Brown’s Chicken Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Brown’s Chicken & Pasta traces its roots back to 1949 when John and Belva Brown opened their first location in Bridgeview, Illinois. What began as a simple food trailer soon evolved into a local favorite, celebrated for its crispy fried chicken and welcoming atmosphere.
Today, the company is headquartered in Villa Park, Illinois, and continues to be a staple in the Chicago dining scene. Over the decades, the brand has stayed true to its heritage while adapting to modern tastes and customer needs.
Franchising efforts began in the 1970s, allowing Brown’s Chicken to grow beyond its original neighborhood and introduce its menu to a wider audience. Alongside its famous fried chicken, the chain also features Chicago-style sandwiches and a robust catering service.
A key factor in its lasting success is consistency. The time-honored recipe, made with buttermilk batter and fried in cottonseed oil, delivers the signature crunchy texture and juicy flavor that have defined Brown’s Chicken for generations.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Brown’s Chicken franchise? It costs on average between $358,000 – $2,699,000 to start a Brown’s Chicken franchised restaurant.
This covers expenses such as construction, kitchen equipment, inventory, and early operating costs. The total required amount can vary based on several factors, including the restaurant format selected, the site’s location, and whether the franchisee opts to lease or purchase the property. Brown’s Chicken offers 4 types of franchises:
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Store with Purchase of Vacant Real Estate | $608,000 to $2,349,000 |
| Store with Purchase of Real Estate with Building | $558,000 to $2,699,000 |
| Store with Build-To-Suit Lease | $366,000 to $1,239,000 |
| In-Line (Strip Center) Store with Lease | $358,000 to $1,199,000 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Brown’s Chicken Store with Purchase of Real Estate with Building. For more information on costs required to start a Brown’s Chicken franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Real Estate (land & Shell Building) | $200,000 to $1,500,000 |
| Remodeling Costs | $150,000 to $600,000 |
| Build-Out for Video Gaming Area | $0 to $2,000 |
| Equipment Costs (includes signage) | $150,000 to $500,000 |
| Inventory for initial 2 weeks | $8,000 to $20,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 month estimate) | $25,000 to $52,000 |
| Estimated Total | $558,000 to $2,699,000 |
Download the Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Brown’s Chicken locations are there?
As of the most recent data, Brown’s Chicken operates about 22 locations listed on its official website.
What is the total investment required to open a Brown’s Chicken franchise?
The total investment required to open a Brown’s Chicken franchise ranges from $358,000 to $2,699,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Brown’s Chicken franchise?
Brown’s Chicken franchisees generally pay a 5% royalty fee plus a 4% marketing/advertising fee, both based on gross monthly sales—totaling approximately 9% of gross revenue in ongoing fees.
What are the financial requirements to become a Brown’s Chicken franchisee?
To become a Brown’s Chicken franchisee, you’ll need a minimum net worth of $200,000 and at least $100,000 in liquid capital available for investment.
Who owns Brown’s Chicken?
The Brown’s Chicken franchise is owned by Franchise Concepts Inc., a company that took over the brand after its earlier expansion challenges and continues to oversee its operations and franchising efforts.
Disclaimer
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