What is the total non-refundable initial franchise fee for a Browns Chicken franchise?
Browns_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
use one or more additional or substitute trademarks or service marks, within a reasonable time after notice thereof by Brown. Franchisee shall be responsible for the expenses to modify or discontinue the use of a Mark and/or to substitute a trademark or service mark for a discontinued Mark.
18. INITIAL FRANCHISE FEE.
Franchisee shall pay to Brown a non-recurring and non-refundable initial franchise fee for the Franchise in the amount of Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00), Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00) of which shall be payable upon the signing of the Preliminary Agreement by Franchisee, with the balance due and payable prior to the opening of the Store. The initial franchise fee will be fully earned by Brown upon execution of this Agreement, and non-refundable, provided that if Brown elects to terminate the Fran
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Browns Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the standard initial franchise fee is $25,000. This fee is generally non-refundable, which means that once paid, it will not be returned to the franchisee under most circumstances.
The FDD specifies that $15,000 of this fee is due upon signing the Preliminary Agreement. The remaining balance is due before the Browns Chicken store opens. This phased payment structure may help franchisees manage their initial investment.
However, there is a conditional exception to the non-refundability. If Browns Chicken terminates the franchise agreement because the franchisee fails to complete the training program satisfactorily, Browns Chicken may refund the initial franchise fee, but will deduct any expenses they incurred related to granting the franchise and training the franchisee. This exception provides a limited safety net for franchisees who are unable to meet the training requirements, but it's important to note that Browns Chicken will still deduct their expenses. Browns Chicken fully earns the initial franchise fee upon the execution of the Franchise Agreement.