I Heart Mac and Cheese Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
I Heart Mac & Cheese, launched in 2015 by chef Michael Blum, is a fast-casual dining franchise that reimagines traditional comfort food with a fresh, customizable twist. The company is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, and began offering franchise opportunities in 2017.
The concept revolves around build-your-own mac and cheese bowls and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, where guests can select from an array of pastas, proteins, sauces, and vegetables.
Popular creations such as the “Lobster & White Truffle Mac” cater to upscale tastes, while the inclusion of plant-based and gluten-free items ensures the brand appeals to diverse dietary needs.
What distinguishes I Heart Mac & Cheese in the crowded fast-casual sector is its emphasis on high-quality ingredients, wide-ranging customization, and a menu that blends nostalgia with a modern dining experience.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a I Heart Mac and Cheese franchise? It costs on average between $330,000 – $809,000 to start a I Heart Mac and Cheese franchised restaurant.
This covers expenses such as construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating costs. The total amount can vary based on several factors, including the specific restaurant format selected, the location of the unit, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Real Estate / Rent | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| Utility Deposits | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements / Build Out / Permits | $90,000 – $500,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment; POS | $119,200 – $147,700 |
| Architecture Expenses | $7,600 – $14,000 |
| Insurance | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| Office Equipment and Supplies | $500 – $2,500 |
| Pre-Opening Training Expenses | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Signage | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $5,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $15,000 – $18,000 |
| Business Licenses | $500 – $1,000 |
| Grand Opening Supplies | $3,000 |
| Uniforms | $1,600 – $1,800 |
| Legal & Accounting | $4,000 |
| Dues and Subscriptions | $100 – $500 |
| Audio/Visual/ Security System | $25,000 – $30,000 |
| Additional Funds | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Total | $330,000 – $808,500 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many I Heart Mac and Cheese locations are there?
As of the latest available data, I Heart Mac & Cheese operates approximately 35 locations in total. Of these, 3 are corporate-owned, while the remaining are franchisee-owned restaurants spread throughout the United States.
What is the total investment required to open a I Heart Mac and Cheese franchise?
The total investment required to open a I Heart Mac and Cheese franchise ranges from $330,000 to $809,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a I Heart Mac and Cheese franchise?
The ongoing fees for an I Heart Mac & Cheese franchise consist of a 5% royalty fee on gross sales along with a 3% contribution to the brand fund for marketing and advertising, both of which are paid weekly by franchisees.
What are the financial requirements to become a I Heart Mac and Cheese franchisee?
To qualify as an I Heart Mac & Cheese franchisee, you typically need a minimum net worth of $250,000 and at least $75,000 in liquid capital. These thresholds ensure you possess both sufficient long-term financial strength and readily accessible funds to support the initial stages of the franchise—such as build-out, inventory, and early operations.
Who owns I Heart Mac and Cheese?
The I Heart Mac & Cheese franchise is owned by I Heart Mac & Cheese Franchising LLC, a privately held company headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, which oversees the brand’s operations and franchise expansion across the United States and Puerto Rico.
Disclaimer
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