Mercato Cucina Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Mercato Cucina is a fast-casual Italian marketplace and café franchise focused on delivering fresh, authentic Italian cuisine alongside curated specialty market items. The concept was launched in 2021 in Huntington Station, New York, by Executive Chef David Buico, drawing inspiration from classic Italian food markets and generational family recipes.
The original location combines a retail marketplace with a working kitchen and café. Guests can choose from house-made pastas, sauces, fresh mozzarella, Italian meats, breakfast options, lunch sandwiches, custom coffee blends, and catering offerings, all designed to reflect everyday Italian food culture.
Mercato Cucina is based in Huntington Station, New York, where its first store also serves as the brand’s culinary development hub. The concept highlights high-quality ingredients, traditional Italian flavors, and an inviting market-style environment meant to echo neighborhood shops found throughout Italy.
By uniting freshly prepared meals with gourmet retail products, Mercato Cucina offers a hybrid model that goes beyond a typical fast-casual restaurant. The company began franchising in 2023, marking its expansion from a local New York concept into a growing franchise brand.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Mercato Cucina franchise? It costs on average between $199,000 – $346,000 to start a Mercato Cucina franchised business.
This includes expenses tied to the build-out of the Mercato Cucina location, kitchen and café equipment, specialty market fixtures, initial food and retail inventory, and early operating costs.
The total investment may vary depending on factors such as the size and layout of the space, local market conditions, and whether the franchisee leases a new location or converts an existing restaurant or retail space.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $39,500 |
| Traveling and Living Expenses While Training | $3,750 – $7,500 |
| Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Real Property Rent and Security Deposits | $9,000 – $18,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| TV, Cameras, and Other Supplies | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Signage | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Licenses, Permits, and Certifications | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Insurance (First 3 Months) | $900 – $1,800 |
| Professional Fees | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Additional Funds (First 3 Months) | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $198,650 – $346,300 |
Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Mercato Cucina locations are there?
As of the latest available data, Mercato Cucina has one operating location—the original store in Huntington Station, New York.
What is the total investment required to open a Mercato Cucina franchise?
The total investment required to open a Mercato Cucina franchise ranges from $199,000 to $346,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Mercato Cucina franchise?
Mercato Cucina franchisees pay an ongoing royalty fee of 5.5% of gross sales. In addition, franchisees contribute 1% of gross sales toward marketing and advertising, which supports systemwide promotional and brand-building efforts.
Who owns Mercato Cucina?
Mercato Cucina franchise is owned by Executive Chef David Buico, who serves as the founder and chief executive of the brand.
Disclaimer
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