2004
2
$100,000
$25,000
$500,000
No
Bruges Waffles & Frites brings the rich culinary heritage of Belgium to the United States, offering an authentic fast-casual dining experience centered around Liège waffles, Belgian-style frites, and signature dishes like the Machine Gun Sandwich®. Founded in 2004 by Belgian natives Pierre Vandamme and Philippe Wyffels in Salt Lake City, Utah, the brand has expanded its footprint, including a notable location in Las Vegas. Emphasizing quality ingredients and traditional recipes, Bruges has cultivated a loyal customer base, making it a compelling franchise opportunity for investors seeking a unique culinary venture.
Authentic European Cuisine: Offer a menu rooted in Belgian traditions, featuring handcrafted waffles and frites that stand out in the U.S. market.
Established Brand: Benefit from a brand with a proven track record and a dedicated following in Utah and Nevada.
Flexible Menu Options: Cater to various dining preferences with offerings suitable for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
Community-Focused Approach: Join a brand that values community engagement and customer loyalty, fostering a supportive franchise network.
Established Year: 2004
Founders: Pierre Vandamme and Philippe Wyffels
Franchise Units: Currently, Bruges Waffles & Frites operates two company-owned locations in Salt Lake City, Utah, along with two food trucks serving the local community. The first out-of-state franchise opened in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2019. The brand is actively expanding and offers franchise opportunities in several U.S. states, including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.
Brand Journey & Company History: Bruges Waffles & Frites began as a small waffle cart in Salt Lake City, inspired by the founders’ Belgian heritage and passion for authentic cuisine. The unique concept of serving Liège waffles, Belgian-style frites, and specialty sandwiches like the Machine Gun Sandwich® quickly gained a loyal following. Due to its success, the brand expanded into full-service bistros and strategically ventured into new U.S. markets. The combination of authentic flavors, fast-casual dining experience, and a focus on quality ingredients helped Bruges Waffles & Frites establish a strong reputation.
Ownership: Privately owned and operated by the founders, Pierre Vandamme and Philippe Wyffels, who maintain a hands-on approach to preserve the brand’s quality and authenticity.
Market Presence in the USA: Primarily established in Utah and Nevada, the brand is actively expanding into new territories to bring authentic Belgian fast-casual dining to more American cities.
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Dining / Belgian Cuisine
Other Information: The brand differentiates itself in the fast-casual market by offering a unique European menu with high-quality ingredients, appealing to both locals and tourists seeking a gourmet yet approachable dining experience. Bruges Waffles & Frites emphasizes community engagement, local sourcing where possible, and a welcoming environment that blends Belgian culinary tradition with American casual dining preferences.
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and store design to ensure brand consistency.
Operational Training: Comprehensive training covering food preparation, customer service, inventory management, and point-of-sale systems.
Marketing Support: Access to branded materials, promotional strategies, and digital marketing resources to drive local awareness.
Ongoing Assistance: Continuous support from the franchisor, including regular operational reviews and updates on best practices.
Community Engagement: Guidance on building relationships with local communities to foster customer loyalty and repeat business.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: The ideal franchisee is someone with a genuine passion for food, hospitality, and creating memorable dining experiences. They are enthusiastic about bringing authentic Belgian cuisine to their community and are motivated to grow a successful business.
Business Background: While prior experience in the restaurant or foodservice industry is beneficial, it is not strictly required. Franchisees should have strong operational, financial, and management skills to oversee daily operations, manage staff, and maintain high-quality standards.
Investment Capability: The ideal candidate should have access to sufficient capital to cover the total investment required (estimated at $200,000–$500,000), along with working capital for initial operations. They must be prepared to make a long-term commitment to the growth of their franchise.
Community-Oriented: Bruges Waffles & Frites values franchisees who are willing to engage with the local community, build customer loyalty, and participate in local events and promotions. A focus on community engagement contributes to sustained business success.
Passion for Brand & Quality: Franchisees must be committed to preserving the authenticity and quality of the Bruges experience. This includes adhering to traditional Belgian recipes, maintaining consistent product standards, and fostering a welcoming dining atmosphere.
Location Preference: Prospective franchisees should target locations with strong demand for unique dining experiences, high foot traffic, or tourist activity. Urban areas, high-traffic retail spaces, and food-centric communities are ideal.
Growth-Oriented Mindset: Successful franchisees are proactive in marketing, operational improvements, and exploring additional revenue streams such as catering, food trucks, or online ordering platforms.
Other Characteristics:
Strong leadership and team-building skills
Ability to work hands-on in daily operations when needed
Commitment to following the franchisor’s systems and standards
Open to training and continuous learning
Total Investment Required: Approximately $200,000 - $500,000 .
Minimum Cash Required: $100,000.
Franchise Fee: $25,000.
Infrastructure Cost: Varies based on location and size of the establishment.
Marketing Budget: Allocated funds for local and national marketing initiatives to promote brand visibility.
Working Capital: Sufficient funds to cover initial operating expenses and inventory.
Royalty Fees: Percentage of gross sales; exact terms to be discussed during the franchise agreement process.
Expected ROI: Potential for a favorable return on investment, contingent on location, management, and market conditions.
Break-Even Time: Typically within 12 to 24 months, depending on various operational factors.
Potential Revenue Streams: In-store dining, takeout, catering services, and online ordering platforms.
