1979
15
$350,000
$35,000
$650,000
No
Board and Brew is a fast-casual restaurant franchise that combines the timeless love for freshly made sandwiches with the growing demand for craft beer. Known for its signature gourmet sandwiches, laid-back coastal vibes, and locally inspired beer offerings, Board and Brew has carved out a strong niche in the fast-casual dining and craft beer market in the United States.
With an origin rooted in Southern California’s surf and skate culture, the brand offers more than just food—it delivers a lifestyle dining experience that resonates with millennials, families, professionals, and craft beer enthusiasts alike. The brand is well-regarded for its high-quality ingredients, unique menu, inviting atmosphere, and strong community engagement.
Positioned at the intersection of two booming industries—fast-casual restaurants and craft beer sales—Board and Brew provides an attractive and profitable franchise opportunity in the U.S. food and beverage market.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in a Board and Brew franchise means tapping into multiple revenue streams: gourmet sandwiches, salads, sides, catering, and a carefully curated selection of craft beers. The brand has successfully blended fast-casual convenience with an upscale yet approachable beer-and-dining concept, giving franchise owners a competitive edge.
Established Brand Recognition: A trusted and growing name with decades of loyal customers.
Booming Market: Fast-casual dining is one of the fastest-growing segments in the restaurant industry.
Multi-Generational Appeal: A concept that appeals to college students, working professionals, families, and beer lovers.
Strong Unit Economics: Low overhead compared to full-service restaurants with strong potential for high returns.
Community-Centric Model: Events, local partnerships, and beer collaborations make each location a neighborhood favorite.
Established Year: 1979
Founder: Tom Girard
Headquarters: Carlsbad, California, USA
Franchise Units: 15+ and growing across California and select U.S. markets
Industry Category: Food & Beverage – Fast-Casual Restaurant, Craft Beer
Board and Brew first opened in Del Mar, California in 1979. What started as a local sandwich shop with a quirky, fun atmosphere has grown into a multi-location franchise with a loyal customer base and a strong reputation for innovation. With over four decades of history, the brand has expanded beyond Southern California and is steadily increasing its presence across the U.S.
The company remains committed to preserving its authentic roots while scaling with modern operations, digital ordering systems, and sustainable business practices.
Board and Brew ensures its franchise partners are set up for long-term success through a comprehensive support system:
Assistance with site selection and lease negotiation.
Store design, layout, and construction guidance.
Vendor and equipment sourcing with negotiated discounts.
Initial Training: Hands-on, in-store training covering food preparation, beer program management, POS systems, customer service, and staffing.
Management Training: For franchise owners and key staff to ensure smooth operations from day one.
Grand opening marketing campaigns and social media strategies.
Local and regional advertising support.
Access to branded marketing materials and loyalty programs.
Regular field visits and performance reviews.
Continuous menu innovation and seasonal promotions.
Updated training modules for new staff.
Access to proprietary POS systems, digital ordering apps, and online training portals.
Performance analytics and benchmarking tools for data-driven decision-making.
The Board and Brew franchise is designed for motivated entrepreneurs who want to own a business that blends food, craft beer, and community culture. Because the brand combines gourmet sandwiches with an inviting, lifestyle-driven atmosphere, the ideal franchisee should be someone who not only understands restaurant operations but also values building customer relationships.
Passion for Hospitality & Food Service
A strong enthusiasm for great food, quality craft beer, and outstanding customer service.
Someone who thrives in creating memorable dining experiences rather than just running a business.
Business & Management Skills
Prior experience in restaurants, retail, or hospitality is a plus, but not mandatory.
Strong leadership and team management skills to recruit, train, and motivate staff.
Ability to manage finances, inventory, and day-to-day operations effectively.
Financial Capability
Adequate financial resources to cover initial investment and sustain operations until profitability.
Typically, a minimum liquid capital of $100,000 – $150,000 and a net worth of $350,000+ is recommended.
Community-Oriented Mindset
Board and Brew thrives on being more than just a restaurant—it’s a local hub.
Franchisees should be active in their community, sponsoring events, collaborating with local breweries, and engaging with customers.
Commitment to Growth & Brand Values
Willingness to uphold the brand’s reputation for fresh food, craft beer culture, and a laid-back dining vibe.
Open to adopting franchise systems, marketing programs, and operational best practices.
Location Preference
Ideal candidates should target high-traffic areas such as:
College towns
Suburban neighborhoods with strong family presence
Lifestyle shopping centers
Urban entertainment districts
A location that aligns with both dine-in traffic and craft beer culture is most successful.
| Financial Aspect | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $350,000 – $650,000 |
| Minimum Investment | $350,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 – $45,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Ad Fund | 2% of gross sales |
| Infrastructure & Build-Out | $200,000 – $400,000 |
| Working Capital | $30,000 – $70,000 |
| Expected ROI | 20% – 30% annually |
| Break-Even Time | 18 – 24 months |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering, craft beer sales, merchandise |
