1984
13
$2,928,750
$75,000
$4,195,250
No
Champps Americana is a distinguished American restaurant chain that seamlessly blends the excitement of sports with the comfort of casual dining. Originating in 1984 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Champps has evolved into a sought-after destination for patrons seeking delectable American cuisine in a vibrant sports bar setting. The brand's commitment to quality food, exceptional service, and an engaging atmosphere has garnered a loyal customer base, making it a compelling franchise opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Proven Brand Legacy: With over four decades of operational experience, Champps Americana has established a strong brand presence in the casual dining and sports bar industry.
Diverse Revenue Streams: The franchise model encompasses dine-in services, takeout, catering, and event hosting, offering multiple avenues for revenue generation.
Strategic Market Positioning: Champps operates in key regions, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, New York, and Mississippi, with potential for expansion into untapped markets.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees benefit from extensive training programs, operational guidance, and marketing support, ensuring a smooth transition and sustained business growth.
Established Year: 1984
Founder: Dean Vlahos
Company History & Brand Journey:
Champps Americana began as a small restaurant called Concourse 7 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Initially a standard dining spot, it was later rebranded to Champps and transformed into a sports bar and casual dining restaurant. The brand carved a niche by combining classic American cuisine—burgers, wings, sandwiches—with the excitement of live sports broadcasts on big-screen TVs, creating a lively and engaging environment.
Over the years, Champps experienced both growth and challenges. The brand expanded into multiple states, building a reputation as a premium sports bar chain. Despite facing financial hurdles, including bankruptcy filings in 2013 and 2016, Champps continued operations and remains recognized for its unique combination of dining and entertainment.
Franchise Units:
As of 2025, Champps operates 5 company-owned locations.
Additionally, it franchises 13 restaurants across the U.S., offering entrepreneurs the chance to join a well-established brand.
Ownership:
Champps is owned by Champps Entertainment, Inc., an affiliate of Fox & Hound Restaurant Group, which acquired the brand in 2007. The company oversees both corporate and franchised locations, maintaining consistency in service quality, menu standards, and branding.
Market Presence:
Champps Americana has a footprint in the Midwestern, Eastern, and Southern United States, including states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, New York, and Mississippi. Its focus is on casual dining and sports-themed experiences, appealing to both families and sports enthusiasts.
Industry Category:
Casual Dining
Sports Bar / Entertainment Dining
Other Notable Information:
Champps emphasizes community engagement, often hosting events and partnering with local organizations.
The brand leverages multi-revenue streams, including dine-in services, catering, takeout, and event hosting.
Champps Americana has developed a strong franchise model, offering extensive support, training, and marketing assistance to franchisees.
Champps offers a robust support and training system to ensure franchisee success:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiations, and restaurant design to align with brand standards.
Initial Training: A comprehensive 504-hour training program covering operational procedures, customer service excellence, and management practices.
Ongoing Operational Support: Continuous guidance on inventory management, staffing, and quality control to maintain consistent service standards.
Marketing Assistance: Access to national marketing campaigns, promotional materials, and digital marketing strategies to drive customer engagement.
Technology Integration: Implementation of point-of-sale systems and other technological tools to streamline operations and enhance customer experience.
Community Engagement: Support in establishing local partnerships and hosting events to build brand presence within the community.
The ideal Champps franchisee is:
Business Acumen: Possesses strong management skills and a background in hospitality or retail operations.
Financial Capability: Able to meet the financial requirements, including initial investment and working capital.
Passion for Service: Demonstrates a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and fostering a welcoming environment.
Community-Oriented: Engages with local communities and understands the importance of building relationships to drive business success.
Adaptability: Open to implementing brand standards while tailoring offerings to meet local market preferences.
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $2,928,750 – $4,195,250 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $2,928,750 |
| Franchise Fee | $75,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 3.3% of gross sales |
| Advertising Fee | 4.3% of gross sales |
| Franchise Agreement Term | 20 years, with 20-year renewal option |
| Franchise Units (Current) | 5 company-owned, 13 franchised |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Included in total investment; covers kitchen, furniture, décor, equipment |
| Marketing Budget | Included in advertising fee; national & local campaigns |
| Working Capital | Allocated to cover initial operating expenses |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location, management, and market conditions |
| Break-even Time | Typically 2–3 years |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, catering, event hosting, merchandise sales |
