Bar-B-Clean Franchise in 2025: Costs, Fee & FDD
Discover how Bar-B-Clean’s innovative barbecue cleaning service offers a unique franchise opportunity. With low competition and strong demand, this niche market could be your next profitable venture. Learn more about the costs, fees, and potential earnings!
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Bar-B-Clean is a unique franchise that tapped into an underserved market with a smart and practical concept. Founded by Bryan Weinstein in Southern California in 2011, the idea was born when he faced the challenge of cleaning his own barbecue grill and realized there were virtually no established services catering to this need. Recognizing an untapped demand, Bryan developed a systematic approach to barbecue cleaning, emphasizing efficiency, health benefits, and customer satisfaction. By 2013, the brand’s success and innovative model had led to its first franchise, and it has since grown into a respected name in the niche home and building services sector.
The franchise specializes in professional barbecue cleaning, a service that is both practical and health-conscious. Using a proprietary process, Bar-B-Clean removes harmful grease and carbon buildup, ensuring safer and more hygienic grilling. The brand’s services appeal primarily to homeowners, food enthusiasts, and businesses with outdoor cooking areas, offering a solution that combines convenience with peace of mind. Additionally, the franchise educates customers on the importance of maintaining a clean barbecue, solidifying its position as a trusted partner in outdoor cooking maintenance.
Bar-B-Clean’s growth has been impressive, reflecting the demand for its services. By 2016, the franchise expanded to 26 territories across seven states, and by 2017, it was actively awarding franchises nationally. This rapid growth highlights the scalability of the business and its ability to resonate with diverse communities. Though still primarily operating within the U.S., Bar-B-Clean’s focus on quality and customer service sets the stage for future expansion, potentially on an international scale.
A key strength of Bar-B-Clean is its comprehensive franchise support system. New franchisees benefit from thorough training on the cleaning process, marketing strategies, and customer education techniques. The brand also offers ongoing support to ensure each franchise owner can operate smoothly and efficiently. With a relatively low barrier to entry, a proven demand for its services, and a scalable model, Bar-B-Clean provides an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to invest in a niche but growing market.
Bar-B-Clean Franchise Insights
- Within six years of its founding, Bar-B-Clean expanded to 26 territories across seven states, demonstrating strong market demand and franchise scalability.
- Barbecue cleaning eliminates harmful grease and carbon buildup, offering a service that promotes health and safety for families and food enthusiasts.
- Despite the widespread need for barbecue cleaning, Bar-B-Clean remains one of the few companies catering to this market, giving franchisees a competitive edge.
- Bar-B-Clean offers a relatively low-cost entry into the home services industry, appealing to new and experienced entrepreneurs alike.
Bar-B-Clean Franchise Key indicators
Growth YOY (%)
22%
vs industry 4%
Total U.S. Franchised Units
28
3-Year Failure Rate
20%
vs industry 12%
Sales-to-Investment ratio
2.9:1
How much does it cost to open a Bar-B-Clean franchise?
Understanding the potential investment size and capital requirements is crucial when considering opening a Bar-B-Clean franchise. These financial commitments, including initial franchise fees, equipment costs, and ongoing operational expenses, impact the feasibility and profitability of the venture. Thoroughly evaluating these factors ensures that potential franchisees are prepared for the financial responsibilities and can make informed decisions about their ability to sustain and grow the business, ultimately contributing to long-term success.
Min & Max Investment
Opening a Bar-B-Clean franchise involves several key costs, which are outlined in Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). you can see a breakdown of the costs to open a Bar-B-Clean below from the most recent Item 7 below:
Type of Expenditure
Minimum Investment
Maximum Investment
Initial Franchise Fee
$49,500
$49,500
Real Estate and Improvements
$0
$2,000
Franchise Equipment Package
$5,000
$5,000
Computer Equipment
$0
$1,000
Grand Opening Advertising
$3,000
$5,000
Insurance
$300
$1,000
Professional Fees
$650
$1,500
Business Licenses and Permits
$0
$300
Training
$1,000
$2,500
Signage
$750
$2,000
Vehicle
$10,000
$15,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs
$0
$1,320
Additional Funds –3 Months
$8,000
$13,000
TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT
$78,200
$99,120
Item 7 in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is the “Estimated Initial Investment” section. It outlines the total costs a franchisee can expect to incur when starting a franchise, including the initial franchise fee, equipment, inventory, real estate, and other startup expenses. This section is crucial because it provides potential franchisees with a detailed understanding of the financial commitment required, helping them assess affordability and plan their investment strategy effectively.
Required Capital
The required financial commitment to open a Bar-B-Clean franchise or a similar business in the home services industry can vary depending on location, operational scale, and market conditions. Here’s a breakdown of the key financial components:
- Startup Costs The total investment for Bar-B-Clean ranges between $78,000 and $99,000, covering equipment, initial marketing, training, and setup expenses. Assuming that you will finance your franchise investment, you should plan to have 20% of the total investment amount in the form of equity (cash) for the investment.
- Liquid Capital Industry benchmarks suggest that a franchise of this size typically requires $25,000 to $50,000 in liquid assets to cover working capital and initial operating costs.
- Net Worth Prospective franchisees should have a net worth of at least $100,000 to $150,000 to ensure financial stability and the ability to secure additional funding if needed.
How much does a Bar-B-Clean franchise owner make?
Calculating the salary of a Bar-B-Clean franchise owner involves analyzing gross sales to determine total revenue, assessing operational efficiency to understand profit margins, and accounting for franchisor fees and additional expenses such as rent, utilities, and payroll. Effective management of these factors can significantly impact the profitability and financial success of a Bar-B-Clean franchise owner. This comprehensive financial analysis helps estimate net profits, from which the owner’s salary can be derived. A clear understanding of these factors ensures accurate salary projections and financial planning for sustainable business operations.
Bar-B-Clean Revenue & Gross Sales
Bar-B-Clean has shown steady revenue performance, with a median gross sales figure of $257,485. This statistic underscores the earning potential for franchisees in a niche but growing market. The focus on health-conscious barbecue cleaning services, paired with low competition, has contributed to consistent demand and profitability. These figures reflect the franchise’s appeal to homeowners and outdoor cooking enthusiasts seeking reliable and professional cleaning solutions.
Which key factors impact the average revenue performance of Bar-B-Clean franchisees?
Several key factors likely contributed to the strong performance of U.S. franchisee median gross sales for Bar-B-Clean. First, the franchise operates in a niche market with limited competition, making it a go-to service for homeowners and food enthusiasts seeking professional barbecue cleaning. The health-conscious aspect of the business, which emphasizes safe, clean grilling, has gained traction as more people prioritize hygiene in their cooking spaces. Additionally, the franchise’s efficient and proven cleaning process has built customer trust and loyalty, while its strong marketing strategies have helped attract a steady stream of clients. Bar-B-Clean’s established training and support system further empower franchisees to succeed, ensuring consistent service delivery across locations. All of these elements combined have contributed to the brand’s continued growth and profitability.
Bar-B-Clean Franchise Operational Costs
When considering the opening of a Bar-B-Clean franchise, it’s important to understand the primary ongoing operational costs that will impact your day-to-day business.
- Labor Costs Employee wages, including any technicians or support staff, will be one of your largest ongoing expenses.
- Vehicle Maintenance and Fuel If you are using company vehicles to service clients, maintenance and fuel costs will be recurring expenses.
- Supplies and Equipment Regular replenishment of cleaning supplies, tools, and inventory will be necessary to maintain service standards.
- Insurance Liability, vehicle, and business insurance premiums must be paid to ensure protection for your operations.
- Marketing Ongoing local marketing efforts to maintain brand visibility and attract new customers will be required to keep the business competitive.
Understanding these costs is crucial for effectively managing your franchise’s budget and ensuring continued growth.
Bar-B-Clean Franchise Fees
When considering the financial structure of a Bar-B-Clean franchise, it’s essential to account for the ongoing fees that contribute to the brand’s support system, marketing efforts, and overall operational success.
- Royalty Fee Franchisees are required to pay the greater of 6% of their monthly gross revenue or a fixed fee of $500. This fee supports ongoing brand development, operational guidance, and access to proprietary systems.
- Brand Fund Contribution A 2% fee of your monthly gross revenue goes towards the brand fund, which is dedicated to national advertising and marketing efforts that help promote the brand and drive customer traffic.
- Additional Fees There may be additional costs associated with training programs, technology, and support tools provided by Bar-B-Clean.
These fees are important considerations for potential franchisees, as they contribute to the continuous growth and operational excellence of the Bar-B-Clean network.
Bar-B-Clean Franchise Earnings
The earnings potential for a Bar-B-Clean franchise owner can vary based on factors such as location, sales volume, operational efficiency, and cost control. However, with median gross sales of approximately $257,485, franchise owners in an owner-operator role can expect to earn around $46,000 annually, reflecting an estimated operating profit margin of 18%. This figure demonstrates that hands-on management can lead to consistent revenue, especially when the franchise owner is actively involved in day-to-day operations and customer service.
Franchisees who prioritize operational excellence and effective cost management are positioned to benefit from this high-margin service model. These earnings highlight the potential for success in the home services industry, with opportunities for growth as the business scales.
How to Open a Bar-B-Clean Franchise
Becoming a Bar-B-Clean franchisee involves a step-by-step process that guides you from initial inquiry to starting your own operations. It’s essential to follow these steps carefully to ensure you are fully prepared to manage your business and build a strong foundation for success
- Initial Inquiry You or your franchise specialist submits an initial inquiry basic information about your interest and background. You should also conduct thorough research on the franchise, including seeing all of the information available on the Vetted Biz franchise intelligence platform, including access to the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
- Application and Interview Submit your franchise application, followed by an interview with the Bar-B-Clean team. This step ensures you’re a good fit for the franchise system and can meet the necessary qualifications.
- Financial Review You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to meet the financial requirements, including liquid capital, net worth, and the overall investment necessary to open the business.
- Training Program Once approved, you will attend a comprehensive training program to learn about Bar-B-Clean’s operational processes, marketing strategies, and customer service standards.
- Location Selection and Setup After training, you’ll work with the Bar-B-Clean team to select a suitable territory, finalize lease agreements (if applicable), and set up the necessary infrastructure for your business.
- Start of Operations With everything in place, you’ll officially launch your Bar-B-Clean franchise and begin offering services to customers, backed by the support and resources provided by the franchise system.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Niche Market with Limited Competition: Bar-B-Clean provides a specialized service—barbecue cleaning—which has relatively few competitors, positioning you to capture a loyal customer base in your area.
Proven Business Model: The brand has a well-established, efficient cleaning process and a scalable business model, making it easier for new franchisees to hit the ground running.
Growing Customer Demand: As more consumers prioritize hygiene and cleanliness in their outdoor cooking spaces, demand for professional barbecue cleaning services continues to rise.
Cons
Hands-On Management Required: As an owner-operator, you’ll need to be involved in daily operations to maximize profitability, which can be demanding and time-consuming.
Seasonal Demand: Depending on your location, barbecue cleaning may be more in demand during certain seasons, leading to potential fluctuations in revenue.
Limited Service Offerings: The business model focuses primarily on barbecue cleaning services, which could limit potential revenue streams compared to franchises that offer more diverse services or products.
Competition from DIY Solutions: Some customers may opt to clean their barbecues themselves, especially if they perceive the service as an unnecessary expense, which could affect demand.
