Established
1963
Franchise Units
26
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$1,776,410
Home Based
No
Description
Bonanza Steak & BBQ is a legendary American steakhouse brand that has been serving hearty, high-quality meals since 1963. Originally founded by actor Dan Blocker, known for his role as "Hoss" Cartwright" on the television show Bonanza, the brand has evolved into a full-service dining experience that combines classic flavors with modern dining trends. Under the umbrella of FAT Brands, Bonanza Steak & BBQ offers a compelling franchise opportunity for investors seeking to be part of a beloved American institution.
The restaurant concept focuses on delivering a diverse menu that includes cooked-to-order steaks, gourmet Angus beef burgers, BBQ, sandwiches, chicken, and seafood, complemented by a fresh salad bar. This approach caters to a wide range of tastes, making it an ideal choice for family dining. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Bonanza Steak & BBQ has established a strong presence in the competitive casual dining sector.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
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Established Brand Legacy: With over six decades in operation, Bonanza Steak & BBQ is a trusted name in American dining, offering a sense of nostalgia and reliability to customers.
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Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, including assistance with site selection, restaurant design, supply chain management, and marketing strategies.
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Proven Business Model: The brand's successful transition from a buffet-style service to a full-service steakhouse demonstrates adaptability and a keen understanding of market trends.
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Diverse Menu Offerings: The varied menu appeals to a broad demographic, ensuring a steady stream of customers and repeat business.
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Part of FAT Brands Portfolio: As a subsidiary of FAT Brands, franchisees benefit from the resources and expertise of a larger organization with a diverse brand portfolio.
Background
Established Year:
Bonanza Steakhouse was founded in 1963 in Westport, Connecticut. It quickly became known for offering hearty, American-style meals at reasonable prices, appealing to families and casual diners alike.
Founder:
The brand was originally conceptualized by Dan Blocker, the actor famous for his role as "Hoss" in the television series Bonanza. His influence on the brand helped establish a recognizable, family-friendly theme centered around quality steaks and a welcoming atmosphere.
Franchise Units:
Currently, Bonanza Steak & BBQ operates around 26 franchise units in the U.S., primarily concentrated in the central and western states. The brand has maintained a steady presence and continues exploring new locations to expand its footprint.
Brand Journey & Company History:
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1963–1970s: Bonanza Steakhouse gained popularity as a casual buffet-style dining concept focused on steak and traditional American meals.
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1970s–2000s: The brand expanded steadily, emphasizing consistency and value for families, while evolving its menu to include a wider variety of offerings.
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2017–Present: Acquired by FAT Brands, the parent company of multiple restaurant brands, Bonanza Steak & BBQ now benefits from enhanced operational expertise, marketing support, and growth strategies. The brand has adapted to modern dining trends, including a transition from buffet-style service to full-service restaurants, catering, and takeout options.
Ownership:
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Currently owned by FAT Brands, a publicly traded company managing a portfolio of restaurant brands such as Johnny Rockets, Fatburger, and Elevation Burger.
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The acquisition has allowed Bonanza Steak & BBQ to leverage FAT Brands’ operational resources, marketing networks, and expansion capabilities.
Market Presence in the USA:
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Bonanza Steak & BBQ is a recognizable name in casual dining and steakhouse categories, particularly in family-focused markets.
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Its presence is stronger in suburban and mid-sized urban areas, catering to diners seeking value, consistent quality, and a classic American dining experience.
Industry Category:
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Casual Dining
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Steakhouse / BBQ / Buffet
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The brand competes with other family-focused steakhouse franchises, offering a unique value proposition through its nostalgic branding, quality menu, and approachable pricing.
Other Information:
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Bonanza Steak & BBQ emphasizes menu variety, including steaks, burgers, BBQ, chicken, seafood, sandwiches, and a salad bar, which helps attract a wide demographic.
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The brand maintains a strong legacy appeal with its historical connection to television and American pop culture, giving franchisees a marketable story to attract customers.
Support Training
FAT Brands offers a robust support system for Bonanza Steak & BBQ franchisees, ensuring they are equipped for 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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Training: Comprehensive training programs covering operations, customer service, food preparation, and management practices.
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Operational Support: Ongoing guidance in daily operations, staffing, inventory management, and quality control.
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Marketing & Advertising: Access to national and local marketing campaigns, promotional materials, and digital marketing strategies to drive customer engagement.
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Supply Chain & Procurement: Streamlined supply chain management and equipment procurement to maintain consistency and quality across locations.
Ideal Candidate
Bonanza Steak & BBQ seeks franchisees who are passionate, motivated, and capable of managing a casual dining restaurant successfully. The ideal franchisee combines financial resources with business acumen and a commitment to upholding the brand’s quality and reputation.
1. Business Background:
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Preferably, franchisees have experience in restaurant management, hospitality, or retail business ownership.
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While prior experience in food service is beneficial, motivated entrepreneurs without direct experience but with strong business management skills are also considered.
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Understanding operations, customer service, and staff management is critical for long-term success.
2. Financial Capability:
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Prospective franchisees must have sufficient capital to invest in the franchise, including the franchise fee, infrastructure, marketing, and working capital.
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Minimum liquid capital required is $350,000, and minimum net worth is $750,000.
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Ability to manage ongoing operational expenses, royalty fees (4% of monthly sales), and marketing contributions (2% of monthly sales) is essential.
3. Passion & Commitment:
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Franchisees should be passionate about the restaurant industry, especially casual dining and steakhouse concepts.
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Commitment to maintaining high-quality food standards and providing an exceptional customer experience is a must.
4. Leadership & Management Skills:
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Strong leadership and team-building skills to manage staff effectively.
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Ability to oversee daily operations, implement training programs, and maintain operational efficiency.
5. Location Preference:
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Ideal franchisees are interested in establishing Bonanza Steak & BBQ locations in high-traffic areas, including suburban markets or mid-sized cities.
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Locations with family dining demographics and a strong appetite for casual American dining are preferred.
6. Entrepreneurial Mindset:
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Willingness to follow the franchise system, adhere to brand standards, and participate in marketing initiatives.
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Open to learning from ongoing support provided by FAT Brands and leveraging resources to maximize profitability.
7. Customer-Focused Approach:
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Commitment to excellent customer service, creating memorable dining experiences that drive repeat business.
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Focus on community engagement to build local loyalty and enhance brand reputation.
Financial Detail
| Financial Parameter | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $316,000 – $1,776,410 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $350,000 |
| Minimum Net Worth | $750,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 4% of monthly sales |
| Marketing / Advertising Fees | 2% of monthly sales |
| Ideal Restaurant Size | 2,000 – 5,000 sq. ft. |
| Break-Even Time | 18 – 36 months |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location; typically positive within 2–3 years |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, catering, delivery |
| Infrastructure Cost | Included in total investment (varies by size and location) |
| Working Capital | Part of initial investment (sufficient to cover operational expenses for 3–6 months) |