1967
19
$1,810,500
$50,000
$2,360,000
No
Brothers Est. 1967 Bar & Grill offers a nostalgic yet modern take on the classic American sports bar. With a rich history dating back to 1990, the brand has become synonymous with vibrant nightlife, hearty American cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere. Their establishments are designed to be the go-to social hubs in college towns and urban centers alike. Whether it's enjoying a cold beer with friends, watching the big game, or savoring a delicious meal, Brothers provides an experience that keeps patrons coming back.
Proven Business Model: Brothers Est. 1967 Bar & Grill has a track record of success, with multiple locations across the United States.
Strong Brand Recognition: The brand's long-standing presence and reputation make it a trusted name in the industry.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support to ensure operational success.
Lucrative Market: The demand for casual dining and sports bars continues to grow, offering potential for significant returns.
Brothers Est. 1967 Bar & Grill is a family-owned hospitality brand founded in 1990 by brothers Marc and Eric Fortney in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The "Est. 1967" in the logo refers to the birth year of Marc Fortney, not the establishment year, adding a personal touch to the brand's identity .
The Fortney brothers opened their first bar in downtown La Crosse right out of college, aiming to create a modernized throwback to the classic Midwestern corner tavern . Their concept focused on providing a clean, relaxed social hangout with a wide selection of cold beers, drinks, and a menu featuring American comfort food made from scratch.
Over the years, Brothers Bar & Grill has expanded its presence across the United States, with 19 locations in various states, including Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Colorado . Despite its growth, the brand remains family-owned and operated, maintaining a strong connection to its roots and commitment to quality and community.
In 2007, the company established Brothers Franchising & Development, LLC, to explore franchising opportunities and expand the brand into new markets . However, as of the latest available data, all existing locations are company-owned, with no franchised units currently in operation. The franchise opportunity is available for expansion into new markets.
Brothers Est. 1967 Bar & Grill offers a robust support system for its franchisees, including:
Pre-Launch Assistance: Site selection, lease negotiation, and store design.
Comprehensive Training: Programs covering operations, customer service, and management.
Marketing Support: National and local marketing strategies to drive brand awareness and customer engagement.
Ongoing Operational Support: Regular visits from field consultants, access to a dedicated support team, and continuous updates on best practices.
Brothers Est. 1967 Bar & Grill seeks franchisees who align with the brand’s vision of creating vibrant, welcoming, and profitable social spaces. The ideal franchisee profile includes the following characteristics:
Enthusiastic about delivering excellent customer experiences.
Enjoys the food and beverage industry and understands the importance of service quality.
Values creating a fun, social, and community-centered environment.
Ability to recruit, train, and manage a motivated team.
Experience in managing operations, including staffing, scheduling, and inventory management.
Skilled in problem-solving and maintaining operational efficiency.
Comfortable managing budgets, financial planning, and profit/loss responsibility.
Understands key business metrics like food cost, labor cost, and sales performance.
Able to make strategic decisions to optimize revenue and customer satisfaction.
Ready to commit to the total investment range of approximately $1.8M to $2.36M, including infrastructure, marketing, and working capital.
Can sustain initial operating costs until the business reaches break-even.
Comfortable paying ongoing royalty fees (6% of monthly sales) and contributing to marketing budgets.
Interested in building strong local connections, sponsoring events, and promoting the brand in the community.
Open to selecting a strategic location in a college town or urban area with high foot traffic and demand for casual dining and entertainment.
Background in restaurants, bars, hospitality, or management is advantageous.
Experience in multi-unit operations, customer service, or small business ownership is a plus.
| Financial Metric | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $1,807,000 – $2,360,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $1,810,500 |
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 |
| Infrastructure / Build-out Cost | Varies by location and lease agreements; includes kitchen, bar, dining, furniture |
| Working Capital | $75,000 – $125,000 |
| Marketing Budget | 1% of monthly gross sales |
| Royalty Fees | 6% of monthly gross sales |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location, market, and management; typically positive within 1–3 years |
| Break-even Time | Approximately 6 months – 2 years |
| Revenue Streams | Food sales, beverage sales (alcohol & non-alcohol), catering, private events |
| Franchise Units (Current) | 0 franchised units; 19 company-owned locations |
| Other Fees | Optional local marketing and additional operational support fees may apply |
