8,000 to | As negotiated with Landlord | Landlord |
| Deposit | $40,000 | ||
| Buildout of | $150,000 to | As incurred | Contractors, vendors |
| Restaurant | $600,000 | ||
| Buildout of Video | $0 - $2,000 | As incurred | Contractor |
| Gaming Area | |||
| Equipment Costs | $150,000 to | Time of purchase | Brown, vendors |
| (includes signage) | $500,000 | ||
| Inventory for initial 2 | $8,000 to | Time of purchase | Vendors |
| weeks | $20,000 | ||
| Additional Funds (3 month estimate) | $25,000 to $52,000 | As incurred | Brown’s insurance companies, vendors, utilities, governmental agencies, etc. |
| ESTIMATED | $366,000 to | ||
| TOTAL: | $1,239,000 |
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 16–18)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Browns Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the cost for the buildout of a restaurant varies depending on the type of location. For a standard restaurant buildout, the cost ranges from $150,000 to $600,000. Additionally, there may be costs associated with a video gaming area build-out, estimated between $0 and $2,000.
Browns Chicken franchisees are responsible for preparing architectural plans, site surveys, and obtaining necessary permits and licenses. They must also purchase or lease and install all required equipment, fixtures, furniture, and signs. Furthermore, franchisees are responsible for constructing all required improvements to the premises in compliance with Browns Chicken's approved plans and all applicable laws.
It is important to note that these figures represent only the buildout costs. Other significant expenses include the franchise fee, real estate (which can range from $150,000 to $1,500,000 depending on whether it is vacant land, a shell building, or purchasing existing real estate), equipment, inventory, and additional funds for the first three months of operation. These costs can significantly increase the total initial investment for a Browns Chicken franchise, potentially reaching up to $2,699,000 depending on the chosen location type and associated real estate costs.