Moe’s Southwest Grill Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
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 $625,000 – $1,850,000 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.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,500 |
| Construction and Build Out Costs – Inline/Endcap | $245,000 to $540,700 |
| Construction and Build Out Costs – Freestanding | $245,000 to $1,075,400 |
| Permitting | $2,300 to $17,500 |
| Equipment Package | $168,000 to $256,400 |
| Millwork | $21,000 to $61,800 |
| Furniture | $15,000 to $30,100 |
| Menu Board, Graphics and Interior Signage | $7,500 to $10,100 |
| Exterior Signage | $13,900 to $22,300 |
| Computer System | $13,000 to $50,100 |
| Smallwares | $9,800 to $20,000 |
| TV/Music | $2,400 to $5,000 |
| Architect/Engineer | $9,800 to $20,000 |
| Rent | $4,500 to $20,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $25,000 to $35,000 |
| Legal and Accounting Fees | $3,500 to $50,000 |
| Insurance | $1,425 to $7,550 |
| Misc. Opening Costs/Office Supplies | $2,500 to $5,000 |
| Security Deposits | $1,500 to $8,000 |
| Management Training Program Fee | $0 to $7,500 |
| Travel and Living Expenses during Training | $8,100 to $11,700 |
| On-Site Training Fee | $0 to $18,300 |
| Opening Inventory | $15,000 to $35,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $25,000 to $53,000 |
| Total Initial Investment – Endcap and Inline | $624,725 to $1,315,550 |
| Total Initial Investment – Freestanding | $624,725 to $1,850,250 |
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 $1,167,000 in income (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $2,680,000 yearly revenue for similar steakhouse & Grill franchises. Below are a few Moe’s Southwest Grill competitors as a comparison:
Download the 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 591 locations. Out of these, 596 are franchised units, and 5 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 $625,000 to $1,1850,000.
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.
What are the financial requirements to become a Moe’s Southwest Grill franchisee?
To qualify as a Moe’s Southwest Grill franchisee, you need a minimum net worth of $1.5 million and at least $500,000 in liquid capital. These financial requirements ensure that franchisees have the necessary resources to operate their business successfully and manage the upfront investment costs associated with opening a Moe’s location.
How much can a Moe’s Southwest Grill franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Moe’s Southwest Grill franchise are approximately $1.17 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $1.17 million yearly revenue can result in $176,000 EBITDA annually.
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.
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