Kelly’s Cajun Grill Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Kelly’s Cajun Grill is a fast-casual dining brand celebrated for its bold Louisiana-style cuisine and its signature Bourbon Chicken. The concept debuted in 1991 at Sawgrass Mills Mall in Sunrise, Florida, where the now-famous Bourbon Chicken recipe first won over customers and became the restaurant’s trademark offering.
The franchise division, known as Kelly’s Cajun Grill Franchise Corporation, was established in 1995 and started franchising a year later, in 1996. The company’s corporate headquarters are based in Coral Gables, Florida. Kelly’s Cajun Grill operates under the umbrella of the International Restaurant Management Group (IRMG), which oversees several other popular foodservice brands.
The menu features a variety of Cajun-inspired dishes, including Bourbon Chicken, blackened chicken, blackened fish, shrimp étouffée, and spicy Cajun chicken, complemented by flavorful side options.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Kelly’s Cajun Grill franchise? It costs on average between $295,000 – $1,404,000 to start a Kelly’s Cajun Grill franchised location.
This includes expenses related to build-out, kitchen equipment, initial food inventory, and opening operating costs. The total investment varies depending on several factors, such as the restaurant format, mall or kiosk location, and whether the franchisee leases or owns the space.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Travel and Living Expenses While Training | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| Real Estate | $45,000 to $480,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $100,000 to $450,000 |
| Equipment | $66,000 to $200,000 |
| Signs | $4,500 to $30,000 |
| Permits, Fees, Architectural Design & Plans, Deposits, Uniforms, Transparencies, and Other Miscellaneous Opening Costs | $29,000 to $66,000 |
| Sublease Security Deposit and First Month’s Rent | $0 to $90,000 |
| Opening Inventory | $4,000 to $15,000 |
| Insurance | $5,000 to $12,000 |
| Advertising Expenses | $0 to $7,500 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $10,000 to $20,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $295,000 to $1,403,500 |
Download the Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Kelly’s Cajun Grill locations are there?
As of the latest data, Kelly’s Cajun Grill operates a total of 33 locations. This figure includes 15 company-owned and 18 franchise-owned restaurants across its network.
What is the total investment required to open a Kelly’s Cajun Grill franchise?
The total investment required to open a Kelly’s Cajun Grill franchise ranges from $295,000 to $1,404,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Kelly’s Cajun Grill franchise?
Kelly’s Cajun Grill franchisees are required to pay a royalty fee of 6% of their monthly gross sales to the franchisor. In addition, they contribute 1% of monthly gross sales toward national marketing and advertising efforts.
Who owns Kelly’s Cajun Grill?
The franchise is owned by Kelly’s Cajun Grill Franchise Corporation, which operates as part of the portfolio of International Restaurant Management Group (IRMG).
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. SharpSheets is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any franchisor mentioned on this website. Where noted, figures are taken from the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In some cases, we may provide independent calculations or estimates based on publicly available information. 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.
