2004
1
$274,450
$37,500
$508,050
No
Bridge Road Bistro stands as a beacon of culinary excellence in Charleston, West Virginia, offering a unique farm-to-table dining experience that emphasizes local sourcing, community engagement, and a vibrant atmosphere. Established in 2004, the bistro has garnered a reputation for its delectable menu, featuring appetizers, tacos, salads, and more, all crafted with ingredients sourced from local farms. The establishment's commitment to quality and community has made it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors.
In 2021, Bridge Road Bistro expanded its horizons by introducing a franchise model, aiming to bring its distinctive dining experience to communities across the United States. This strategic move allows entrepreneurs to tap into the growing demand for sustainable, locally sourced cuisine in the casual dining sector.
Proven Concept: With over two decades of operation, Bridge Road Bistro has refined its menu and operations, ensuring a seamless transition for franchisees.
Community-Centric Brand: The bistro's strong ties to local farmers and musicians create a unique dining experience that resonates with customers seeking authenticity.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, covering all aspects of restaurant management, from operations to marketing.
Scalable Model: The franchise offers opportunities for growth, with potential for multiple units in exclusive territories.
Established Year: 2004
Founder: Sandra Call
Headquarters: Charleston, West Virginia
Franchise Units: 1 (as of 2022)
Industry Category: Full-Service Restaurants
Brand Journey & Company History:
Bridge Road Bistro began as a single, locally owned restaurant in Charleston, West Virginia, founded by Sandra Call in 2004. The restaurant quickly gained a reputation for its fresh, farm-to-table cuisine, unique menu offerings, and a strong commitment to supporting local farmers and suppliers. Over the years, it became a community favorite, known not only for its food but also for its vibrant atmosphere, live music events, and dedication to sustainability.
Market Presence in the USA:
In 2021, Bridge Road Bistro expanded its vision by offering franchise opportunities, aiming to bring its distinctive dining experience to other communities across the United States. Although the franchise network is currently small, its strong reputation and proven operational model make it an attractive investment for entrepreneurs looking to enter the full-service restaurant sector.
Industry Category & Positioning:
Bridge Road Bistro operates in the full-service restaurant segment, with a focus on farm-to-table, locally sourced cuisine. The brand differentiates itself through its combination of high-quality food, community engagement, and consistent service standards. This positions Bridge Road Bistro as a premium, socially responsible dining option in the casual and full-service restaurant market.
Ownership & Vision:
The company remains privately owned, with the founder actively involved in guiding the brand’s growth and franchise strategy. The vision is to expand selectively, maintaining quality and brand integrity while introducing new franchise locations that uphold the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, local ingredients and community connections.
Bridge Road Bistro offers a robust support system for its franchisees, ensuring they are equipped to manage and grow their businesses effectively:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and restaurant design to ensure brand consistency.
Training: A comprehensive training program comprising 24 hours of classroom instruction and 64 hours of on-the-job training, covering menu preparation, inventory management, and customer service.
Marketing Support: Guidance on local marketing strategies, including social media promotion, to build brand awareness and attract customers.
Ongoing Assistance: Continuous support in operations, staffing, and business development to ensure sustained success.
Bridge Road Bistro is looking for franchise partners who are not only financially capable but also share the brand’s passion for high-quality, locally sourced food and community engagement. The ideal franchisee should possess a combination of business acumen, leadership skills, and personal drive to grow the brand successfully.
Entrepreneurial Mindset:
Enthusiastic about owning and operating a full-service restaurant.
Willing to take initiative, make decisions, and drive growth in their local market.
Passion for Food and Community:
Appreciation for the farm-to-table concept and commitment to serving fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Interest in building relationships with local farmers, vendors, and community members.
Business & Leadership Skills:
Experience in managing operations, staff, or customer service is beneficial.
Ability to lead a team, motivate employees, and maintain high standards of service.
Financial Capability:
Sufficient capital to cover initial franchise fees, setup costs, working capital, and operational expenses.
Comfortable with the investment requirements (approximately $274,450 – $508,050 total investment).
Location & Market Awareness:
Preference for establishing the franchise in a location with high foot traffic or strong demand for quality dining experiences.
Ability to identify and exploit local market opportunities while adhering to the brand’s operational standards.
Commitment to the Brand:
Dedication to following the operational guidelines and maintaining brand consistency.
Open to training and ongoing support programs to ensure the highest standards of service and quality.
| Category | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $37,500 |
| Total Investment Required | $274,450 – $508,050 |
| Royalty Fee | 5.5% of gross sales |
| Advertising/Marketing Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Net Worth Requirement | $37,500 |
| Cash Requirement | $37,500 |
| Infrastructure / Build-out Cost | Included in total investment range ($200,000 – $400,000 estimated) |
| Working Capital Requirement | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Expected ROI | 15–25% (varies by location & performance) |
| Break-even Time | 18–24 months (approximate) |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, catering, special events, merchandise |
| Franchise Term | 10 years (renewable) |
| Staffing Requirements | 15–20 full-time and part-time employees |
| Franchise Units (Current) | 1 (as of 2022, with expansion potential) |
