2007
19
$1,305,100
$49,500
$3,403,100
No
Arooga's Grille House & Sports Bar stands as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Founded in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 2007, Arooga's has seamlessly blended the excitement of sports with a dynamic dining experience. The brand is renowned for its award-winning wings, an extensive selection of craft beers, and a vibrant atmosphere that keeps guests coming back. With a commitment to sustainability, Arooga's was among the first in Pennsylvania to earn a Certified Green Restaurant® designation, reflecting its dedication to environmental responsibility.
Positioned within the competitive sports bar and grill industry, Arooga's differentiates itself through its innovative approach to both food and entertainment. The brand's unique blend of quality cuisine, engaging sports viewing experiences, and a lively social environment has carved out a distinct niche in the market.
Proven Business Model: Arooga's offers a turnkey franchise system with a strong brand identity, operational support, and a comprehensive training program.
Award-Winning Menu: The franchise is celebrated for its award-winning wings and diverse menu, attracting a loyal customer base.
Sustainability Commitment: As a Certified Green Restaurant®, Arooga's appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.
Scalable Growth Opportunities: With a presence in multiple states, Arooga's provides opportunities for multi-unit ownership and expansion.
Community Engagement: The brand's "Funds for Friends" program demonstrates a commitment to local communities, enhancing brand loyalty.
1. Established Year:
Arooga’s Grille House & Sports Bar was founded in 2007 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The concept was to create a sports-focused casual dining restaurant that combined high-quality food with an engaging, energetic atmosphere where fans could enjoy live sports events.
2. Founders:
The brand was founded by Gary Huether Jr., whose vision was to blend the excitement of sports with a family-friendly, yet lively, dining environment. His focus on quality, service, and community engagement shaped the brand’s core identity.
3. Brand Journey & Company History:
2007: First location opened in Harrisburg, establishing a reputation for award-winning wings, craft beers, and a vibrant social environment.
2010: Began franchising, allowing for expansion into multiple states across the USA.
Over the years, Arooga’s has earned numerous accolades, including recognition as a Certified Green Restaurant®, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility.
The brand also developed community programs such as “Funds for Friends”, supporting local charitable initiatives.
4. Ownership & Structure:
Arooga’s is privately held under Arooga’s Franchising LP, which manages franchise operations, corporate support, marketing, and brand development.
5. Franchise Units & Market Presence:
As of 2022, Arooga’s operates 19 franchise units, primarily located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and surrounding states.
The franchise has established a strong regional market presence and is recognized as a top-rated sports bar and grill chain in the Northeast USA.
6. Industry Category:
Arooga’s is classified under full-service casual dining, specifically within the sports bar and grill sector, offering a combination of casual dining, entertainment, and community engagement.
7. Reputation & Positioning:
The brand is known for:
High-quality menu items including wings, burgers, and craft beers
Vibrant atmosphere suitable for both families and sports fans
Sustainability initiatives
Community-focused programs
This positioning differentiates Arooga’s in the crowded casual dining and sports bar market.
Arooga's offers a comprehensive support system to its franchisees, ensuring a smooth launch and sustained operational success:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and restaurant design.
Training Program: A robust training program covering both classroom instruction and hands-on experience, totaling 150 hours.
Operational Support: Ongoing guidance in daily operations, including inventory management, staffing, and customer service.
Marketing Assistance: Access to national and local marketing campaigns, promotional materials, and digital marketing strategies.
Technology Integration: Implementation of proprietary POS systems and operational software to streamline business processes.
Continuous Development: Regular updates on industry trends, menu innovations, and best practices through ongoing training and support.
Arooga’s seeks franchisees who are not only financially capable but also passionate about hospitality, sports, and community engagement. The ideal franchisee embodies the following traits:
1. Experience & Background:
Prior experience in restaurant management, hospitality, or retail is highly valued.
Familiarity with customer service excellence, staff management, and operational oversight ensures smooth day-to-day operations.
Entrepreneurs with a track record in foodservice or franchise operations are preferred, though motivated first-time operators with strong business acumen can also succeed.
2. Leadership & Management Skills:
Ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team effectively.
Strong organizational skills to oversee staffing, training, inventory management, and customer experience.
Capable of maintaining high standards of service, quality, and operational efficiency.
3. Financial Capability:
Minimum liquid capital: $700,000
Minimum net worth: $4 million
Able to cover initial franchise fees, build-out costs, working capital, and other operational expenses.
Committed to reinvesting in marketing, staff development, and business growth.
4. Passion for Sports & Community Engagement:
A genuine interest in sports and entertainment to create a vibrant, fan-friendly atmosphere.
Enthusiasm for engaging with the local community, supporting initiatives like Arooga’s “Funds for Friends” program.
Strong customer-focused mindset to foster a loyal and returning customer base.
5. Location Preference & Business Vision:
Preference for high-traffic locations with strong sports culture, such as urban centers, suburban communities, or areas near colleges and sports venues.
Entrepreneurial mindset to scale the business through multiple units or innovative revenue streams like catering, events, or merchandise.
6. Personal Traits & Values:
Passionate, resilient, and committed to long-term growth.
Alignment with Arooga’s brand values of quality, community, and sustainability.
Ability to handle the demands of running a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $49,500 |
| Total Initial Investment | $1,305,100 – $3,403,100 (depending on location, size, and build-out costs) |
| Minimum Investment Required | $1,305,100 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Advertising Fee | 1% of gross sales |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Varies by location, size, and leasehold improvements |
| Marketing Budget | Included in advertising fee; local marketing encouraged |
| Working Capital | Sufficient to cover initial operating expenses until cash flow positive |
| Expected ROI | Typically 18–24 months to break-even; ROI varies based on location and operational efficiency |
| Break-Even Time | 18–24 months (average) |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout & delivery, catering, merchandise sales, and possible sports betting partnerships in select locations |
