Pub & Bar franchises are a great first step for those who dreamed of being bar owners. Bar franchises can be very different: some more focused on sport, others have family-oriented rooms, yet the others specialize in craft beer. But what really makes them so popular in the USA is a fun, gathering, friendly atmosphere.
In recent years big screen TV at home has become normal, so sports bars were forced to innovate to stand out. And this is another advantage of being a franchisee: you will have not only help from the head office but also access to the experience of other owners around the country.
Pub & Bar franchise market offers lots of opportunities so you can choose what is closer to your heart and financially fit. To give a little help with this wide range of options, we have collected the 30 best Pub & Bar franchises.
1. Walk on’s sports bistreaux
- Founded: 2003
- Franchising since: 2015
- Initial investment:$1,214,000 – $4,033,700
- Initial franchise fee: $60,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $1,300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $400,000
Walk on’s sports bistreaux is a sports bar that serves a Louisiana inspired menu combined with an AV package, ice cold beers on tap and cocktails. The franchisor will provide 7-week training, layouts and designs for restaurant, and templates and designs for advertising. Partner requirements include at least 5 years full service restaurant experience and live in the community where new Walk-On’s will be opened. To be a player of some team sports is preferred but not required.
2. Buffalo Wild Wings
- Founded: 1982
- Franchising since: 1991
- Initial investment:$1,997,700 – $3,750,500
- Initial franchise fee: $40,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $5,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $5,000,000
Buffalo Wild Wings is a franchise of sports entertainment-oriented bars. The franchise restaurants are known as a perfect spot for watching sporting events on HDTV screens with famous wings and beer. Nowadays, the franchise has over 1,200 locations, and almost half of them are company-owned. Single-unit franchises are only available for existing franchisees; new franchisees can open a minimum of two restaurants. The franchisor will provide site selection assistance, guidance in securing a liquor license, comprehensive pre-opening support, and restaurant opening training.
3. Boston's
- Founded: 1963
- Franchising since: 1968
- Initial investment:$1,125,000 – $2,947,000
- Initial franchise fee: $50,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $1,500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement:$500,000
Boston's is a pizza-themed sports bar and family-friendly dining restaurant at the same time. The franchise restaurants are perfectly fit in locations like airports, casinos, theme parks, and sports venues. The franchisor provides over 50 years of successful experience, flexible design and space options. Franchisees will get comprehensive support from training and IT to marketing and operations. Both single unit and multi-restaurant franchise operations are available.
4. Hooters
- Founded: 1983
- Franchising since: 1986
- Initial investment:$956,500 – $4,275,000
- Initial franchise fee: $75,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $2,500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement:$1,500,000
Hooters is an international franchise of beach-theme restaurants. The restaurants offer sports displayed on flat-screen TVs and a wide range of menu items and alcohol. The company provides ongoing business consulting and operations support for franchisees. Franchisees will also be trained in customer service, hospitality, food preparation and safety, budgeting and marketing, employee management. Minimum five years of previous multi-unit restaurant experience for a franchise owner or an operational partner is obligatory.
5. Beef O'Brady's Family Sports Pub
- Founded: 1985
- Franchising since: 1998
- Initial investment:$797,717 – $1,280,642
- Initial franchise fee: $37,500
- Ongoing royalty fee: 4%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $450,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement:$250,000
Beef O'Brady's Family Sports Pub family-oriented franchise that provides food and beverage. Each restaurant is decorated differently and represents its owner and community using personal sports memorabilia and local school banners. Locations are typically 3,200-4,200 s.f. and have playrooms for kids. Restaurant experience is not required; the franchisor will provide Full-service assistance from site selection to operations.
6. Twin Peaks Restaurant
- Founded: 2005
- Franchising since: 2007
- Initial investment: $1,324,800 – $3,351,900
- Initial franchise fee: $50,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $1,500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $500,000
Twin Peaks Restaurant franchise offers 29° draft beer and food, sports on wall-to-wall TVs in the local lodge atmosphere. Site requirements for restaurants are footprint 6,000-8,000 square feet with outdoor seating, parking spaces for 150 or more cars. Location must be placed in high traffic areas with good visibility and easy access. Franchise restaurant launch typically takes about 9-12 months.
7. Native Grill and Wings
- Founded: 1979
- Franchising since: 1993
- Initial investment: $1,324,800 – $3,351,900
- Initial franchise fee: $50,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $1,500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $500,000
The franchise is a full-service family-friendly sports bar and grill. Native Grill and Wings built around friends, families and sports enthusiasts. The restaurants are divided into a bar and restaurant, with screen TVs throughout. New franchise owners will get the continuing guidance, consultation and support from the franchisor team, including consultation on operational, marketing, and financial-control aspects as needed.
8. Arooga's Grille House & Sports Bar
- Founded: 2007
- Franchising since: 2010
- Initial investment: $1,305,100 – $3,403,100
- Initial franchise fee: $49,500
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $4,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $700,000
The franchisor provides the right to own and operate a full-service casual restaurant with a sports and entertainment concept under the name Arooga's Grille House & Sports Bar. The franchise restaurant's menu offers beer, cocktails, and a wide range of food. The franchisor provides operational systems and all needed support for both single and multi-unit owners. Restaurant experience is preferred but not required, but candidates must be ready to open a restaurant within 12 months. ++
9. Glory Days Grill
- Founded: 1996
- Franchising since: 2004
- Initial investment: $1,696,500 – $2,526,500
- Initial franchise fee: $50,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 3%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $1,500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $750,000
Glory Days Grill is a sports-themed grill and bar franchise. The franchise restaurants are family-friendly and have televisions with content for all ages and interests. Franchisees will provide a full bar, to-go option, catering and banquet/party services. For single and multi-unit owners, the franchisor offers hands-on support that includes but is not limited by assistance and guidance in Site selection and layout, pre-approved suppliers, operational and management tools. Five years of restaurant management experience is required for candidates or its partner.
10. Wings Etc.
- Founded: 1994
- Franchising since: 2005
- Initial investment: $300,000 – $700,000
- Initial franchise fee: $37,500
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $200,000
The franchise is a family-oriented sports theme pub with a family-friendly atmosphere. Depending on franchisees' experience, Wings Etc. provides help and support that is suited for each franchise owner personally. All franchisees will get a pre-opening setup, grand opening, and ongoing operation.
11. Beerhead Bar
- Founded: 2012
- Franchising since: 2012
- Initial investment: $595,000 – $1,053,000
- Initial franchise fee: $50,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $250,000
The franchise is a brainchild of two friends-restaurateurs. Beerhead Bar is a specialty beer bar with food and live entertainment. To become a franchise owner, candidates must be a general business acumen; experience in the service industry will be helpful but not required. Franchise owners must also understand local store management, marketing and promotion.
12. Mr. Brews Taphouse
- Founded: 2013
- Initial investment: $200,000
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
Mr. Brews Taphouse is a full-service craft brewpub known for its gourmet burgers and wide selection of locally sourced craft beer. The franchise has both single-unit and multi-unit opportunities. The franchisor provides a comprehensive training and support program for franchise owners on how to operate the business. Franchisees must have previous food service experience and be ready to open a restaurant within 12 months.
13. Stacked Pickle
- Founded: 1994
- Franchising since: 2005
- Initial investment: $413,050 – $916,350
- Initial franchise fee: $40,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $200,000
Stacked Pickle was started in 2010 by Super Bowl Champion Gary Brackett and his team. The franchise sports bar and restaurant guests can view local and national sports accompanied by generous portions of fresh food and beer. Besides training and support before and after launch, the franchisor provides an existing database of suppliers and customers, targeted marketing programs.
14. Oggi’s Sports Brewhouse Pizza
- Founded: 1991
- Franchising since: 1995
- Initial investment: $990,000 – $1,812,000
- Initial franchise fee: $50,000
- Ongoing royalty fee:5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $1,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $250,000
Oggi’s Sports Brewhouse Pizza’s concept is a combination of the passion for sports, proprietary award-winning micro-brewed beers, and pizza. The franchise built a well-known regional name by co-branding with local sports teams, such as the San Diego Chargers, Anaheim Ducks, and the Phoenix Coyotes. Candidates must know the territory of interest and be prepared to work in the operations of the store. At least one of the owners must have a minimum of three years of food service experience.
15. The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille
- Founded: 1976
- Franchising since: 2003
- Initial investment: $1,455,000 – $2,687,500
- Initial franchise fee: $45,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 4%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $1,500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $500,000
The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille is a casual sports bar with a wide audience from young adults to boomers to seniors, from families to sports fans. Support services provided by the franchisor include extensive training, business planning, proprietary operational programs, and advertising materials.
16. Brass Tap
- Founded: 2008
- Franchising since: 2010
- Initial investment:$791,967 – $1,327,475
- Initial franchise fee: $37,500
- Ongoing royalty fee: 4%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $250,000
The franchise is a neighborhood beer bar. Brass Tap offers craft beers, cocktails, and bourbons with food pairings. The franchise restaurants also provide different types of entertainment: live music, arcade, pinball, sports. The company offers franchisees comprehensive training and support, as well as an assigned regional franchise consultant.
17. Ground Round Grill & Bar
- Founded: 1969
- Franchising since: 1969
- Initial investment:$1,140,000 – $2,205,000
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 3.5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $1,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $500,000
Ground Round Grill & Bar has two rooms: one for families with children and the other for sports bar lounge, which allows increasing its clientele. The franchise has been owned by franchisees since 2004: franchise owners have a share in the overall brand and voting rights. The company also has a Ground Round® Sports Grille brand which is a smaller version that can fit in non-traditional locations. The franchise has single and multi-unit options, as well as new build or conversion opportunities. Past restaurant operations experience is obligatory for at least one partner.
18. Bar Louie
- Founded: 1990
- Franchising since: 2006
- Initial investment: $763,500 – $3,399,000
- Initial franchise fee: $50,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $1,500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $500,000
Bar Louie is a neighborhood bar and eatery with a big choice of wine, beer, cocktails, and food. The franchisor provides extensive support along the way: from site identification and construction to marketing materials, including training programs and access to software and restaurant management tools. Franchise owners must possess a relevant restaurant or business experience and desire to be a part of their community.
19. Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom
- Founded:1976
- Franchising since: 2000
- Initial investment: $1,419,000 – $2,177,000
- Initial franchise fee: $40,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 4%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $3,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $1,000,000
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is a casual dining restaurant specializing in local craft and tap beer and pizza. The average franchise restaurant is 4,000-6,000 sq. ft. and located in hotels, offices, residential and entertainment facilities. The franchisor is looking for experienced multi-unit owners. Franchisees will get support at all levels: construction, training, operations, marketing.
20. Lucky Dog Bark and Brew
- Founded: 2012
- Franchising since:
- Initial investment: $250,000 – $495,500
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $200,000
Lucky Dog Bark and Brew offers a unique concept of mixture of the bar and dog care giving the owners multiple sources of income.
21. Bout Time Pub and Grub
- Founded: 2009
- Initial investment:$400,000 – $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $250,000
Bout Time Pub and Grub offer food and beverages in a friendly atmosphere. The franchise pubs are located in high traffic locations like lifestyle complexes or strip malls and mostly 3,000-4,000 square feet. The franchisor will provide proper training and all the knowledge that is needed for the successful operation of the business.
22. Rock & Brews
- Founded: 2010
- Franchising since: 2012
- Initial investment:$1,510,000 – $2,505,000
- Initial franchise fee: $50,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $1,500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $500,000
Rock & Brews menu offers cold beer and pizza, wings, salads, burgers in a family-friendly concert environment. Each restaurant is 5,000-7,000 sq. ft. and located in high-density areas near lifestyle centers, movie theaters, universities, stadiums. The franchisor offers an Area Development option for three stores for new franchisees. Multi-unit restaurant management experience and experience of serving alcoholic beverages are required.
23. Shots
- Founded: 2012
- Franchising since: 2015
- Initial investment:$791,967 – $1,327,475
- Initial franchise fee: $37,500
- Ongoing royalty fee: 4%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $250,000
Shots’ bars offer unique shots, cocktails, beer, wine, and food. The franchise generates additional revenue offering to customers vapor hookahs, merchandise, gift cards. The franchisor provides guidance on every step of the way, including training for owners and stuff, marketing programs, operational assistance.
24. The Middle Spoon
- Founded: 2011
- Franchising since: 2011
- Initial investment:$110,000 – $350,000
- Initial franchise fee: $50,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $110,000
The Middle Spoon is a desserterie & bar. The franchise is a result of the passion for desserts and business of the Doherty family and bartender Jenner Cormier who is responsible for drinks. The franchisor will provide recipes of proprietary cocktails and a dessert menu. Franchise owners will get guidance and support from day one. Restaurant or business management experience can be helpful but not required.
25. Ceviches by Divino
- Founded: 2011
- Franchising since: 2017
- Initial investment: $129,400 – $261,400
- Initial franchise fee: $29,900
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $29,900
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $29,900
Ceviches by Divino stand out from other eateries offering Peruvian Cuisine Tapas and beer: on tap and bottled. The franchisor has two opportunities: an express mode with a reduced menu of cold food products and a full-service model: includes the entire menu. The franchise owners will get pre-opening training and continued support after opening.
26. Hamburger Mary's Bar & Grille
- Founded: 1972
- Franchising since: 1999
- Initial investment: $417,150 – $955,500
- Initial franchise fee: $50,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 3-4%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $200,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $75,000
Hamburger Mary's Bar & Grille is a family-oriented restaurant that is also actively marketing to the LGBTQ+ community. The franchise restaurants are also known for nightly entertainment and supporting local charities. The franchisor will provide guidance with restaurant functions and promotions, advertising, budgets. Franchisees must have previous experience in restaurant operating or hire a general manager with this background.
27. Big Whiskey's
- Founded: 2008
- Franchising since: 2008
- Initial investment: $636,500 – $998,000
- Initial franchise fee: $50,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $200,000
The franchise is an American restaurant & bar. Big Whiskey's offers a moderately priced menu for lunch, happy hour, dinner & late night in a relaxed atmosphere. The franchise is suitable for semi-absentee ownership. The franchisor provides an operations manual, exclusive recipes, marketing materials. Single and multiple-unit franchise options are available.
28. Shuckin' Shack
- Founded: 2008
- Franchising since: 2008
- Initial investment: $252,700– $776,750
- Initial franchise fee: $45,000
- Net-Worth Requirement: $450,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $150,000
Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar offers a niche restaurant franchise concept. The franchise restaurant's menu includes sustainably sourced coastal seafood and signature cocktails. Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar requires a small footprint from 1,250 square feet up to 2,000 square feet. The franchisor has pre-negotiated national contracts for everything from start-up package to food and beverage products. The franchise owners will also get assistance with site selection, comprehensive training, and marketing support.
29. Spitz
- Initial investment: $301,200– $769,000
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5,5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
Spitz Franchise offers a second-to-none concept: Mediterranean Street Food combined with craft beer, sangria, cocktails, and a California vibe. The franchise restaurants offer dine-in, delivery, take-away, and catering options. The site requires a 500 to 3,500 square foot facility. Support systems for owners include site selection and lease negotiation, initial training, opening and event planning, marketing guidance, mobile app. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of restaurant experience. Single and multi-unit options can be considered.
30. Voodoo Brewery
- Founded: 2005
- Initial investment: $358,500– $554,500
- Initial franchise fee: $75,000
- Net-Worth Requirement: $350,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $150,000
Voodoo Brewery is a pub franchise that offers its own brewed beer. The franchise pub's design is similar to European beer halls where customers order and pick up drinks at a counter themself. That means fewer employee requirements. Foodservice or hospitality industry experience will be helpful but not required. More important that candidates must be organized, motivated & outgoing. The franchisor will provide all needed knowledge and training.
