2011
1
$50,000
$25,000
$253,075
No
Binghamton HOTS is a fast-casual restaurant franchise that has become a staple in Upstate New York's culinary scene. Founded in 2011 by David Whalen, a Binghamton University alumnus, the brand offers a unique dining experience centered around its signature "Hot Plate"—a hearty, one-plate meal inspired by Rochester's famous Garbage Plate. This dish, featuring a combination of meats, sides, and a homemade chili sauce, has garnered a loyal following among college students, late-night diners, and comfort food enthusiasts.
With a focus on quality, convenience, and community, Binghamton HOTS has expanded its reach through franchising, aiming to bring its beloved menu to new markets across the United States. The brand's commitment to providing exceptional food and a welcoming atmosphere positions it as a compelling opportunity for prospective franchisees.
Proven Concept: Binghamton HOTS has established a strong brand presence in the Upstate New York region, with its signature Hot Plate becoming a local favorite.
Diverse Revenue Streams: The franchise model includes lunch, dinner, and late-night service, along with carry-out, delivery, and catering options, catering to a wide customer base.
Supportive Franchise System: Franchisees receive comprehensive training and ongoing support, including site selection, restaurant build-out assistance, and marketing guidance.
Attractive Market: The fast-casual dining industry continues to grow, with increasing demand for customizable and convenient meal options.
Binghamton HOTS was established in 2011 by David Whalen, a Binghamton University alumnus. Inspired by Rochester's famous "Garbage Plate," Whalen sought to create a late-night dining option that catered to college students and the local community. The restaurant's signature dish, the Hot Plate, features a combination of meats, sides, and a homemade chili sauce, offering a hearty and customizable meal.
In 2013, Binghamton HOTS underwent a rebranding to solidify its identity and appeal to a broader audience. The revamped branding emphasized the restaurant's commitment to quality comfort food and a welcoming atmosphere.
Recognizing the potential for growth, Binghamton HOTS introduced its franchise program in 2018, with the goal of expanding into nearby college towns and urban areas. The franchise plan was approved by New York State in November 2017, paving the way for future expansion.
In 2019, the first franchised location opened in Johnson City, New York, marking a significant milestone in the brand's expansion efforts. This location aimed to tap into the student population and capitalize on the area's revitalization.
As of now, Binghamton HOTS operates one franchised unit. The brand continues to seek franchise partners to expand its presence, particularly in college towns and vibrant urban areas across the United States.
Binghamton HOTS offers a comprehensive support system to ensure the success of its franchisees:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, restaurant design, and build-out to ensure the location aligns with brand standards.
Training: A combination of classroom sessions and on-the-job training at the flagship location, covering all aspects of restaurant operations.
Operational Support: Access to a confidential operations manual detailing best practices for front- and back-of-house procedures.
Marketing Support: Guidance on creating and executing local marketing campaigns, promotions, and special events to drive customer engagement.
Ongoing Assistance: Regular visits and support from the franchisor to ensure continuous improvement and adherence to brand standards.
Binghamton HOTS seeks franchisees who are passionate, motivated, and aligned with the brand’s mission of delivering quality comfort food and a welcoming dining experience. The ideal candidate would exhibit the following qualities:
Individuals who are self-motivated, proactive, and ready to manage their own business.
Comfortable making strategic decisions and taking ownership of daily operations.
A genuine interest in food service, customer experience, and community engagement.
Enthusiasm for fast-casual dining and the unique Hot Plate concept.
Previous restaurant or hospitality experience is advantageous but not mandatory.
Strong management, leadership, or operational skills are highly valued to oversee staff and daily activities.
Ability to meet initial investment requirements and allocate sufficient funds for setup, working capital, and ongoing operations.
Comfortable managing budgets, tracking revenue, and maintaining profitability.
Willingness to follow the franchisor’s guidelines for quality, service, and operations.
Dedication to maintaining consistency across locations and upholding the brand’s reputation.
Interest in operating in college towns, urban centers, or areas with strong late-night dining demand.
Awareness of local market demographics to maximize customer engagement and revenue potential.
Seeking long-term business growth rather than short-term profit.
Interest in potentially opening multiple units as the brand expands.
| Financial Element | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $122,850 – $253,075 |
| Minimum Cash Required | $50,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Franchise Units (Current) | 1 unit |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Included in total investment; varies by location |
| Marketing Budget | Allocated as part of ongoing support; specific amounts discussed with franchisor |
| Working Capital | Included in total investment to ensure smooth operations |
| Royalty Fees | Standard industry rates; specific percentage to be confirmed with franchisor |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location and operational efficiency |
| Break-even Time | Typically 12 – 24 months depending on market and operations |
| Potential Revenue Streams | In-store dining, carry-out, delivery, catering |
