The Budlong Hot Chicken Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
The Budlong Hot Chicken was established in 2016 in Chicago, Illinois, with a mission to introduce the Midwest to the fiery flavors of Nashville-style hot chicken. The concept quickly gained attention for its authentic Southern influence, offering crispy chicken sandwiches, tenders, and classic comfort foods such as mac and cheese and banana pudding.
Headquartered in Chicago, the brand entered franchising in 2023 through Craveworthy Brands, guided by industry veteran Gregg Majewski, the former CEO of Jimmy John’s.
What sets The Budlong apart is its carefully crafted, chef-inspired menu that emphasizes freshness and flavor. Every dish is made to order, giving guests the option to select their heat level.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a The Budlong Hot Chicken franchise? It costs on average between $183,000 – $995,000 to start a The Budlong Hot Chicken franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Architect/Engineering Fee | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Business License & Permits | $1,000 – $10,000 |
| Liquor License | $0 – $10,000 |
| Rent – First 3 Months | $10,000 – $40,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $30,000 – $400,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Decor | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Equipment | $15,000 – $250,000 |
| Smallwares | $7,500 – $9,500 |
| Insurance | $3,000 – $7,500 |
| Miscellaneous Opening Costs | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Training Costs: Travel and Living Expenses While Training | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Opening Inventory | $7,500 – $15,000 |
| Signage | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Professional Fees | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| Uniforms | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Computer, Point of Sale System, Maintenance, and Office Equipment & Supplies | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $10,000 |
| Additional Funds – First 3 Months | $15,000 – $45,000 |
| TOTAL (Excluding Real Estate Cost) | $183,000 – $994,500 |
Download the Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many The Budlong Hot Chicken locations are there?
The Budlong Hot Chicken currently operates 5 company-owned restaurants, with no franchise-owned locations at this time.
What is the total investment required to open a The Budlong Hot Chicken franchise?
The total investment required to open a The Budlong Hot Chicken franchise ranges from $183,000 to $995,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a The Budlong Hot Chicken franchise?
The Budlong Hot Chicken franchise charges a 6% royalty fee on gross sales and requires a 4% marketing fund contribution. The marketing fee is divided between national advertising at 2.5% and local store marketing at 1.5%.
What are the financial requirements to become a The Budlong Hot Chicken franchisee?
To become a The Budlong Hot Chicken franchisee, candidates are required to meet specific financial qualifications. The franchisor expects a minimum net worth of $1,000,000 along with at least $500,000 in liquid capital.
Who owns The Budlong Hot Chicken?
The Budlong Hot Chicken franchise is owned by Craveworthy Brands, a restaurant group led by former Jimmy John’s CEO Gregg Majewski.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
