Famous Daves
Famous Dave's franchises authentic barbecue restaurants offering smoked ribs, chicken, and burgers. Known for its hickory-smoked meats and casual dining atmosphere, it operates in the competitive quick-service restaurant sector.
About Famous Daves
Famous Dave's of America, Inc. is a chain of barbecue restaurants primarily located in the Midwestern United States, serving pork ribs, chicken, beef brisket, and several flavors of barbecue sauce. Dave Anderson, an Ojibwe-Choctaw who served as the head of the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs from 2004 to 2005, started the first Famous Dave's restaurant near Hayward, Wisconsin in 1994. The restaurant chain grew throughout the United States and Puerto Rico in 2014, though all of Famous Dave's Puerto Rico locations closed after Hurricane Maria. It has 111 locations in 30 U.S. states as of 2026 and four international locations, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, and Winnipeg.
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Famous Daves franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to open a new Famous Dave's® Restaurant ranges widely depending on whether you lease or purchase the premises. If leasing, the range is from $464,750 to $2,910,750, including $95,750 to $135,750 that must be paid to the franchisor [p.1]. If purchasing, the range increases significantly to between $864,750 and $4,510,750, with $60,000 to $115,000 also due to the franchisor for this option [p.1].
What is the initial franchise fee?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The provided FDD excerpts discuss the recognition and deferral of fees but do not specify the amount of the initial franchise fee.
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The franchisee must spend at least 1.5% of their quarterly and annual revenues on approved local advertising [p.56]. Additionally, there is no specific mention of ongoing royalty fees in the provided excerpts; however, it can be inferred that there are ongoing fees as the FDD discusses reacquisition fees and other unspecified fees [p.188] and mentions the use of a Fund for various expenses including advertising [p.56, p.157]. For precise details on royalty fees, you would need to refer to the current standard franchise agreement or contact Famous Dave's directly.
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The duration of the initial franchise agreement isn't specified in the excerpts. However, according to [p.188], you have the right to reacquire the franchise for an additional 10-year term under certain conditions, provided that the term of your current agreement is ending.
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
The franchisor can refuse to permit a transfer of ownership of your franchise except for good cause [p.6, p.88, p.267]. Good cause is not defined in the excerpts but may include specific reasons determined by the franchisor [p.88]. This restriction does not prevent the franchisor from exercising a right of first refusal to purchase the franchise [p.6, p.88, p.267].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor can terminate the agreement for good cause, which includes the franchisee's failure to comply with any lawful provision of the franchise agreement and not curing such failure within a reasonable time frame after receiving written notice [p.92, p.4, p.6, p.88].
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory. You may face competition from other Famous Dave's locations and other channels of distribution controlled by Famous Dave's. The Designated Area around your Franchised Location is non-exclusive, and Famous Dave's retains the right to develop other restaurant concepts or Famous Dave's Restaurants in certain specified areas within your Designated Area [p.58, p.186].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor, Famous Dave's, provides an opening team to assist with implementing the restaurant system and training staff for a new franchisee's first location. This support includes between 7 to 14 consecutive days of assistance at the new restaurant [p.252, p.257]. Additionally, Famous Dave's may solicit non-cash support from suppliers for events like conventions, which it attempts to pass on to franchisees where possible [p.48]. However, specific ongoing training and support beyond the initial opening are not detailed in these excerpts.
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor, Famous Dave's, does not make any financial performance representations other than the historical figures compiled from franchisees' reports [p.70]. However, if you are purchasing an existing outlet, Famous Dave's may provide actual records of that outlet [p.70]. This isn't specified in the excerpts for new franchises.
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are generally allowed to sell the products and services specified in the franchise agreement, but you may be required to purchase certain items from the franchisor or a limited group of suppliers designated by them [p.4]. This could potentially result in higher costs compared to sourcing these items independently [p.4].