Chick ‘n’ Sours is a fast-casual restaurant chain that focuses on serving unique chicken dishes paired with craft sour drinks. The brand has made a name for itself by combining two popular food and beverage trends: crispy, flavorful fried chicken and tangy, refreshing sour cocktails and non-alcoholic sours.
Founded in the mid-2010s, Chick ‘n’ Sours started as a small local spot but quickly grew in popularity. The brand stands out for its fun atmosphere, trendy menu, and emphasis on quality ingredients. Customers love the mix of comfort food with a twist and the creative drink options that complement the chicken perfectly.
The concept is simple yet very appealing. Customers can enjoy hand-battered chicken tenders, sandwiches, and wings served with various sauces, alongside carefully crafted sour drinks, including lemonades, teas, and alcoholic options like sours and cocktails. The vibrant, youthful vibe and Instagram-friendly dishes make Chick ‘n’ Sours especially popular among millennials and Gen Z customers.
Cost of Joining Chick ‘n’ Sours Franchise
Starting a Chick ‘n’ Sours franchise requires an initial investment. Like most food franchises, the costs can vary depending on location, size of the store, and other factors.
Initial Franchise Fee
The first cost you will pay is the franchise fee. For Chick ‘n’ Sours, this fee typically ranges from $35,000 to $50,000. This fee gives you the rights to use the Chick ‘n’ Sours brand name, its business model, recipes, and operational support.
Total Initial Investment
The total investment to open a Chick ‘n’ Sours franchise generally falls between $400,000 and $700,000. This includes:
Leasehold improvements: Setting up the kitchen and dining area.
Equipment costs: Fryers, refrigerators, ovens, and point-of-sale systems.
Initial inventory: Food and drink supplies to get started.
Marketing and grand opening: Advertising and promotions for launch.
Working capital: Funds for operating expenses during the first few months.
Ongoing Fees
As a franchisee, you will pay ongoing fees to Chick ‘n’ Sours:
Royalty fee: Usually around 5-6% of your gross sales.
Marketing fee: Typically about 2% of sales, which goes towards national and local advertising campaigns.
Conditions for Joining Chick ‘n’ Sours Franchise
Not everyone can become a Chick ‘n’ Sours franchise owner. The company has certain conditions and qualifications you must meet to protect the brand and ensure success.
Financial Requirements
You need to have liquid assets (cash or assets easily converted to cash) of at least $150,000 to $200,000.
Your net worth should generally be around $500,000 or more.
These financial requirements ensure you have enough capital to open the store and cover unexpected costs.
Experience
While you do not need to be a chef or have restaurant experience, Chick ‘n’ Sours prefers franchisees who have some background in business or management.
Experience in food service or hospitality is a plus, but not mandatory.
The brand provides full training, so a willingness to learn and follow their system is essential.
Location
Chick ‘n’ Sours looks for franchisees who can secure good retail locations. Ideal spots are in busy shopping centers, near college campuses, or in urban neighborhoods with high foot traffic.
The brand also evaluates the local market to ensure there is demand for their concept before approving new franchise locations.
Commitment
Being a Chick ‘n’ Sours franchisee means you need to be actively involved in the business or hire qualified managers.
The company wants owners who will maintain high standards and build the brand’s reputation locally.
The Process of Joining Chick ‘n’ Sours Franchise
If you decide to pursue a Chick ‘n’ Sours franchise, here is the general step-by-step process you can expect:
Step 1: Initial Inquiry
Visit the Chick ‘n’ Sours official website or contact their franchising team.
Fill out a franchise inquiry form providing your basic information and interest.
Step 2: Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
After initial qualification, Chick ‘n’ Sours will send you their Franchise Disclosure Document.
The FDD contains important legal and financial details about the franchise, costs, obligations, and company background.
Take your time to review this document carefully and consult a lawyer or financial advisor if needed.
Step 3: Application and Interview
Submit a formal franchise application with detailed personal and financial information.
You will have an interview or phone call with the franchise development team to discuss your goals, experience, and suitability.
The company may also do background and credit checks.
Step 4: Approval and Franchise Agreement
If approved, you will receive the franchise agreement.
This legal contract outlines your rights and responsibilities as a Chick ‘n’ Sours franchisee.
Sign the agreement and pay the initial franchise fee.
Step 5: Training
Attend the Chick ‘n’ Sours training program.
Training usually lasts several weeks and covers operations, marketing, food preparation, and customer service.
You will learn everything you need to run the franchise according to brand standards.
Step 6: Site Selection and Build-Out
Work with the franchisor to select a location.
Chick ‘n’ Sours provides support for lease negotiations and store design.
Construction and equipment installation will follow, preparing your store for opening.
Step 7: Pre-Opening Marketing and Hiring
The franchisor assists with marketing campaigns to create buzz before launch.
Hire and train your staff with guidance from the company.
Step 8: Grand Opening
Open your Chick ‘n’ Sours franchise to the public.
Expect support from the franchisor during the opening phase to ensure a smooth start.
Step 9: Ongoing Support
Chick ‘n’ Sours continues to provide operational help, marketing materials, and new product development.
Regular check-ins and performance reviews help maintain quality.
Details of the Chick ‘n’ Sours Franchise Profit
Owning a Chick ‘n’ Sours franchise can be profitable if managed well. Like any restaurant, success depends on location, management skills, customer service, and controlling costs.
Revenue Potential
The average Chick ‘n’ Sours location can expect gross sales between $1 million and $2 million per year, depending on the market.
High-traffic urban stores tend to perform better.
Profit Margins
Fast-casual chicken restaurants typically operate with a net profit margin between 10-15%.
This means that after all expenses, a well-run Chick ‘n’ Sours franchise could make $100,000 to $300,000 in net profit annually.
Conclusion
The Chick ‘n’ Sours franchise offers a unique and trendy dining concept that appeals to a wide customer base. Its combination of delicious chicken and refreshing sour drinks creates a memorable experience that stands out in the crowded fast-casual market.
With an initial investment ranging from $400,000 to $700,000 and a franchise fee between $35,000 and $50,000, Chick ‘n’ Sours is accessible to serious entrepreneurs with adequate capital and commitment. The franchisor has clear financial and experience requirements to maintain high standards across all locations.
The franchise process is straightforward, from inquiry and application to training and grand opening, with strong support throughout. Profitability can be strong with the right location and management, making Chick ‘n’ Sours a promising opportunity for restaurant business owners.
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