 
  |   | Dave’s Hot Chicken Franchise ProfileRestaurant Franchises > Quick-Service Restaurants | 
To open a Dave’s Hot Chicken franchise, you’ll need to prepare for a significant initial investment ranging from $615,800 to $1,825,000. This includes a franchise fee of $40,000. Additionally, you’ll face ongoing royalty fees of 5% and a marketing fee of 2%. It's essential to have a net worth between $500,000 and $1,000,000 to qualify for franchise ownership, ensuring you have the financial stability to support your new venture.
Dave’s Hot Chicken franchises have shown promising revenue potential, with an average annual revenue of approximately $1,500,000 per unit. The median revenue also stands at $1,000,000, indicating a strong market presence. Franchisees can expect a breakeven time of around 12 months, which reflects a favorable investment payback period. With consistent performance, franchise owners can achieve solid financial returns in a competitive market.
Running a Dave’s Hot Chicken franchise involves various operational costs, which can total between $50,300 and $171,000 annually. Key expenses include office supplies, uniforms, insurance deposits, and pre-opening costs such as rent and labor. Understanding these costs is crucial for effective budgeting and financial planning, as they significantly impact your overall profitability.
Dave’s Hot Chicken has experienced rapid growth, expanding from just 7 units in 2020 to 96 units by 2022. This increase includes 78 franchised units, indicating a strong demand for the brand. As a franchisee, you’ll be entering a growing market with a proven business model. Capitalizing on this trend can provide significant opportunities for success and expansion in the fast-casual dining sector.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Franchise Financial Requirements
Below, you’ll find an overview of the initial investment needed to launch the business, along with the ongoing fees required by the franchisor to maintain operations over time.
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Dave’s Hot Chicken Franchise Unit Growth Summary
A breakdown of corporate, franchised, and total units, with yearly net changes.
Total Units
Franchised Units
Corporate Units
| Units | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 7 | 36 | 96 | 
| Net Change YoY | 29 | 60 | |
| Franchised Units | 1 | 22 | 78 | 
| Net Change YoY | 21 | 56 | |
| Corporate Units | 6 | 14 | 18 | 
| Net Change YoY | 8 | 4 | 
The initial investment to open a Dave’s Hot Chicken franchise ranges from $615,800 to $1,825,000. This includes the franchise fee of $40,000, which is a one-time payment required to join the franchise system. The overall investment encompasses various startup costs such as equipment, leasehold improvements, and initial inventory, making it essential for prospective franchisees to carefully evaluate their financial readiness.
Dave’s Hot Chicken franchises have shown promising financial metrics, with average annual revenue per unit at approximately $1,500,000. The cost of goods sold (COGS) is around 40% of revenue, leading to a gross profit margin of 60%. Operating expenses account for about 50% of revenue, resulting in an EBITDA of 10%. These figures highlight the potential profitability of owning a franchise in this growing brand.
Franchisees are required to pay a royalty fee of 5% of gross sales, along with a marketing fee of 2%. These fees contribute to the overall brand marketing efforts and operational support provided by the franchisor, ensuring that franchisees benefit from a strong brand presence and ongoing assistance.
The breakeven time for a Dave’s Hot Chicken franchise is estimated at 12 months, which indicates a relatively quick return on investment. Additionally, franchisees can expect to recoup their initial investment within the same timeframe, making it an attractive opportunity for those looking to enter the fast-casual dining market.
The growth of Dave’s Hot Chicken has been significant, with the number of franchised units increasing from just 1 in 2020 to 78 in 2022. This rapid expansion reflects the brand's popularity and the increasing demand for its unique offerings, positioning new franchisees to enter a thriving market.
Dave’s Hot Chicken operates under a corporate structure that includes both franchised and corporate-owned units. In 2022, there were a total of 96 units, with 78 being franchised and 18 corporate-owned. This balance allows for a strong support system for franchisees while maintaining brand consistency across all locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The initial investment for a Dave’s Hot Chicken franchise ranges from $615,800 to $1,825,000. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, leasehold improvements, and other startup costs.
 
    