Twin Peaks Franchise in 2024: Costs, Fee & FDD

Explore the potential of owning a Twin Peaks franchise, a unique sports-themed restaurant with strong brand loyalty, high revenue potential, and a proven business model. Discover the key insights and investment considerations in our detailed analysis.

Last updated 17 Oct 2024 Time 12 min read
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Twin Peaks is a full-service, sports-themed restaurant franchise that has carved out a unique niche in the dining industry since its inception. Founded in 2005 by Randy DeWitt and Scott Gordon, Twin Peaks set out to create a place where people could enjoy high-quality food, cold beer, and sports in a welcoming environment that blends the charm of a mountain lodge with the excitement of a lively bar. Over the years, it has gained a reputation as “The Ultimate Sports Lodge,” offering a distinctive experience that sets it apart from other sports bars and casual dining establishments.

The core offerings at Twin Peaks revolve around its all-American menu, featuring hearty dishes like hand-smashed burgers, smoked meats, and scratch-made sides. These are complemented by a robust selection of craft beers, signature cocktails, and of course, the hallmark of Twin Peaks: its cold beer, served at a frosty 29 degrees. The ambiance is enriched by its iconic Twin Peaks Girls, who contribute to the brand’s lodge-like atmosphere. The franchise targets sports enthusiasts, food lovers, and those looking for a vibrant social scene, making it popular among a diverse, mostly male, demographic aged 21-50.

As of now, Twin Peaks operates over 90 locations across the United States, with additional international locations planned. This rapid expansion is a testament to the brand’s appeal and effective business model. The franchise boasts a strong daily customer base, with thousands of patrons visiting each location to catch the latest game or enjoy a night out. The success of Twin Peaks is further reflected in its consistent ranking among the top sports bar chains in the country, with a loyal customer base that keeps coming back for its unique blend of food, sports, and atmosphere.

For franchisees, Twin Peaks offers a comprehensive support system designed to ensure success. This includes extensive training programs that cover everything from operational management to marketing strategies. Franchisees also benefit from ongoing support in areas like site selection, construction, and grand opening assistance. Additionally, Twin Peaks provides robust marketing support, leveraging its strong brand presence and customer loyalty to drive traffic to each location. The franchise’s proven business model, combined with its extensive support system, makes it an attractive option for potential franchisees looking to enter the full-service restaurant industry.

Twin Peaks Franchise Insights

  1. Established and Expanding: Twin Peaks, founded in 2005, has grown to 103 locations in the U.S., with 70 franchised units and 33 corporate-owned, demonstrating a solid foundation and steady growth within the full-service restaurant industry.
  2. Strong Brand Loyalty: Twin Peaks has cultivated a loyal customer base, with many locations drawing daily crowds of sports enthusiasts, resulting in high repeat business and consistent revenue streams.
  3. Investment Considerations: Potential franchisees need a total investment ranging from $2.25 million to $6.95 million, reflecting the premium nature of the brand and the substantial upfront costs involved.
  4. Unique Brand Identity: Twin Peaks differentiates itself with its “Lodge Mantality,” combining rustic décor, a curated menu of comfort foods, and the Twin Peaks Girls, creating a distinct and memorable customer experience.

Twin Peaks Franchise Key indicators

Growth YOY (%)

15%

vs industry -1%


Total U.S. Franchised Units

70


3-Year Failure Rate

5%

vs industry 11%


Sales-to-Investment ratio

1.2:1

How much does it cost to open a Twin Peaks franchise?

Understanding the potential investment size and capital requirements is crucial when considering opening a Twin Peaks 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 Twin Peaks 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 Twin Peaks below from the most recent Item 7 below:

Type of Expenditure  Minimum Investment  Maximum Investment 
Initial Franchise Fee  $50,000  $50,000 
Leasehold Improvements and Deposits  $800,000  $4,600,000 
Equipment, Furniture, Fixtures, and Signage  $900,000  $1,500,000 
Liquor License  $1,000  $14,000 
Business Licenses and Permits  $3,000  $4,000 
Initial Training Costs  $50,000  $65,000 
Opening Training Team Costs  $220,000  $240,000 
Initial Inventory and Supplies  $60,000  $140,000 
Professional Services  $10,000  $25,000 
Restaurant Opening Promotion  $10,000  $10,000 
Insurance  $50,000  $108,000 
Additional Funds for Initial 3-Month Period  $100,000  $190,000 
TOTAL  $2,254,000  $6,946,000 

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

When considering an investment in a Twin Peaks franchise, you’ll want to be prepared for the financial requirements that come with it. Twin Peaks is known for its high-energy sports bar atmosphere, and like many full-service restaurant franchises, it comes with a significant investment.

Here’s what you can generally expect:

  • Initial Investment As shown above, the total estimated initial investment ranges from $2,254,000 to $6,946,000. 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 For liquid assets, you should have around $500,000 to $1 million readily available. This ensures that you have enough cash on hand to cover upfront costs and sustain operations until the business becomes profitable.
  • Net Worth Twin Peaks typically requires a net worth of at least $3 million. This requirement helps ensure that you have the financial stability to support the business in the long term.

How much does a Twin Peaks franchise owner make?

Calculating the salary of a Twin Peaks 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 Twin Peaks 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.

Twin Peaks Revenue & Gross Sales

Based on most recent analysis, Twin Peaks franchises have a median gross sales of $5,610,004. This strong financial performance underscores the brand’s robust consumer demand and potential for significant revenue generation.

Which key factors impact the average revenue performance of Twin Peaks franchisees?

The performance of U.S. franchisee median gross sales for Twin Peaks is likely influenced by several factors. First, the continued popularity of sports and live events post-pandemic has driven traffic to locations, as fans seek engaging environments to watch games. Additionally, Twin Peaks’ focus on enhancing its menu and expanding its craft beer and spirits offerings likely attracted more customers. The brand’s emphasis on creating a unique and consistent guest experience, combined with strategic marketing efforts and promotions, could have also contributed to increased sales. Lastly, the economic recovery in various regions may have boosted consumer spending, allowing franchisees to capitalize on increased discretionary income.

Twin Peaks Franchise Operational Costs

When opening a Twin Peaks franchise, some key ongoing operational costs you’ll want to consider include:

  • Labor Costs Staffing is a significant expense, given the full-service nature of Twin Peaks. This includes wages, benefits, and training for your team, which will likely be a substantial portion of your monthly expenses.
  • Food and Beverage Costs As a restaurant, the cost of inventory, including fresh ingredients, beverages, and alcohol, is ongoing. Managing food waste and negotiating supplier deals can help control these costs.
  • Utilities Operating a large, high-energy venue like Twin Peaks comes with hefty utility bills-electricity, water, and gas for cooking and heating the space.
  • Maintenance and Repairs Regular upkeep of the restaurant, kitchen equipment, and the overall ambiance is crucial for maintaining the brand’s high standards, which can add to your operational expenses.
  • Marketing and Local Advertising While corporate may handle broader marketing efforts, local promotions, events, and sponsorships to drive traffic to your location will be a recurring cost.

These costs are central to keeping your franchise running smoothly and ensuring a great customer experience, which is essential for success in the competitive restaurant industry.

Twin Peaks Franchise Fees

When operating a Twin Peaks franchise, there are several ongoing fees that you’ll need to account for, which are essential to maintaining your franchise’s operations and brand alignment. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Royalty Fee You’ll need to pay 5% of your gross sales every Tuesday for the preceding reporting period. This fee contributes to the overall support and services provided by the franchisor.
  • Brand Fund Contribution Currently set at 2.5% of gross sales (but can go up to 4%), this fee is also due every Tuesday. It helps fund the national marketing and brand management efforts that benefit all franchisees.
  • Local Marketing Expenditure/Advertising Cooperative You’ll be required to allocate 0.5% of your gross sales periodically towards local marketing efforts. This ensures your franchise remains competitive and visible in your specific market.

There might be additional fees depending on the specific needs and circumstances of your franchise. It’s important to review your franchise agreement thoroughly and consult with the franchisor for a complete understanding of all potential costs.

Twin Peaks Franchise Earnings

Based on the most recent data, a Twin Peaks franchisee can expect median gross sales of approximately $5.61 million. As an owner-operator, earnings from this gross sales figure are estimated to be roughly $560,000, based on industry operating margins of 10%.

These earnings highlight the potential profitability of a Twin Peaks franchise, particularly for those actively involved in the day-to-day operations. While these numbers provide a solid benchmark, actual earnings can vary based on factors like location, management efficiency, and local market conditions. It’s important to consider these variables when assessing the financial potential of your investment.

How to Open a Twin Peaks Franchise

Becoming a Twin Peaks franchisee is an exciting journey that involves several key steps, each designed to ensure that you’re well-prepared to launch and operate your business successfully. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

  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. Preliminary Discussion Once your inquiry is received, a representative from Twin Peaks will reach out to discuss your interest further. This is a chance for you to ask initial questions and for the franchisor to assess your suitability.
  3. Application and Financial Review If the discussion is positive, you’ll be asked to complete a formal franchise application. This includes a thorough financial review to ensure you meet the net worth and liquid asset requirements.
  4. Discovery Day You’ll likely be invited to a Discovery Day. This is an opportunity to visit the Twin Peaks headquarters, meet the executive team, and see the operation firsthand. It’s also your chance to ask detailed questions about the business model.
  5. Franchise Agreement Signing If both parties are satisfied after Discovery Day, you’ll sign the franchise agreement. This formalizes your commitment to becoming a Twin Peaks franchisee and allows you to move forward with your business plans.
  6. Site Selection and Build-Out Next, you’ll work with Twin Peaks’ real estate team to select an ideal location for your restaurant. Once a site is chosen, the build-out process begins, which includes construction, design, and outfitting the restaurant with necessary equipment.
  7. Training As the build-out progresses, you and your management team will undergo extensive training provided by Twin Peaks. This training covers everything from restaurant operations and customer service to marketing and management.
  8. Pre-Opening Preparations Before the grand opening, you’ll focus on final preparations, such as hiring staff, conducting local marketing, and stocking inventory. Twin Peaks will assist with setting up systems and ensuring everything is ready for launch.
  9. Grand Opening Once everything is in place, you’ll open your Twin Peaks location to the public. The franchisor typically supports the grand opening with marketing and promotional activities to help you attract customers from day one.
  10. Ongoing Support After opening, Twin Peaks provides ongoing support in areas such as operations, marketing, and training to help you succeed as a franchisee

Pros & Cons

Pros

Strong Brand Recognition: Twin Peaks has established itself as a popular and recognizable brand in the sports bar and restaurant industry, attracting a loyal customer base.

High Revenue Potential: The franchise typically generates strong sales due to its unique concept, appealing to a wide audience looking for a lively dining and sports-watching experience.

Unique Concept: The focus on an enhanced sports bar experience with a lodge-like atmosphere, coupled with a high-quality menu, differentiates Twin Peaks from other casual dining franchises.

Market Demand: With the growing popularity of live sports events and social dining experiences, Twin Peaks is well-positioned to capitalize on market trends.

Cons

High Initial Investment: The required capital for opening a Twin Peaks franchise is significant, which might be a barrier if you’re looking for a lower-cost investment.

Intensive Management: Running a full-service restaurant like Twin Peaks requires hands-on management and a strong operational focus, which can be demanding and time-consuming.

Competition: The restaurant and sports bar market is highly competitive, with many established players. Success may depend heavily on location and your ability to differentiate from local competitors.

FAQs

Who owns Twin Peaks franchise?

  • Twin Peaks is owned by FAT Brands, a global franchising company that acquired the chain in 2021. FAT Brands is known for managing a portfolio of iconic restaurant brands, which includes concepts like Johnny Rockets, Fatburger, and several others. Twin Peaks operates under their leadership, benefiting from FAT Brands' extensive experience in the restaurant industry.
  • Yes, Twin Peaks operates as a franchise. The company offers franchising opportunities to qualified investors, allowing them to own and operate individual Twin Peaks locations under the brand’s established name and business model.
  • Twin Peaks ’ biggest competitor is Buffalo Wild Wings, another major player in the sports bar and restaurant industry. Alternatives to Twin Peaks include other sports-themed restaurant franchises like Hooters , Miller’s Ale House, and Tilted Kilt, all of which offer a similar blend of food, drinks, and sports entertainment.
  • As of 2024, Twin Peaks has 103 locations in the U.S., of which 70 are franchised locations and 33 are affiliate locations.
  • The most recent calculated 3-year failure rate of Twin Peaks was 5% in the U.S.
  • The total estimated initial investment ranges from $2,254,000 to $6,946,000 in the U.S.
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