Famous Dave's vs BD's Mongolian Barbeque Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Famous Dave's vs BD's Mongolian Barbeque including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Famous Dave's Franchise
BD's Mongolian Barbeque Franchise
Investment $481,750 - $4,495,750$881,000 - $2,276,500
Franchise Fee $45,000$45,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 1%Nat'l + 1.5% local-
Year Founded 19951992
Year Franchised 19981996
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Renewal Fee 50% of then-current fee50% of fee at time of renewal


Business Experience Requirements

 
Famous Dave's Franchise
BD's Mongolian Barbeque Franchise
Experience * Prefer Ownership/management experience in full service, casual dining restaurants, in or near the desired territories. * Multi unit experience is a big plus. * Single units will be considered depending on market conditions, demographics and other criteria. * If Area Development Agreement is chosen, minimum of three units required to be developed. * Minimum LIQUID net worth of $750,000. * Minimum per unit development costs could range from approx $900,000 to $4,000,000. * Proven commitment to customer service and quality food.
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

  • Financing Options

     
    Famous Dave's Franchise
    BD's Mongolian Barbeque Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Famous Dave's Franchise
    BD's Mongolian Barbeque Franchise
    Training -Company certified training restaurant
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media
    Operations Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 84% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 65

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (97% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 60% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 75 - 100

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Famous Dave's Franchise
    BD's Mongolian Barbeque Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Famous Dave's

    Famous Dave's is a "specialty" casual dining restaurant franchise, creating environments that transcend current restaurant offerings by serving the highest quality, flavor-intense foods in surroundings that are stimulating, interesting and fun! Famous Dave's is more than a restaurant - it's an escape from the ordinary. Few restaurants in history have achieved as much recognition in a few short years as Famous Dave's! Dave's road to fame began with a strong hankerin' for fine barbecue and a stronger desire to make the finest slow-smoked barbecue folks had ever tasted. He visited rib shacks, roadside joints, every hole-in-the-wall or fancy pants supper club he could, all in search of the most succulent meats, savory seasonings and lipsmackin' sauces around. After 25 years of tastin' and cookin', Dave's barbecue just plain knocked the socks off his family and friends. That's when Dave decided he had to share. He wanted to give all the folks a chance to dig into the best barbecue ever. And in a place as down-home fun and frolicsome as the shacks and clubs he went a callin' on all those years.

    "Top
    #57 in Gator's Top franchises.

    "franchiserankingscom"
    #96 on Franchise Rankings.com


    About BD's Mongolian Barbeque

    BD's Mongolian Barbeque is the world's number one Create Your Own Stir-Fry restaurant concept where the guests choose their own ingredients from a great variety of meats, seafood, vegetables, salads, sauces and spices. The food is then prepared by master grillers on a 600 degree 7-foot grill. Since 1992, has been delivering a unique, interactive dining experience that sets us apart from the competition. has created a growing band of loyal customers that believe passionately about their ability to take charge of their own dining event. We call this our "You Rule the Experience" philosophy. The guests don't just like bd's, they "love it" as they feel they can take ownership of their own dining experience.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a bd’s Mongolian Grill® Restaurant is $881,000 to $2,276,500. This includes $45,000 to $65,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    Development fees for Area Development Agreements are $45,000 for the first restaurant plus $10,000 for each additional restaurant that you agree to develop under the terms of the franchisor’s development schedule. These amounts will be credited against the payment of your initial franchise fees for each restaurant that you develop.