Famous Dave's vs Shula's Steak House Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Famous Dave's Franchise
Shula's Steak House Franchise
Investment $481,750 - $4,495,750$1,126,600 - $3,037,500
Franchise Fee $45,000$150,000 - $175,000
Royalty Fee 5%12%
Advertising Fee 1%Nat'l + 1.5% localNot less than $30,000
Year Founded 1995-
Year Franchised 1998-
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years +10+10
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years +10+10
Renewal Fee 50% of then-current fee-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Famous Dave's Franchise
Shula's Steak House 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. -

Financing Options

 
Famous Dave's Franchise
Shula's Steak House Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/No-/-
Start-up Costs No/No-/-
Equipment No/Yes-/-
Inventory No/No-/-
Receivables No/No-/-
Payroll No/No-/-

Training & Support

 
Famous Dave's Franchise
Shula's Steak House Franchise
Training -

The Franchise Owner, the Head Coach, the Business Development Manager, the Shula's Chef, and any oth�er employees that designated must attend and complete the Basic training program. The training is based at the franchise premise for 14 days. The franchisee must pay for the expenses incurred by the franchisor during the basic training. The Head Coach, Business Development Manager, and Shula's Chef must complete the Managers' Training Program, which consists of three to five business days located at corporate headquarters.

Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives-
Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising-
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)

The franchisee must act as or hire a designated Head Coach to act as the franchised business's general manager. The Head Coach must devote, on a full-time basis, his or her best efforts to managing and operating the franchised business. The franchised business requires the Head Coach's day-to-day supervision. The franchisee must also hire a Business Development Manager, who is primarily responsible for developing business from individuals and organizations within the protected territory. The franchisee must also hire a Shula's Chef, who is the franchised business's head chef and is primar�ily responsible for operating and managing its kitchen.


Expansion Plans

 
Famous Dave's Franchise
Shula's Steak House Franchise
US Expansion Yes-
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion 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.

"Top
#57 in Gator's Top franchises.

"franchiserankingscom"
#96 on Franchise Rankings.com


About Shula's Steak House

The desire to become a part of a continuing success story is why Shula's Steak House has become a popular consideration for those in the area of food franchising. The legendary status of a Hall of Fame football coach is coupled with maintaining rigorous standards when it comes to the quality of the steaks it offers. That's an unbeatable combination that keeps customers coming through the doors for every franchisee. The pinnacle of the restaurant's menu is the Shula Cut, a custom center cut of Black Angus beef that's been handpicked by those raising these cattle. After undergoing 10 different specifications that includes such things as marbling, leanness and consistency and being properly aged, only one percent of the cattle under consideration are selected. That's been the company's standard since it first opened in 1989, and striving for excellence has been the philosophy of Don Shula for his entire life.