Famous Dave's vs Damon's Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Famous Dave's Franchise
Damon's Franchise
Investment $481,750 - $4,495,750$1,200,000 - $3,200,000
Franchise Fee $45,000$50,000
Royalty Fee 5%4%
Advertising Fee 1%Nat'l + 1.5% local-
Year Founded 19951979
Year Franchised 19981982
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Renewal Fee 50% of then-current fee-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Famous Dave's Franchise
Damon's 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
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    Financing Options
     
    Famous Dave's Franchise
    Damon's Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/NoNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Famous Dave's Franchise
    Damon's Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesMeetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertisingCo-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)

    		 Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 90% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 80

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (95% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Famous Dave's Franchise
    Damon's 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 Damon's

    Founded in 1979, Damon's International, Inc., is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. With more than 100 company and franchised locations worldwide, Damon's International, Inc., is a leading full-service, casual dining restaurant concept that emphasizes prime rib, grilled steaks, chicken, seafood, salad and Damon's award-winning ribs. Guests enjoy a quiet dining room or Damon's high-energy Clubhouse that features DTV, a proprietary, state-of-the-art multi-screen entertainment system offering sports, network programming and interactive games. Join a growing brand and enjoy the benefits of a great restaurant heritage and a strong and committed management team. Built upon a strong reputation for excellent barbecued ribs and outstanding entertainment in a unique dining environment, Damon's Grill is one of the industry's most distinctive casual theme restaurant concepts with high energy and great food. Damon's Grill has several lucrative territories available to experienced restaurant professionals who can demonstrate financial and operating capabilities.