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 |
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 |
1995 | 1992 |
Year Franchised |
1998 | 1996 |
Term Of Agreement |
20 years | 10 years |
Term Of Agreement |
20 years | 10 years |
Renewal Fee |
50% of then-current fee | 50% of fee at time of renewal |
Business Experience Requirements |
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 |
|
In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party |
Franchise Fees |
No/No | No/Yes |
Start-up Costs |
No/No | No/No |
Equipment |
No/Yes | No/Yes |
Inventory |
No/No | No/No |
Receivables |
No/No | No/No |
Payroll |
No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
Training |
- | Company certified training restaurant |
Support |
Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations |
Marketing |
Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising | Co-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 |
US Expansion |
Yes | Yes |
Canada Expansion |
No | No |
International Expansion |
No | No |
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.
#57 in Gator's Top franchises.
#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.