Sauce on the Side Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Sauce on the Side began in 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri, where the company is still headquartered today. The concept moved into franchising in 2017 after establishing a strong local following. The menu focuses on artisan calzones, fresh salads and house-made sauces and dressings, all crafted with an emphasis on quality.
One of the elements that makes Sauce on the Side stand out is its hybrid service model. Customers place their order at the counter but then receive full table service, creating a more elevated experience than what is typically found in the fast-casual segment.
The brand also invests in premium ingredients, preparing its dough and sauces from scratch and sourcing high-quality produce, meats and cheeses.
Beyond its in-store service, the operational setup is designed to excel in off-premise dining. The brand supports in-house delivery, works with third-party delivery partners and offers curbside pickup, allowing it to adapt easily to shifting consumer preferences.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Sauce on the Side franchise? It costs on average between $494,000 – $794,000 to start a Sauce on the Side franchised restaurant.
This investment covers the major expenses involved in opening a Sauce on the Side location, such as construction, kitchen equipment, initial inventory and early operating costs. The total amount can vary based on several factors, including the restaurant’s size and configuration, the market you plan to operate in, and whether you decide to lease a space or acquire property outright.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Vehicle | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Lease Deposit and Rent | $9,000 – $17,500 |
| Improvements / Construction / Interior Decorating | $231,000 – $361,000 |
| Signage | $5,000 – $28,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment / Furniture / Fixtures / Smallwares | $150,000 – $230,000 |
| Office Equipment and Supplies | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| POS / Computer System | $11,000 – $13,000 |
| Licenses, Dues, Deposits, etc. | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Travel and Living Expenses while Training | $1,000 – $15,000 |
| Opening Inventory / Supplies | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Professional Fees | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Insurance (per quarter) | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 months | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| TOTAL | $494,000 – $793,500 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Sauce on the Side franchise? A Sauce on the Side franchised business makes on average $946,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Sauce on the Side locations are there?
As of the latest data, Sauce on the Side operates about 10 total restaurant locations.
What is the total investment required to open a Sauce on the Side franchise?
The total investment required to open a Sauce on the Side franchise ranges from $494,000 to $794,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Sauce on the Side franchise?
Sauce on the Side franchisees pay an ongoing royalty fee of 5% of gross sales. In addition, franchisees contribute 1% of gross sales to the system’s marketing and advertising fund.
Who owns Sauce on the Side?
Sauce on the Side franchise is owned by FOTS LLC.
Disclaimer
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