Moe’s Southwest Grill Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2026)
Moe’s Southwest Grill, founded in 2000, is a fast-casual franchise known for its bold southwestern flavors and made-to-order meals.
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the brand began franchising in 2001, quickly expanding across the industry. Moe’s menu features popular items like the Homewrecker burrito, tacos, quesadillas, and its famous queso.
What sets Moe’s apart is its fun, vibrant atmosphere. Each meal comes with free chips and salsa, adding to the brand’s appeal. Moe’s also caters to various customer needs, offering both in-store dining and catering services.
A key feature is the enthusiastic greeting, “Welcome to Moe’s!” This phrase has become central to the brand’s identity. Moe’s continues to modernize with updated interiors and digital ordering, enhancing the customer experience while maintaining its signature offerings.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Moe’s Southwest Grill franchise? It costs on average between $644,000 - $1,968,000 to start a Moe’s Southwest Grill 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.
The 2026 Moe’s Southwest Grill Franchise Disclosure Document presents separate initial investment estimates for restaurants located in inline or endcap retail spaces and freestanding restaurant buildings.
| Restaurant Format | Initial Investment Range |
|---|---|
| Endcap and Inline | $644,425 – $1,401,650 |
| Freestanding | $644,425 – $1,968,450 |
The detailed investment schedule below covers a single Moe’s Southwest Grill restaurant developed in an inline or endcap location.
Additional information regarding these estimated costs is provided in the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount of Expenditure |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,500 – $35,500 |
| Construction and Build Out Costs – Inline and Endcap | $259,700 – $573,200 |
| Permitting | $2,300 – $17,500 |
| Equipment Package | $168,000 – $285,300 |
| Millwork | $21,000 – $61,800 |
| Furniture | $15,000 – $30,100 |
| Menu Board, Graphics and Interior Signage | $7,500 – $10,100 |
| Exterior Signage | $13,900 – $35,000 |
| Computer System | $13,000 – $50,100 |
| Smallwares | $9,800 – $22,000 |
| TV/Music | $2,400 – $5,000 |
| Architect/Engineer | $9,800 – $25,000 |
| Rent | $4,500 – $20,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $25,000 – $35,000 |
| Legal and Accounting Fees | $3,500 – $50,000 |
| Insurance | $1,425 – $7,550 |
| Misc. Opening Costs/Office Supplies | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Security Deposits | $1,500 – $8,000 |
| Management Training Program Fee | $0 – $7,500 |
| Travel and Living Expenses during Training | $8,100 – $11,700 |
| On-Site Training Fee | $0 – $18,300 |
| Opening Inventory | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $25,000 – $53,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $644,425 – $1,401,650 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Moe’s Southwest Grill franchise? A Moe’s Southwest Grill franchised restaurant makes on average $1,139,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
Moe’s Southwest Grill Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Moe’s Southwest Grill locations are there?
As of the latest data, Moe’s Southwest Grill operates a total of 568 locations. Out of these, 563 are franchised units, and 2 are company-owned. The brand continues to expand with new franchise opportunities across the United States, maintaining a strong presence in the fast-casual dining sector.
What is the total investment required to open a Moe’s Southwest Grill franchise?
The total investment required to open a Moe’s Southwest Grill franchise ranges from $644,000 - $1,968,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Moe’s Southwest Grill franchise?
Moe’s Southwest Grill franchisees are required to pay a royalty fee of 5% of gross sales, which helps fund the franchisor’s support and ongoing operations.
Additionally, there is a marketing fee of 3% of gross sales, which contributes to national and regional advertising campaigns aimed at promoting the brand.
Who owns Moe’s Southwest Grill?
Moe’s Southwest Grill is owned by Focus Brands, an Atlanta-based company. Focus Brands also owns several other well-known franchises, including Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, Carvel, Jamba, McAlister’s Deli, and Schlotzsky’s. Moe’s was founded in 2000 and became part of Focus Brands when it was sold in 2007.
Disclaimer
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Research Moes Southwest Grill Franchises franchise data: For the full FDD cost breakdown, investment tables, and Item 19 disclosures, visit FranchisePayback.com → Moes Southwest Grill Franchises FDD Review.
