Grain and Berry Franchise in 2024: Costs, Fee & FDD
Discover how Grain & Berry’s healthy, plant-based superfood café franchise offers a unique investment opportunity in the booming wellness market. Learn about costs, fees, revenue potential, and what makes this brand thrive!
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Founded in the summer of 2017 by Trey Kessler, Douglas Lang, and Kirsten Lang, Grain & Berry has quickly redefined the superfood café experience. With roots in the booming health and wellness industry, this vibrant brand focuses on fresh, natural, and flavorful dishes that nourish both body and spirit. It stands out in its market by delivering not just health-conscious meals but also a dining experience that merges style, comfort, and community—a winning combination that has solidified its place as a superfood industry leader.
At its core, Grain & Berry’s menu is a testament to the power of plant-based innovation. Their offerings range from colorful acai bowls and creamy yogurt parfaits to hearty avocado toasts and flatbreads made with cauliflower or broccoli crusts. Catering to health enthusiasts, families, and trend-savvy millennials alike, the brand’s handcrafted-to-order dishes are free of artificial sweeteners, dyes, and preservatives. Whether you’re sipping on their fresh juices or enjoying their international coffee blends, every bite or sip feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Today, Grain & Berry boasts an impressive presence in the superfood café space, with dozens of locations across the United States. Each restaurant averages 1,500–2,800 square feet, accommodating 30–80 guests—offering a rare mix of ample seating and inviting ambiance that encourages gathering and connection. The thoughtful design, paired with extraordinary food presentation and exceptional hospitality, ensures the franchise is a cornerstone in the communities it serves.
For franchisees, Grain & Berry offers a robust support system that includes comprehensive training programs, marketing resources, and operational guidance. From day one, franchise partners gain the tools needed to succeed in this fast-growing market, supported by a brand that prioritizes both customer and franchisee satisfaction. Grain & Berry isn’t just a business—it’s a lifestyle brand poised to grow alongside the demand for healthy, convenient, and delicious dining options.
Grain & Berry Franchise Insights
- Since its founding in 2017, Grain & Berry has expanded rapidly, with dozens of locations nationwide and a growing footprint in the $1 trillion health and wellness market.
- From acai bowls to cauliflower crust flatbreads, the diverse menu caters to multiple dietary preferences, tapping into the surging demand for plant-based and allergen-friendly options.
- The franchise emphasizes fresh, handcrafted meals without artificial dyes or sweeteners, meeting the expectations of today’s health-conscious and eco-aware consumers.
- With its family-friendly design and welcoming ambiance, Grain & Berry locations become community hubs where friends and families consistently gather for healthy meals.
Grain & Berry Franchise Key indicators
Total U.S. Franchised Units
>20
Sales-to-Investment ratio
2.4:1
How much does it cost to open a Grain & Berry franchise?
Understanding the potential investment size and capital requirements is crucial when considering opening a Grain & Berry 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 Grain & Berry 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 Grain & Berry below from the most recent Item 7 below:
| Type of Expenditure | Minimum Investment | Maximum Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $49,500 | $49,500 |
| Real Estate Lease Payments – deposit, 1 month | $6,000 | $12,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $15,000 | $375,000 |
| Construction Management Fee | $25,000 | $30,000 |
| Wages, Travel and Living Expenses for You and Your Manager During Training | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Restaurant Kitchen Equipment Purchase Deposit and Initial Payment | $45,000 | $60,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures and Non- Kitchen Equipment | $15,000 | $25,000 |
| Computer System | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| Signs | $6,000 | $9,000 |
| Initial Inventory and Supplies | $3,000 | $15,000 |
| Employee Salaries – 3 months | $9,000 | $25,000 |
| Local Advertising Expenditures Fee and costs | $5,000 | $8,000 |
| Insurance – 3 months | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $10,000 | $40,000 |
| TOTAL | $192,500 | $658,000 |
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
Opening a Grain & Berry franchise or a similar superfood café requires a detailed understanding of the capital, liquid assets, and net worth needed. Let’s take a closer look below:
- Initial Capital Investment The total investment range includes costs for build-out, equipment, inventory, technology systems, and signage, typically covering $193,000 to $658,000, depending on location and scale. 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 Assets Franchisees usually need $75,000 to $150,000 in liquid assets to manage early operations, marketing, and unexpected expenses, ensuring smooth business continuity.
- Net Worth Requirement Franchisors commonly require a minimum net worth of $300,000 to $600,000, demonstrating the financial stability necessary to sustain the franchise long term.
How much does a Grain & Berry franchise owner make?
Calculating the salary of a Grain & Berry 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 Grain & Berry 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.
Grain & Berry Revenue & Gross Sales
Grain & Berry has demonstrated impressive revenue performance, with median gross sales reaching $1,154,533 across its locations. This strong financial showing highlights the brand’s ability to thrive in the competitive superfood café market, driven by its innovative menu and community-centric approach.
Which key factors impact the average revenue performance of Grain & Berry franchisees?
The strong performance of Grain & Berry’s U.S. franchisee median gross sales can be attributed to several key factors. First, its innovative menu, which emphasizes fresh, plant-based, and allergen-friendly offerings, appeals to a wide and growing audience of health-conscious consumers. The franchise’s focus on providing a superior dining experience with ample seating, stylish décor, and top-notch hospitality fosters repeat business and community engagement. Additionally, its strategic location choices and marketing efforts likely play a significant role in driving foot traffic. The brand’s emphasis on quality, combined with operational support for franchisees, ensures consistency and satisfaction, which further boosts customer loyalty and sales.
Grain & Berry Franchise Operational Costs
When considering opening a Grain & Berry franchise, it’s essential to account for the primary ongoing operational costs that contribute to the day-to-day functioning of the business. These costs will vary based on location, size, and local market conditions, but here’s a breakdown of the key expenses to keep in mind:
- Labor Costs This includes wages for staff, including kitchen and front-of-house employees, as well as benefits, taxes, and potential overtime. Labor is a significant ongoing expense, especially in a customer-focused environment.
- Food and Beverage Inventory Regular replenishment of fresh ingredients for the menu, including fruits, vegetables, and specialty items like plant-based milks and superfoods, will be a recurring cost.
- Rent and Utilities Leasing a commercial space and covering utility bills (electricity, water, gas, etc.) are some of the most significant fixed costs. The size and location of your space will influence this expense.
- Equipment Maintenance Regular maintenance and occasional replacement of kitchen equipment (blenders, ovens, etc.) will be necessary to ensure smooth operations and prevent downtime.
- Insurance Ongoing costs for liability, property, and workers’ compensation insurance are essential to protect your business and staff.
Understanding and planning for these operational costs will help you manage your cash flow effectively and ensure the long-term success of your franchise.
Grain & Berry Franchise Fees
When considering the financial obligations of opening a Grain & Berry franchise, it’s important to factor in the ongoing fees that contribute to the operational costs of running your business. Here’s a breakdown of the key fees to expect:
- Royalty Fee Grain & Berry charges a 6% royalty fee on net sales, which supports ongoing brand development and operational support. This fee is critical for ensuring that the franchise continues to benefit from the expertise and resources that come with being part of an established brand.
- System Development Fee A 1% fee on net sales is allocated for system development, which helps fund the ongoing enhancement of the franchise’s infrastructure, technology, operational systems, and national marketing initiatives. This ensures that all franchisees benefit from the latest innovations and best practices.
- Additional Fees Franchisees may incur additional fees for training programs, technology services, and other items provided by Grain & Berry.
By understanding and planning for these ongoing fees, you can ensure a smooth operation and align with the franchise’s standards while benefiting from the support and infrastructure that Grain & Berry offers.
Grain & Berry Franchise Earnings
The earnings of a Grain & Berry franchise owner can fluctuate depending on factors like location, customer demand, and management efficiency. However, based on recent data, the median gross sales for a Grain & Berry franchise are approximately $1,154,533. For owner-operators who are hands-on in daily operations, the estimated earnings can be around $173,000, reflecting an operating profit margin of 15%. This indicates the potential for strong profitability, especially when the franchise is actively managed and efficiently run.
For owner-operators who take a direct role in the business, the earnings potential is substantial, with the possibility of higher returns as sales grow and operational efficiencies are optimized.
How to Open a Grain & Berry Franchise
Becoming a Grain & Berry franchisee is an exciting and structured process designed to ensure that potential franchisees are well-prepared and aligned with the brand’s values. From your initial inquiry to the opening day of your franchise, the process involves several important steps, each aimed at ensuring a successful partnership and operation. Here’s an overview of the typical steps involved:
- 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).
- Franchise Application & Qualification After reviewing the information, you’ll submit a formal application to become a franchisee. The franchise team will evaluate your financial qualifications, business experience, and overall suitability as a potential franchise owner.
- Discovery Day Grain & Berry invites qualified candidates to participate in a Discovery Day, where you can meet the team, tour an existing franchise location, and ask any remaining questions about the business and operations. This is your chance to get an in-depth look at what it takes to be a part of the Grain & Berry family.
- Franchise Agreement & Final Approval After Discovery Day, if both parties are aligned, you’ll sign the franchise agreement, finalizing your commitment to the brand. At this point, you’ll also receive detailed instructions on the next steps for site selection and lease negotiation.
- Site Selection & Build-Out You’ll work with the Grain & Berry team to select a suitable location for your franchise. Once approved, the build-out process begins, which includes designing and constructing the restaurant space according to brand standards.
- Training & Pre-Opening Support Grain & Berry provides comprehensive training that covers everything from operations to customer service. You’ll also receive support in setting up your business, hiring staff, and marketing efforts leading up to the grand opening.
- Opening Day & Operations Start After completing all the preparatory steps, your franchise is ready for launch! The franchise team offers ongoing support to help ensure a successful start, including assistance with opening promotions, staff training, and day-to-day operations.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Strong Market Demand: With a growing demand for healthy, plant-based foods, Grain & Berry is positioned well in the fast casual market. Their menu appeals to health-conscious consumers, which continues to gain popularity.
Proven Business Model: The franchise offers a successful business model with consistent revenue potential, as evidenced by their median gross sales and profit margin.
Large Territory Opportunities: With an expanding presence, there is potential for growth in multiple regions, offering franchisees the chance to tap into new markets.
Appealing Menu and Customer Experience: The focus on fresh, quality ingredients and a beautiful restaurant experience enhances customer satisfaction, driving repeat business.
Cons
Labor Costs: Since the franchise operates in the foodservice industry, labor costs, including staff wages and benefits, can be significant and must be effectively managed for profitability.
Competition: The health food and fast casual dining market is becoming increasingly crowded, meaning franchisees will need to differentiate themselves and maintain high standards to stay competitive.
Economic Sensitivity: As a fast casual dining franchise, Grain & Berry could be vulnerable to economic downturns or shifts in consumer spending habits. During periods of economic uncertainty, discretionary spending on dining out may decrease, affecting sales.
