Established
2013
Franchise Units
7
Minimum Investment
$500,000
Franchise Fee
$15,000
Total Investment Range
$968,000
Home Based
No
Description
Blast & Brew is redefining the American dining experience by combining gourmet comfort food with the innovative concept of self-pour craft beer. With over 55 years of culinary expertise, the brand offers a modern, social dining atmosphere where guests can customize their meals and pour their own drinks from a selection of over 40 craft beers and local wines. This unique approach has positioned Blast & Brew as a standout in the competitive restaurant industry, appealing to both food enthusiasts and craft beer aficionados.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in a Blast & Brew franchise offers the opportunity to be part of a growing brand that combines culinary innovation with a unique dining experience. The self-pour beer concept not only enhances customer engagement but also streamlines service, leading to increased efficiency and customer satisfaction. With a proven business model, strong brand identity, and a focus on quality and community, Blast & Brew provides franchisees with the tools and support needed to succeed in the competitive restaurant industry.
Background
Established Year:
Blast & Brew was founded in 2013 as part of the evolving casual dining segment in the U.S. The brand was created to merge quality food offerings with an innovative, self-service craft beer experience, appealing to both food lovers and craft beer enthusiasts.
Founders & Ownership:
The franchise is owned by Milano Restaurants International, a family-operated company with decades of experience in the restaurant industry. Their vision was to create a modern dining concept that balances culinary excellence with an engaging customer experience.
Brand Journey:
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The first Blast & Brew location opened in Fresno, California, marking the beginning of a new restaurant concept.
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The brand quickly gained popularity for its “self-pour” craft beer model, allowing customers to pour their own beverages from a wide selection of beers and wines.
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Following early success, Blast & Brew expanded into other locations, including San Jose, CA, and Phoenix, AZ, emphasizing community-focused casual dining.
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The brand positions itself as a modern, interactive, and social dining destination that differentiates itself from traditional pizza and sandwich restaurants.
Franchise Units & Market Presence:
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Total Locations: 7 units across the U.S. (5 franchised, 2 corporate-owned).
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Market Focus: Primarily California, with expansion into Arizona, Oregon, and Texas, targeting urban and suburban communities that favor craft dining experiences.
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Industry Category: Casual dining, specializing in pizza, sandwiches, salads, and self-pour craft beer.
Company History Highlights:
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2013: First location launched in Fresno, CA.
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2016–2019: Regional expansion in California and the Southwest U.S.
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2020–2023: Emphasis on franchising opportunities and developing standardized operations for multi-unit growth.
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Present: Recognized as a growing brand in the U.S. casual dining market, with a niche focus on interactive self-pour craft beer experiences.
Other Information:
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Ownership Model: Privately owned by Milano Restaurants International, maintaining full control over branding and operational standards.
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Industry Recognition: Gaining attention in the craft dining and casual entertainment segments due to its unique self-service beer concept.
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Brand Values: Quality food, customer engagement, innovation, and community-oriented service.
Support Training
Blast & Brew offers comprehensive support and training to ensure franchisee success:
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Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and restaurant design to ensure optimal location and layout.
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Operational Training: In-depth training covering all aspects of restaurant operations, including kitchen procedures, customer service, and inventory management.
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Marketing Support: Access to branded marketing materials, digital marketing strategies, and local advertising initiatives to drive customer awareness and engagement.
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Ongoing Support: Continuous support through regular communication, operational audits, and updates on industry trends to keep franchisees informed and competitive.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal franchisee for Blast & Brew is someone who combines business acumen with a passion for hospitality, food, and beverage. The brand seeks motivated individuals or groups capable of running a high-quality, customer-focused restaurant while following the franchise’s operational standards.
1. Experience & Background:
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Restaurant or Retail Experience: Preferably 5–10 years of experience in the food service, hospitality, or retail sectors.
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Business Management Skills: Strong understanding of operations, staff management, inventory, and customer service. Multi-unit management experience is a plus.
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Entrepreneurial Mindset: Comfortable with taking initiative, making strategic decisions, and driving growth in a competitive market.
2. Passion & Commitment:
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A genuine interest in craft beer, quality food, and social dining experiences.
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Commitment to upholding the brand’s standards for food, service, and ambiance.
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Desire to engage with the local community and create a memorable dining environment.
3. Investment Capability:
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Financial Readiness: Ability to meet the initial franchise investment requirements, including franchise fee, setup costs, and working capital.
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Prepared to handle ongoing royalty fees, marketing contributions, and operational expenses.
4. Personal Attributes:
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Leadership Skills: Able to recruit, train, and retain a motivated team.
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Customer-Centric Mindset: Focused on delivering excellent guest experiences consistently.
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Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Capable of handling operational challenges, market changes, and local competition.
5. Location & Growth Preference:
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Interested in opening units in high-traffic urban or suburban areas, such as shopping centers, lifestyle districts, or near college campuses.
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Willingness to expand and potentially operate multiple units for greater market penetration.
6. Alignment with Brand Values:
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Quality & Innovation: Committed to maintaining high standards in food, beverage, and guest engagement.
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Community Engagement: Passionate about connecting with the local community and fostering a welcoming environment.
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Long-Term Partnership: Seeks a mutually beneficial relationship with the franchisor, adhering to operational systems and growth strategies.
Financial Detail
| Financial Item | Amount / Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $340,350 – $968,000 | Depends on location, size, and build-out costs |
| Minimum Net Worth Required | $500,000 | Required to qualify for franchise ownership |
| Franchise Fee | $15,000 – $30,000 | $15,000 for each additional store under Development Agreement |
| Additional Locations Fee | $12,500 per restaurant | Optional, if expanding multi-unit operations |
| Marketing Fund Contribution | 4% of gross sales | 2.5% allocated to local marketing efforts |
| Royalty Fee | 4% of gross sales | Weekly minimum of $250 |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Costs | $200,000 – $650,000 | Includes leasehold improvements, kitchen, furniture, and décor |
| Working Capital | $25,000 – $50,000 | For initial operations, payroll, and contingencies |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location | ROI projections available in Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) |
| Break-Even Time | 12–24 months | Depends on location, traffic, and management efficiency |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering | Multiple income sources enhance profitability |
| Territory / Expansion | Exclusive territories available | For multi-unit franchisees |