2021
7
$200,000
$35,000
$350,000
No
Buena Papa Fry Bar is redefining the fast-casual dining experience with its bold concept of premium loaded French fries inspired by global flavors. Founded with the vision to create a unique and Instagram-worthy food destination, Buena Papa has quickly become a rising star in the American food franchise market. Known for serving gourmet fries topped with authentic seasonings, fresh proteins, and international recipes, Buena Papa Fry Bar appeals to food lovers of all ages.
As the fast-casual and quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry continues to dominate the U.S. market, Buena Papa Fry Bar has positioned itself as a trendsetting franchise brand that stands out with creativity, consistency, and scalability. Whether located in high-traffic malls, college towns, or busy metropolitan areas, the brand thrives by offering customers not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience.
Unique Concept – Unlike traditional burger or pizza chains, Buena Papa Fry Bar taps into the ever-growing demand for innovative, comfort-driven, and Instagram-worthy meals.
Strong Brand Identity – Known for its fun, modern branding and distinctive menu, the franchise attracts millennials, Gen Z, and families alike.
Fast-Growing Industry – The U.S. QSR industry is valued at over $350 billion, with loaded fries and customizable food concepts becoming increasingly popular.
Proven Model – Buena Papa Fry Bar’s business model is designed for high-volume sales, simple operations, and excellent franchisee support.
Scalable Opportunity – Perfect for single-unit ownership or multi-unit expansion across diverse markets.
Buena Papa Fry Bar was founded in 2021 by Randolph and Johanna Sosa, a husband-and-wife duo originally from North Carolina. Their mission was to take the world’s most loved comfort food — the French fry — and elevate it into a gourmet, globally-inspired dining experience. The brand’s name, “Buena Papa,” translates to “Good Potato” in Spanish, reflecting its Latin roots and the couple’s Colombian heritage.
The concept quickly gained traction thanks to its signature loaded fries topped with authentic international flavors. Menu highlights include recipes inspired by Colombian, Mexican, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and classic American cuisines. Each dish is designed to be flavorful, shareable, and visually appealing — making Buena Papa Fry Bar both a food lover’s destination and an Instagram-worthy hotspot.
Established Year: 2021
Founders: Randolph & Johanna Sosa
Industry Category: Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) / Fast-Casual Dining
Headquarters: Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
Since its launch, Buena Papa Fry Bar has expanded from its first North Carolina location to multiple U.S. markets, including South Florida. The brand’s rapid rise was fueled by national media attention, a viral social media following, and an investment deal with Robert Herjavec of Shark Tank, who partnered with the Sosas to accelerate nationwide franchise growth.
Franchise Units (2024–2025): 7+ operating restaurants with additional signed franchise agreements in development across the U.S.
Ownership Structure: Privately owned by the founders, in partnership with franchisees and supported by strategic investors.
Market Presence: Currently expanding across North Carolina, South Florida, and beyond, with nationwide franchise opportunities available.
Brand Journey: From a small startup idea to a fast-growing national franchise, Buena Papa Fry Bar has proven that creative food concepts can capture both consumer attention and long-term loyalty.
Today, Buena Papa Fry Bar stands out in the $350+ billion U.S. quick-service industry by offering a fresh alternative to burgers, pizza, and sandwiches. With its flexible footprint (mall food courts, standalone stores, urban centers), the brand is perfectly positioned to expand into high-traffic areas, college towns, and tourist hubs across the country.
Buena Papa Fry Bar is dedicated to the success of every franchisee. The brand offers comprehensive pre-launch, operational, marketing, and ongoing support, including:
Pre-Launch Support:
Guidance in site selection and lease negotiation.
Store design, layout, and construction support.
Initial supply chain setup and vendor agreements.
Operational Training:
Intensive training program for franchise owners and staff.
Standardized operating procedures for consistency.
In-store operational training before opening.
Marketing Support:
Grand opening marketing campaigns.
National and regional digital marketing strategies.
Social media and influencer marketing guidance.
Seasonal promotions and menu launches.
Ongoing Support:
Dedicated franchise support team.
Regular performance reviews and business consultations.
Continuous menu innovation and R&D.
Technology support for POS and online ordering.
Buena Papa Fry Bar seeks passionate entrepreneurs who are eager to be part of an innovative and growing food brand. The ideal franchisee should have:
Business Background: Prior experience in foodservice, retail, or customer-facing businesses is beneficial but not mandatory.
Passion: Strong enthusiasm for hospitality, food trends, and customer experience.
Investment Capability: Ability to meet financial requirements and sustain operations during the initial ramp-up period.
Management Skills: Strong leadership, team management, and community engagement abilities.
Location Preference: High-traffic urban areas, college towns, shopping centers, tourist destinations, and entertainment districts.
Financial Element | Details (Approx.) |
---|---|
Total Investment Required | $200,000 – $350,000 |
Minimum Investment | $200,000 |
Franchise Fee | $35,000 – $40,000 |
Franchise Units | Expanding across the U.S. |
Infrastructure/Build-Out | $120,000 – $200,000 |
Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $20,000 |
Working Capital | $20,000 – $40,000 |
Royalty Fees | 5% – 6% of gross sales |
Expected ROI | 18 – 24 months |
Break-Even Time | 12 – 18 months |
Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering, branded merchandise |