Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Gyu-Kaku, meaning “Horn of the Bull” in Japanese, is a renowned chain of yakiniku (grilled barbecue) restaurants that originated in Japan. The brand was developed by Reins Group in the mid-1990s and has since expanded globally.
Gyu-Kaku offers an interactive dining experience where customers grill various cuts of beef, pork, poultry, seafood, and vegetables on personal, in-table smokeless roasters.
The first Gyu-Kaku restaurant opened in Japan in 1996, with franchising commencing in 1997. The brand’s international journey began with its first overseas location in the United States in 2001, followed by an expansion into Taiwan in 2002.
A key differentiator for Gyu-Kaku is its smokeless roaster system, which uses a downdraft design to vent smoke through forced air openings built into the roaster. The menu also includes a variety of Japanese alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, enhancing the authentic dining experience.
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ franchise? It costs on average between $1,215,000 – $2,607,000 to start a Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ franchised restaurant.
This includes expenses for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating costs. The total investment varies based on several factors, such as the restaurant’s size, location, and whether the franchisee opts to lease or purchase the property. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ offers 3 types of franchises:
| Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant Size | Initial Investment (Low – High) |
|---|---|
| 2,000 Square Foot Single Restaurant | $1,215,444 – $1,504,591 |
| 3,500 Square Foot Single Restaurant | $1,518,828 – $1,922,945 |
| 5,000 Square Foot Single Restaurant | $2,063,934 – $2,606,540 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ 5,000 Square Foot Single franchised restaurant. For more information on costs required to start a Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount (Low – High) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $50,000 – $50,000 |
| Construction and Leasehold Improvements | $1,431,000 – $1,749,000 |
| Construction Assistance | $10,000 – $35,000 |
| Equipment, Furniture, Fixtures, and Signage | $281,168 – $343,651 |
| Computers and Telecommunications | $30,679 – $37,497 |
| Initial Opening Assistance by Franchisor | $6,500 – $21,500 |
| Pre-Opening Labor | $58,900 – $67,528 |
| Travel and Living Expenses | $11,000 – $23,500 |
| Professional Fees – Architects | $56,200 – $70,250 |
| Legal / Professional Fees | $2,700 – $3,300 |
| Opening Inventory | $28,080 – $34,320 |
| Opening Supplies | $35,807 – $45,893 |
| Insurance Deposits and Premiums | $9,000 – $11,000 |
| Market Introduction | $14,400 – $17,600 |
| Licenses, Permits, and Deposits | $13,500 – $16,500 |
| Miscellaneous Expenditures | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $15,000 – $60,000 |
| TOTAL | $2,063,934 – $2,606,540 |
Competitors
Below are a few Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ competitors as a comparison:
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ locations are there?
As of the latest data, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ operates a total of 64 locations in the United States. Of these, 31 are franchised units, while 33 are company-owned.
What is the total investment required to open a Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ franchise?
The total investment required to open a Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ franchise ranges from $1,215,000 to $2,607,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ franchise?
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ franchisees pay a 5% royalty fee on gross sales and a 1.5% advertising fee on gross sales.
What are the financial requirements to become a Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ franchisee?
To qualify as a Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ franchisees are required to have a minimum net worth between $1,500,000 and $2,000,000, with at least $500,000 available in liquid assets. These financial requirements ensure that franchisees possess the necessary resources to support the initial investment and ongoing operations of a Gyu-Kaku restaurant.
Who owns Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ?
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is owned by Reins International Inc., a prominent restaurant operator in Japan. The brand was developed by Reins Group in the mid-1990s and has since expanded globally.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. 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.
