2013
7
$500,000
$15,000
$968,000
No
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.
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.
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:
The first Blast & Brew location opened in Fresno, California, marking the beginning of a new restaurant concept.
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.
Following early success, Blast & Brew expanded into other locations, including San Jose, CA, and Phoenix, AZ, emphasizing community-focused casual dining.
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:
Total Locations: 7 units across the U.S. (5 franchised, 2 corporate-owned).
Market Focus: Primarily California, with expansion into Arizona, Oregon, and Texas, targeting urban and suburban communities that favor craft dining experiences.
Industry Category: Casual dining, specializing in pizza, sandwiches, salads, and self-pour craft beer.
Company History Highlights:
2013: First location launched in Fresno, CA.
2016–2019: Regional expansion in California and the Southwest U.S.
2020–2023: Emphasis on franchising opportunities and developing standardized operations for multi-unit growth.
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:
Ownership Model: Privately owned by Milano Restaurants International, maintaining full control over branding and operational standards.
Industry Recognition: Gaining attention in the craft dining and casual entertainment segments due to its unique self-service beer concept.
Brand Values: Quality food, customer engagement, innovation, and community-oriented service.
Blast & Brew offers comprehensive support and training to ensure franchisee success:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and restaurant design to ensure optimal location and layout.
Operational Training: In-depth training covering all aspects of restaurant operations, including kitchen procedures, customer service, and inventory management.
Marketing Support: Access to branded marketing materials, digital marketing strategies, and local advertising initiatives to drive customer awareness and engagement.
Ongoing Support: Continuous support through regular communication, operational audits, and updates on industry trends to keep franchisees informed and competitive.
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:
Restaurant or Retail Experience: Preferably 5–10 years of experience in the food service, hospitality, or retail sectors.
Business Management Skills: Strong understanding of operations, staff management, inventory, and customer service. Multi-unit management experience is a plus.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Comfortable with taking initiative, making strategic decisions, and driving growth in a competitive market.
2. Passion & Commitment:
A genuine interest in craft beer, quality food, and social dining experiences.
Commitment to upholding the brand’s standards for food, service, and ambiance.
Desire to engage with the local community and create a memorable dining environment.
3. Investment Capability:
Financial Readiness: Ability to meet the initial franchise investment requirements, including franchise fee, setup costs, and working capital.
Prepared to handle ongoing royalty fees, marketing contributions, and operational expenses.
4. Personal Attributes:
Leadership Skills: Able to recruit, train, and retain a motivated team.
Customer-Centric Mindset: Focused on delivering excellent guest experiences consistently.
Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Capable of handling operational challenges, market changes, and local competition.
5. Location & Growth Preference:
Interested in opening units in high-traffic urban or suburban areas, such as shopping centers, lifestyle districts, or near college campuses.
Willingness to expand and potentially operate multiple units for greater market penetration.
6. Alignment with Brand Values:
Quality & Innovation: Committed to maintaining high standards in food, beverage, and guest engagement.
Community Engagement: Passionate about connecting with the local community and fostering a welcoming environment.
Long-Term Partnership: Seeks a mutually beneficial relationship with the franchisor, adhering to operational systems and growth strategies.
| 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 |
