I Heart Mac & Cheese Franchise in 2025: Costs, Fee & FDD

I Heart Mac & Cheese is a fast-casual franchise founded in 2015 by Michael Blum, known for transforming the classic comfort food into a creative, customizable dining experience. Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, the brand has quickly gained a reputation for its innovative menu, approachable atmosphere, and nostalgic appeal. Its focus on high-quality ingredients and endless customization options has made it a standout in the competitive fast-casual market.

The franchise specializes in mac and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches, allowing customers to choose from a variety of proteins, vegetables, and sauces. Signature dishes like the “Lobster & White Truffle Mac” cater to gourmet tastes, while plant-based and gluten-free options meet diverse dietary needs. The core customer base includes families, millennials, and Gen Z diners looking for affordable, quick, and Instagram-worthy meals.

With over 50 locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico and more in development, I Heart Mac & Cheese serves thousands of customers daily. Its efficient operations and small-footprint stores enable rapid expansion and adaptability in suburban and urban markets.

Franchisees benefit from extensive training programs, marketing support, and operational guidance. The franchise’s low startup costs, scalable model, and dedicated support system make it an attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs, offering a proven path to success in the thriving fast-casual dining industry.

I Heart Mac & Cheese Franchise Insights

1. Customizable mac and cheese bowls are the cornerstone of the menu, with over 1 million possible ingredient combinations, catering to diverse customer preferences.
2. The franchise boasts a high-profit margin menu, leveraging low-cost ingredients like pasta and cheese while offering premium upsell items like lobster or truffle oil.
3. Social media engagement is a major strength, with the franchise actively promoting its Instagram-worthy dishes to attract younger, tech-savvy customers.
4. The franchise began offering franchising opportunities in 2017, showcasing a relatively young yet expanding business model.
5. The franchise’s use of a franchise-first growth model allows it to expand quickly, maintaining brand consistency while supporting entrepreneurs in diverse markets.

How much does it cost to open an I Heart Mac & Cheese franchise?

Understanding the potential investment size and capital requirements is crucial when considering opening an I Heart Mac & Cheese 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 an I Heart Mac & Cheese 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 I Heart Mac & Cheese below from the most recent Item 7 below:

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

To open an I Heart Mac & Cheese franchise, the required capital involves both the initial investment costs and a net worth requirement set by I Heart Mac & Cheese. Let’s take a closer look below:

• Initial Investment As shown above, the total estimated initial investment ranges from $277,500 to $756,300. This includes all the startup costs such as the franchise fee, real estate, construction, equipment, initial inventory, and additional funds for initial operating 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 Assets Most fast-casual restaurant franchises require franchisees to have a minimum of $100,000 to $250,000 in liquid assets (cash or easily accessible funds). This is to ensure franchisees can cover initial expenses and operating costs before the business becomes profitable.
• Net Worth The net worth requirement typically falls between $300,000 to $1 million for fast-casual franchises, depending on the franchise model, location, and size of the operation.

How much does a I Heart Mac & Cheese franchise owner make?

Calculating the salary of a I Heart Mac & Cheese 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 an I Heart Mac & Cheese 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.

I Heart Mac & Cheese Revenue & Gross Sales

Unfortunately, specific median gross sales figures for I Heart Mac & Cheese are not publicly available. However, based on industry standards for fast-casual franchises, I Heart Mac & Cheese locations typically perform well due to their customizable menu, strong brand identity, and ability to appeal to a broad customer base.

Which key factors impact the average revenue performance of I Heart Mac & Cheese franchisees?

Several factors likely contributed to the performance of U.S. franchisee median gross sales for I Heart Mac & Cheese in the past year compared to the prior year. The growing trend towards comfort food and customizable dining options, especially mac and cheese, likely fueled increased customer demand. Additionally, the brand’s ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences, such as offering plant-based and gluten-free options, positions it well in the market. The continued expansion of the franchise, along with the effective use of social media for marketing and brand engagement, also likely contributed to higher visibility and increased foot traffic. On the operational side, the brand’s efficient business model with low overhead costs allows for scalability, which could have further boosted franchisee sales performance. Finally, favorable consumer sentiment around dining out post-pandemic likely played a role in boosting sales.

I Heart Mac & Cheese Franchise Operational Costs

Operational costs for a franchise like I Heart Mac & Cheese are the ongoing expenses required to run the day-to-day operations of the business. These costs are essential for maintaining the business’s functionality and ensuring smooth operations. For a I Heart Mac & Cheese franchise, operational costs include:

• Food and Beverage Costs As a restaurant franchise, the cost of ingredients (mac and cheese, proteins, vegetables, sauces, etc.) will be a significant expense. Keeping food costs in line is essential for maintaining profitability.
• Labor Costs Wages for kitchen staff, servers, and management will be a significant ongoing expense. Labor costs also include benefits, taxes, and payroll processing fees.
• Lease/Rent Depending on the location, leasing commercial space will be a major recurring expense. Rent varies based on market conditions and the size of the space.
• Utilities Water, electricity, gas, and internet services are regular expenses that are essential to running the business.
• Supplies and Inventory Ongoing purchases for items such as packaging, napkins, cleaning supplies, and any other disposable goods used daily in service.
• Maintenance and Repairs Regular maintenance for equipment, as well as any repairs needed for appliances or fixtures, can add up over time.

Careful planning and budgeting for these operational costs are crucial for the financial health and success of your I Heart Mac & Cheese franchise.

I Heart Mac & Cheese Franchise Fees

When considering the ongoing fees for I Heart Mac & Cheese, here are the key costs you should be aware of:

• Royalty Fee 5% of gross sales with a weekly minimum of $175. This fee is due weekly via electronic funds transfer (EFT), beginning either once the franchise opens or 12 months after the agreement is signed, whichever occurs first.
• Brand Fund Contribution 3% of gross sales with a weekly minimum of $100. This is also due weekly via EFT, starting once the franchise opens or 12 months after the agreement.
• Local Advertising Fee At least 1% of gross sales over the preceding calendar month, with a monthly expenditure requirement. You must use this fee for advertising and promotion in your franchise’s local territory.
• Additional Fees There may be additional fees, such as local advertising expenses beyond the minimum required or other costs related to advertising campaigns as determined by the franchisor.

These fees are critical to budgeting for ongoing operations and maintaining the franchise’s brand consistency and local marketing efforts.

I Heart Mac & Cheese Franchise Earnings

The estimated earnings for I Heart Mac & Cheese franchises can vary widely based on factors such as location, sales volume, and operating costs. Although specific figures on median gross sales are not publicly available, it’s typical for fast-casual franchises to generate annual sales ranging from $650,000 to $750,000 per unit. This figure could vary depending on the local market, competition, and how well the franchisee operates their business.

For an owner-operator, the potential earnings would depend on labor costs, food costs, and other operational expenses. Typically, an owner-operator could expect to retain a significant portion of the revenue once the business reaches maturity, especially given the relatively low labor costs in fast-casual restaurants. However, it’s important to consider that margins in this industry can be tight.

How to Open a I Heart Mac & Cheese Franchise

Becoming a franchisee with I Heart Mac & Cheese involves a series of well-defined steps. Here’s an overview of the process:

1. 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).
2. Application Submission After gathering enough information, you’ll submit an application to I Heart Mac & Cheese, expressing interest in opening a franchise. The franchisor may request additional documents to assess your suitability, such as your financial background and relevant experience.
3. Franchise Interview and Evaluation You may be invited to an interview or discovery day, where you will meet the franchisor’s team and ask questions about operations, training, and ongoing support. This is a chance for both parties to ensure there’s a good fit.
4. Signing the Franchise Agreement Once you’re comfortable with the terms and have secured financing, you will sign the franchise agreement. This legally binds you to the terms set by the franchisor.
5. Site Selection and Lease Negotiation With the franchisor’s guidance, you’ll choose a location for your franchise. The franchisor may assist with site selection and negotiating the lease agreement for the commercial space.
6. Training and Onboarding Before opening, you will undergo a training program that includes both classroom sessions and hands-on experience at a corporate location. The training covers everything from daily operations to customer service and marketing.
7. Build-Out and Pre-Opening Marketing Once you’ve secured a location, the next step is to build out the restaurant according to I Heart Mac & Cheese’s specifications. During this phase, you’ll also work on local marketing efforts to promote your grand opening.
8. Grand Opening and Operations After completing the build-out and receiving final approvals, you’ll launch the franchise with a grand opening event. Following the opening, you’ll begin day-to-day operations, with ongoing support from the franchisor in marketing, inventory management, and customer service.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Growing Market for Comfort Food: The fast-casual segment, particularly comfort foods like mac and cheese, has a broad customer base. The brand capitalizes on this trend by offering a customizable menu that appeals to diverse tastes, including plant-based and gluten-free options.

Simple Operational Model: With a focus on a few core products (mac and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches), the business model is streamlined, making it easier for franchisees to manage day-to-day operations.

Brand Appeal and Social Media Savvy: I Heart Mac & Cheese benefits from a strong brand identity and effective use of social media to attract younger customers. Their visually appealing dishes are highly shareable on platforms like Instagram, which can help drive customer traffic.

Cons

Competitive Market: The fast-casual dining sector is highly competitive, with many established brands and new entrants vying for consumer attention. The success of the franchise is heavily dependent on location, execution, and local market demand.

Ongoing Fees: The royalty fee of 5% and brand fund contribution of 3%, in addition to local advertising fees, can add up. Franchisees need to ensure that gross sales are strong enough to cover these fees while maintaining profitability.

Dependency on Location: The performance of an I Heart Mac & Cheese location is largely dependent on its site and foot traffic. A poor location or lease negotiation can lead to lower-than-expected sales.