BeaverTails Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
BeaverTails is a well-known Canadian franchise celebrated for its signature fried dough pastries that are stretched by hand to resemble a beaver’s tail. The concept was first created in 1978 by Grant and Pam Hooker in Killaloe, Ontario.
Just two years later, in 1980, the brand established its first permanent shop in Ottawa’s ByWard Market. Today, BeaverTails is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, and has expanded to more than 200 outlets across Canada and abroad, with locations in the United States, Japan, France, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates.
The company began franchising in the early 1980s, but its rapid expansion took off after 2002, when Pino Di Ioia and his family assumed majority ownership.
The menu highlights both sweet and savory versions of its iconic pastries, topped with flavors such as cinnamon sugar, chocolate hazelnut, and Reese’s Pieces. Customers can also enjoy items like poutine, BeaverBites, and moozoo® smoothies.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a franchise? It costs on average between $165,000 – $1,152,000 to start a BeaverTails franchised restaurant.
This investment covers expenses such as construction, specialized equipment, initial inventory, and early operating costs. The total amount required can vary based on several factors, including the size and style of the BeaverTails outlet, its location, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or own the property. BeaverTails offers 2 types of franchises:
| Franchise Format | Initial Investment Range |
|---|---|
| Store from a Permanent Location | $494,200 to $1,152,000 |
| Store from a Vehicle | $165,150 to $551,500 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a BeaverTails Store from a Permanent Location. For more information on costs required to start a BeaverTails franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Lease Deposit, Utility Deposit and Rent – 3 months | $46,000 – $62,500 |
| Design | $12,000 – $30,000 |
| Engineering, Architect Plans and Development/Building Permits | $5,000 – $30,000 |
| Construction / Build Out of Store/Premises | $150,000 – $400,000 |
| Project Manager Fee | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Ventilation – HVAC and Kitchen Exhaust Ventilation System | $25,000 – $105,000 |
| Millwork | $35,000 – $75,000 |
| Storage room/area build out | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Offsite storage, if necessary | $0 – $35,000 |
| Signage | $12,000 – $30,000 |
| Equipment | $75,000 – $150,000 |
| Equipment for Gelato/Ice Cream Program | $19,000 – $25,000 |
| Small wares | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Stainless Steel Countertops | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Furniture (Interior only) | $2,000 – $5,500 |
| Digital Menus | $11,000 – $15,000 |
| Walk-in-Freezer, if applicable | $0 – $15,000 |
| POS System | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Opening Inventory | $7,500 – $25,000 |
| Professional Fees (lawyers, accountant, etc.) | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Business Licenses, Permits etc. (for 1st year) | $700 – $2,000 |
| Utilities (3 months) and Insurance premium first year | $2,000 – $17,000 |
| Marketing Initiatives – Grand Opening | $5,000 – $7,500 |
| Training Expenses | $4,500 – $6,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 months | $15,000 – $20,000 |
| Total | $494,200 – $1,152,000 |
Download the Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many BeaverTails locations are there?
BeaverTails currently operates about 2 locations in the U.S..
What is the total investment required to open a BeaverTails franchise?
The total investment required to open a BeaverTails franchise ranges from $165,000 to $1,152,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a BeaverTails franchise?
BeaverTails franchisees typically pay an ongoing royalty fee of about 5% of gross sales, along with a marketing or advertising fee of approximately 3%, according to franchise comparison sites.
What are the financial requirements to become a BeaverTails franchisee?
To qualify as a BeaverTails franchisee, candidates are generally expected to have at least $300,000 in liquid capital for a permanent store or about $150,000 in liquid capital for a mobile unit
Who owns BeaverTails?
The BeaverTails franchise is owned by Pino Di Ioia and his family, who took majority ownership of the brand in 2002 and have since overseen its significant expansion across Canada and internationally.
Disclaimer
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