Can all Crave Restaurants offer beer and wine?
Crave Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We offer franchises for the right to establish and operate a quick serve "Crave" restaurant or food truck offering hot dogs, other cased meats, barbeque items, beverages, appetizers, and side dishes ("Restaurant", "Express Restaurant", "Food Truck" or "Franchised Business"). Unless otherwise specified, Express Restaurant will also be referred to as Restaurant. If you choose to, and if permitted by your local ordinances, you may also offer beer and wine from your Restaurant. Express Restaurants and Food Trucks will not offer beer and wine. Restaurant outlets of a certain size (approximately 1,800 to 3,500 square feet) may offer axe throwing lanes.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR, AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 6–9)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crave's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, not all Crave locations are permitted to offer beer and wine. Only standard Crave Restaurants have the option to do so, and this is contingent on local ordinances permitting it. Crave Express Restaurants and Food Trucks are specifically excluded from offering beer and wine.
This distinction is important for prospective franchisees to consider, as the ability to sell alcohol can significantly impact revenue. Franchisees should investigate local regulations and assess the potential impact on their business plan. The FDD indicates that Restaurant locations are typically 1,800 to 3,500 square feet, while Express Restaurants are 500 to 1,500 square feet, which may be a factor in deciding which type of franchise to pursue.
Furthermore, the FDD highlights that the restaurant industry is heavily regulated at the Federal, state, and local levels. These regulations cover various aspects of restaurant operations, including zoning, permitting, employee health and safety, customer welfare, and food and liquor service. Franchisees must comply with these laws and regulations, and certain managers and employees may need to complete alcohol awareness or TIPS training.