Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)

Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill is a quick-service restaurant franchise known for serving Japanese-inspired meals made with fresh ingredients. The concept was established in 1994 in Scottsdale, Arizona, by John Young, David Young, Kerry Phelps, and Russ Schoene, with the vision of offering a nutritious alternative to traditional fast food.

The brand began franchising in 1995, launching its first location just a year after its founding, and continues to operate its headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Its menu highlights include rice and yakisoba noodle bowls topped with grilled proteins, crisp vegetables, and its signature teriyaki sauce. Guests can also enjoy wraps, salads, and grilled egg rolls, all crafted to be both flavorful and affordable.

What sets Samurai Sam’s apart is its focus on healthier dining choices, its exclusive teriyaki sauce recipe, and customizable options like riceless bowls. This dedication to fresh, flavorful, and health-conscious meals positions the franchise strongly within the competitive Asian fast-casual market.

Initial Investment

How much does it cost to start a Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill franchise? It costs on average between $113,000 – $623,000 to start a Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill franchised restaurant.

This covers expenses such as construction, kitchen equipment, food inventory, and funds for initial operations. The total amount can vary based on several factors, including the specific restaurant format, the market and location selected, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or purchase the property. Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill offers 2 types of franchises:

Type of Franchise	Initial Investment
Traditional Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill franchise	$289,900 to $623,300
Non-traditional Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill franchise unit	$112,660 to $420,800

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Traditional Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill franchise.

For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$14,000 – $30,000
Lease Review Fee	$0 – $2,500
Rent/Security Deposit (for 3 months)	$6,000 – $20,000
Travel and Living Expenses (2 persons) while training	$2,500 – $5,000
Architectural Fees	$15,000 – $25,000
Leasehold Improvements	$125,000 – $292,000
Restaurant Equipment, Furniture, Small Wares, Interior Signage and Menu Panels	$91,000 – $160,000
Exterior Signage	$7,000 – $17,000
Computer Hardware, Software (POS System)	$3,000 – $10,000
PCI Compliance Costs	$150 – $1,300
Opening Inventory (food and paper)	$2,500 – $7,000
Business Insurance	$1,000 – $5,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs	$4,750 – $15,500
Grand Opening Marketing	$10,000
Depository Account	$3,000
Additional Funds – 3 month initial period	$5,000 – $20,000
TOTAL	$289,900 – $623,300

Average Revenue (AUV)

How much revenue can you make with a Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill franchise? A Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill franchised location makes on average $423,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.

Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill locations are there?

As of the latest data, Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill operates a total of 12 locations, all of which are franchised.

What is the total investment required to open a Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill franchise?

The total investment required to open a Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill franchise ranges from $113,000 to $623,000.

What are the ongoing fees for a Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill franchise?

Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill franchisees pay a 6% royalty fee on gross sales, a 1% marketing fund fee, and must also spend at least 3% of gross sales on local advertising.

What are the financial requirements to become a Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill franchisee?

To qualify as a Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill franchisee, candidates are generally required to have a minimum net worth of $500,000 and at least $150,000 in liquid capital. These financial requirements ensure that franchisees have the resources needed to cover startup costs, initial operating expenses, and ongoing obligations while building the business.

How much can a Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill franchise owner expect to earn?

The average gross sales for a Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill franchise are approximately $0.42 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.42 million yearly revenue can result in $63,000 EBITDA annually.

Who owns Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill?

Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill franchise is owned by Kahala Brands, a large franchising company that operates a diverse portfolio of quick-service and fast-casual restaurant brands.

Disclaimer

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