What is the estimated range for liquor license costs for a Caption By Hyatt franchise?
Caption_By_Hyatt Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
NITIAL INVESTMENT**
YOUR ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT
| . Type of expenditure | Amount | Method of Payment | When due | To whom payment is to be made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New development application fee or change of ownership application fee(1) |
Source: Item 7 — Estimated Initial Investment (FDD pages 36–40)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Caption By Hyatt's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated cost for a liquor license ranges from $30,000 to $400,000. These costs are payable as agreed upon and are due as incurred to either a government agency or the previous license holder. The wide range in cost is due to the varying regulations and market conditions across different jurisdictions.
The FDD notes that in most jurisdictions, the cost will likely be on the lower end of the range. However, in areas where a liquor license is considered an asset or in 'quota' cities or states where licenses must be purchased on the open market, the costs could be significantly higher, potentially reaching or even exceeding the upper end of the estimated range. Caption By Hyatt requires that the liquor license obtained includes beer, wine, and full spirits, as permitted by local laws.
It's important to note that if a Caption By Hyatt franchisee engages a third-party Food & Beverage Operator, they might not need to obtain a liquor license at all, depending on local regulations. This could substantially reduce the initial investment required. Prospective franchisees should investigate the specific requirements and market conditions in their chosen location to accurately estimate the cost of obtaining a liquor license, or explore the possibility of using a third-party operator to avoid this cost altogether.