Country Kitchen Restaurants Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Country Kitchen is a long-standing American restaurant franchise recognized for serving generous, homestyle meals for more than 85 years. The brand traces its beginnings back to 1939, when Bill Johnson and Bill Goodman opened a small hamburger stand in Cincinnati, Ohio, where five-cent burgers and ten-cent steak sandwiches quickly won over customers.
Franchising began in 1958, allowing the concept to spread nationwide. Today, the company operates from its headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin, staying true to its roots of quality food and friendly service.
The menu covers all-day dining, offering everything from breakfast classics to hearty lunches and dinners. Popular items include its well-known “Best Pancakes in Town,” along with omelets, skillets, sandwiches, burgers, and traditional dinner plates.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Country Kitchen Restaurants franchise? It costs on average between $425,000 – $1,685,000 to start a Country Kitchen Restaurants franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property. Country Kitchen offers 2 types of franchises:
| Type of Franchise | Initial Investment |
|---|---|
| Standard Country Kitchen | $575,000 to $1,685,000 |
| Limited Service Café Style Country Kitchen | $425,000 to $900,000 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Standard Country Kitchen 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 |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $40,000 |
| Rent, Deposits, Licenses and Permits | $13,500 – $44,500 |
| Leasehold Improvements/Construction Costs | $195,000 – $840,000 |
| Utility Deposits | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment | $165,500 – $385,000 |
| Point of Sale System, Software, Training and Installation | $15,000 – $21,000 |
| Signage | $12,000 – $75,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $15,000 – $20,000 |
| Interior Décor | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Travel, Living and Salary Expenses While Training | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Insurance | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $5,000 – $5,000 |
| Legal & Accounting | $2,000 – $12,000 |
| Start-Up Supplies | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Additional Funds – 3 months | $75,000 – $150,000 |
| Total Franchise Business Cost (Excluding Real Estate) | $575,000 – $1,685,000 |
Download the Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Country Kitchen Restaurants locations are there?
As of the latest available data, Country Kitchen Restaurants operates around 20 franchise-owned locations in the United States.
What is the total investment required to open a Country Kitchen Restaurants franchise?
The total investment required to open a Country Kitchen Restaurants franchise ranges from $218,000 to $503,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Country Kitchen Restaurants franchise?
Country Kitchen Restaurants franchisees are required to pay an ongoing royalty fee of 4% of gross receipts. In addition, there is an advertising or production fee equal to 1% of gross receipts. Both of these fees are paid monthly, typically by electronic transfer on the 10th day of the following month.
What are the financial requirements to become a Country Kitchen Restaurants franchisee?
To become a Country Kitchen Restaurants franchisee, you must have a minimum net worth of $1,000,000 and at least $350,000 in liquid capital. For those pursuing a multi-unit opportunity through an Area Development Agreement, the requirements increase to a net worth of $2,000,000 with $700,000 in liquid capital.
Who owns Country Kitchen Restaurants?
The Country Kitchen Restaurants franchise is owned by Country Kitchen International, Inc., a company based in Madison, Wisconsin that oversees the brand’s franchising operations and restaurant development.
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.
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