Painting with a Twist Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)

Painting with a Twist, founded in 2007 in New Orleans, Louisiana, is recognized as the pioneer of the paint and sip franchise model. The concept, which emerged in the wake of Hurricane Katrina as a form of carefree escapism, offers a unique blend of art and social entertainment.
Participants enjoy a relaxed, festive environment where they can paint while sipping on their favorite beverage, guided step-by-step by artist-entertainers. The franchise started expanding in 2009 and has grown across 39 states in the United States.
Headquartered in Mandeville, Louisiana, Painting with a Twist stands out by providing a non-traditional art experience that emphasizes fun over technique.
It caters to a predominantly female demographic, although it is designed to be enjoyable for all adults. The franchise model has proven successful with its scalable approach, incorporating multiple revenue streams such as in-studio events, private parties, and retail offerings.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Painting with a Twist franchise? It costs on average between $119,000 – $256,000 to start a Painting with a Twist franchised center.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
Type of Expenditure | Amount |
---|---|
Initial Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
Real Estate Lease for Premises – 2 months | $4,500 – $17,000 |
“Grand Opening” Advertising | $5,000 |
Training Expenses (salary expenses) | $0 – $1,500 |
Travel and Living Expenses while Training | $0 – $1,500 |
Insurance | $1,500 – $3,500 |
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment | $14,000 – $25,000 |
Other Prepaid Expenses | $1,000 – $3,500 |
Opening Inventory | $4,000 – $7,500 |
Signage | $4,000 – $8,000 |
Leasehold Improvements | $30,000 – $90,000 |
Computer Hardware & Software | $1,000 – $3,000 |
Legal, Accounting & Organizational Costs | $1,000 – $5,000 |
Additional Funds – 3 months | $25,000 – $40,000 |
Architectural | $2,000 – $5,000 |
Alcohol Licensing | $1,000 – $15,000 |
TOTAL | $119,000 – $255,500 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Painting with a Twist franchise? A Painting with a Twist franchised facility makes on average $488,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $235,000 yearly revenue for similar arts/sports franchises. Below are 10 Painting with a Twist competitors as a comparison:
Painting with a Twist Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Painting with a Twist locations are there?
As of the latest available data, Painting with a Twist operates over 300 locations across the United States. Almost all of these locations are franchise-owned, with very few company-owned studios, as the brand relies heavily on a franchising model.
What is the total investment required to open a Painting with a Twist franchise?
The total investment required to open a Painting with a Twist franchise ranges from $119,000 to $256,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Painting with a Twist franchise?
For a Painting with a Twist franchise, the ongoing fees include a royalty fee of 6% of gross sales, which franchisees are required to pay to support the use of the brand, ongoing support, and operational guidelines provided by the franchisor.
In addition, there is a national marketing fee of 2% of gross sales. This marketing fee helps fund broader advertising efforts to increase brand awareness and drive traffic to all franchise locations.
What are the financial requirements to become a Painting with a Twist franchisee?
To qualify as a Painting with a Twist franchisee, applicants must meet specific financial requirements, including a minimum net worth of $200,000. Additionally, franchise candidates are expected to have at least $80,000 in liquid capital.
How much can a Painting with a Twist franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Painting with a Twist franchise are approximately $0.49 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.49 million yearly revenue can result in $73,500 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Painting with a Twist?
Painting with a Twist is currently co-owned by franchisee Todd Owen, alongside Teresa Johnson and Dave Chmura. Todd Owen, who has been involved with the company since 2014 as a multi-unit franchise owner, took on the role of CEO and co-owner in 2022. Cathy Deano, one of the original co-founders, remains involved in the company, contributing creatively to the brand’s artistic direction.
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