Top 10 BBQ Franchises for 2023

Americans have this ongoing love affair with barbecue. As proof, many holidays (4th of July, Father’s Day, and Labor Day. etc.) are celebrated with backyard grilling. So, if you’re looking for a rewarding business, a bbq franchise may be the perfect choice. Below are ten of the best options for 2023:

1. VooDoo BBQ & Grill

Bursting with flavors of New Orleans and the Caribbean, VooDoo BBQ & Grill is soul food for the bbq hungry. This company takes pride in helping its franchisees even before you open. They will provide you with management training, site selection, and even restaurant design.

To start your own VooDoo BBQ & Grill, prepare your initial investment of $350,000 to $600,000. You will need a liquid capital of $100,000 and a $600,000 net worth. If you’re a qualified military veteran, you get a 5% discount on fees.

2. Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque

One of the fastest-growing, fast-casual barbeque restaurants in the US today, Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque is an excellent franchise option. It is looking to expand and serve more of its Texas and the Carolinas flavor for barbecue. If you want to own one of New York’s “10 Best Restaurants in 2013,” this is what you’ll have to spend:

Get your $250,000 liquid capital ready and show them your net worth of $500,000. You will then pay the company its initial franchise fee of $45,000 and the initial investment of $494,317 to $896,334.

3. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ 

If you want to serve a unique dining experience, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is an excellent bbq franchise opportunity. The customers will sit at tables with miniature grills where they’ll cook various cuts of beef, pork, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and many more.

Pay its franchise fee of $50,000, so you can start serving your own Japanese bbq. You will also pay an initial investment of between $781,793 and $2,110,500. You must have a net worth of more than $2 million, with at least $500,000 in liquid assets.

4. Red Hot & Blue

A blues-themed restaurant chain, Red Hot & Blue is a great choice for a bbq franchise. It has been named one of “The USA’S Best Barbecue Chains,” according to the Daily Meal. It was chosen because of its popularity in the area, its adherence to traditional low and slow barbecue techniques, and many other criteria.

Red Hot & Blue has an initial franchise fee of $45,000 and an initial; investment estimate of $380,700 to $1,000,000. You will be required to pay a 5% royalty fee once granted franchise rights.

5. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

Another themed barbecue restaurant, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, is a bbq franchise worth checking out. It has been named in Technomic’s Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report as one of the highest-grossing brands in the US. It serves not only Hawaiian food items but also Asian-inspired dishes.

To be considered for a franchise, you’ll need to pay its initial franchise fee of $30,000. The estimated initial investment ranges from $135,700 to $527,000. You will pay a 3 to 4% royalty fee once approved for a franchise.

6. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Specializing in freshly prepared barbecue-style meats, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is a solid franchise option. With more than 80 years of bbq experience in over 550 BBQ restaurants in 44 states, this is a solid investment opportunity.

The initial franchise fee for Dickey’s ranges from $15,000 to $20,000. It is one of the more affordable choices as its estimated investment cost is around $82,466 to $525,112. A 6% royalty fee will be deducted from your net sales.

7. Bar-B-Cutie SmokeHouse

This bbq franchise has a special place for veterans when it comes to franchising. The company believes they are the best fit to own a Bar-B-Cutie SmokeHouse. This is why they’re giving honorably discharged veterans 20% off their first franchise fee.

To start serving Bar-B-Cutie SmokeHouse goodness, you need to pay an initial franchise fee of $35,000. The estimated total investment cost ranges from $663,649 to $2,080,491. You also need to have a minimum liquid capital of $200,000.

8. Urban Bar-B-Que

Founded in 2003, Urban Bar-B-Que, the company believes in combining different Bar-B-Que traditions and that you can’t rush perfection. This is part of the five principles they adhere to: quality, people, freedom, community, and fun. 

To own an Urban Bar-B-Que franchise, prepare your initial investment cost, which can go from $182,650 to $365,150. You also need to pay its initial franchise fee of $30,000, with a 6% royalty fee on net sales.

9. Billy Sims Barbecue

Named after its founder, accomplished athlete, and successful entrepreneur, Billy Sims, the Billys Sims Barbecue franchise is another excellent business option. It has fifteen years of barbecuing experience in over 50 locations in six states, so you can be sure of its viability.

To serve its barbecued food items, which include smoked sausages, chicken, ribs, pork, and beef, you need to pay an initial franchise fee of $30,000. You need to have a working capital of $12,000 to $25,000 and pay the initial investment cost of $174,200 to $446,100.

10. Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ

One of the newest bbq franchises on this list, Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ, serves delectable chicken wings, pulled pork, and hot dogs. One of its famous attractions is its self-pour beer wall, where customers can enjoy various beer, wine, and cider options.

Getting a Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ franchise will require you to pay the initial franchise fee of $35,000. The total initial investment goes between $190,400 and $512,500. And just like Bar-B-Cutie SmokeHouse, veterans get a discount.

Final Thoughts

This list of the best bbq franchises should narrow down your choices. It will now depend on your budget and what you want to offer your customers. While this article lists the costs for each, it’s still a recommendation to check out the website of your preferred bbq franchise. And for other franchise opportunities, read more here at Franchise HOW!