Snowfox Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs
Founded in 2005, SNOWFOX is a leading provider of full-service sushi kiosks in the grocery industry. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company has established over 1,300 full-service sushi kiosks across 38 states, including the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska.
SNOWFOX specializes in offering a diverse range of sushi products, including both cooked and raw sushi, appetizers, party platters, and hot ready-to-eat meals. Their approach emphasizes chef-based theatrics, aiming to provide high-end restaurant-quality sushi with the convenience of grab-and-go options.
In July 2024, the company underwent a rebranding to become the Wonderfield Group, reflecting its international expansion and diverse brand portfolio. This evolution signifies their commitment to honoring their Japanese culinary roots while embracing growth into new cuisines and markets.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Snowfox franchise? It costs on average between $21,000 – $333,000 to start a Snowfox franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for kiosk setup, equipment, initial inventory, and early operating expenses. The exact amount varies based on factors such as the location, the size of the kiosk, and whether the franchisee operates within a grocery store or another retail setting. Indeed, Snowfox offers 3 types of franchises:
| Franchise Type | Initial Investment Range |
|---|---|
| Inline, Endcap, or Island Sushi Bar | $20,794 – $222,532 |
| Existing Inline or Endcap Sushi Bar | $26,914 – $285,482 |
| Existing Island Sushi Bar | $26,914 – $333,482 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Snowfox franchise if you purchase an existing location for an Island Sushi Bar. For more information on costs required to start a Snowfox franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $1,000 – $100,000 |
| Assets of Existing Location | $8,000 – $130,000 |
| Drug testing, criminal background check, and/or Tuberculosis testing | $250 – $1,000 |
| Initial Training Fee for you and any employee | $500 – $1,500 |
| Ice Decoration Piece Lease Deposits | $0 – $750 |
| Travel and Living Expenses while Training | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Administrative Transfer Processing Fee | $1,000 |
| Food Manager Examination & Certification | $75 – $500 per certification |
| Ongoing Food Inventory | $1,000 – $7,500 |
| Pricing Labels and Computer System and Label Printer Purchase Price | $771 – $3,432 |
| Professional Advisors | $250 – $5,000 |
| Commercial Liability Insurance | $18 – $1,800 |
| Workers Compensation Insurance | $50 – $1,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 months of Operating Capital | $12,000 – $70,000 |
| Total Range for the Purchase of an Existing Location | $26,914 – $333,482 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What funding options are available for a Snowfox franchise?
Most franchise buyers in Snowfoxs investment range finance their unit through an SBA 7(a) loan, with some multi-unit operators using SBA 504 loans. Buyers with rollable retirement funds sometimes use a ROBS structure. See SharpSheets financial model hub for guidance.
How long does it take to pay back a Snowfox franchise investment?
Payback periods typically run 3-7 years depending on investment level, location performance, and financing structure. Actual payback varies significantly by unit performance and debt service obligations.
Who owns Snowfox?
Snowfox, a leading provider of full-service sushi kiosks, is owned by JFE Franchising, Inc. In 2021, Snowfox merged with YO! Sushi, a UK-based Japanese restaurant operator backed by Mayfair Equity Partners, creating one of the largest sushi companies outside of Japan.
SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: July 2026
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. SharpSheets is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any franchisor mentioned on this website. Where noted, figures are taken from the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In some cases, we may provide independent calculations or estimates based on publicly available information. 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.
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Research Snowfox franchise data: For the full FDD cost breakdown, investment tables, and Item 19 disclosures, visit FranchisePayback.com → Snowfox FDD Review.
