Hickory River Smokehouse Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Hickory River Smokehouse is an award-winning barbecue restaurant chain specializing in authentic Texas-style barbecue. Founded on January 16, 1995, by Brad and Krista Bowman in Urbana, Illinois, the venture began as a family effort under the name Longhorn Smokehouse.
The Bowmans aimed to bring the unique flavors of Texas barbecue to the Midwest, and their commitment to quality and tradition quickly garnered a loyal customer base.
In 2000, recognizing the popularity of their recipes, the Bowmans decided to franchise the Hickory River Smokehouse concept. This expansion led to additional locations across Illinois and Ohio, including Springfield, Peoria, Champaign, and Tipp City.
Each restaurant features an on-site smokehouse, where meats are dry-rubbed with a signature spice blend and smoked low and slow over hickory wood, ensuring a tender and flavorful experience.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Hickory River Smokehouse franchise? It costs on average between $804,000 – $1,085,000 to start a Hickory River Smokehouse franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, kitchen equipment, smoking units, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact investment varies based on factors such as the restaurant’s size, location, and whether the franchisee opts to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment | $315,000 – $430,000 |
| Signage | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Computer System/POS | $4,500 – $6,500 |
| Lease & Utility Security Deposits | $500 – $15,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Insurance | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Training | $18,000 – $29,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising/Marketing | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Beer and Wine License | $750 – $5,000 |
| Professional Fees | $1,000 – $10,000 |
| Business License and Permits | $250 – $1,000 |
| Opening Team Travel Expenses | $6,500 – $8,000 |
| Additional Funds (3-month period) | $60,000 – $75,000 |
| TOTAL | $804,000 – $1,084,500 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Hickory River Smokehouse franchise? A Hickory River Smokehouse franchised restaurant makes on average $1,538,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $1,536,000 yearly revenue for similar steakhouse & grill franchises. Below are a few Hickory River Smokehouse competitors as a comparison:
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Hickory River Smokehouse Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Hickory River Smokehouse locations are there?
As of the latest available data, Hickory River Smokehouse operates six locations across Illinois and Ohio. All six are franchise-owned.
What is the total investment required to open a Hickory River Smokehouse franchise?
The total investment required to open a Hickory River Smokehouse franchise ranges from $804,000 to $1,085,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Hickory River Smokehouse franchise?
As a Hickory River Smokehouse franchisee, you are required to pay an ongoing royalty fee of 4% of your gross sales. This fee grants you continued access to the brand’s established systems, support, and trademarks.
What are the financial requirements to become a Hickory River Smokehouse franchisee?
To become a Hickory River Smokehouse franchisee, you should have a minimum of $300,000 in liquid capital. This ensures you have sufficient funds to cover initial expenses and maintain operations during the startup phase.
How much can a Hickory River Smokehouse franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Hickory River Smokehouse franchise are approximately $1.54 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $1.54 million yearly revenue can result in $231,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Hickory River Smokehouse?
Hickory River Smokehouse is owned by its founders, Brad and Krista Bowman, who established the first restaurant in Urbana, Illinois, in 1995.
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