1987
6
$300,000
$25,000
$500,000
No
Chaps Pit Beef offers a unique and flavorful franchise opportunity rooted in Baltimore's rich BBQ tradition. Known for its signature pit beef sandwiches, Chaps has garnered national acclaim, featuring on renowned platforms like Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and Man v. Food. With a commitment to quality and authenticity, Chaps provides a compelling business model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Proven Brand Recognition: Chaps Pit Beef has established itself as a beloved brand in the BBQ industry, attracting a loyal customer base.
Unique Culinary Offering: The restaurant's focus on pit beef sandwiches offers a distinctive menu that sets it apart from other BBQ establishments.
Supportive Franchise System: Chaps provides comprehensive support to franchisees, including training, marketing, and operational assistance.
Scalable Business Model: With multiple locations and a flexible store format, Chaps offers opportunities for growth and expansion.
Established Year: 1987
Founders: Gus Glava, a Greek immigrant, founded Chaps Pit Beef, bringing his family recipes and passion for BBQ to Baltimore.
Franchise Units: As of 2025, Chaps Pit Beef operates six franchise locations across Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.
Company History: What began as a modest roadside stand on Pulaski Highway has evolved into a recognized name in the BBQ industry. The brand's commitment to quality and unique offerings has fueled its growth and franchise expansion.
Ownership: Chaps Pit Beef remains a family-owned business, ensuring consistency and dedication to its values.
Market Presence: The brand has a strong presence in the Mid-Atlantic region and is exploring opportunities for nationwide expansion.
Industry Category: Fast Casual Dining, specializing in BBQ cuisine.
Chaps Pit Beef offers a comprehensive support system for its franchisees:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiations, and store design to ensure optimal location and layout.
Training: Initial training for the franchisee and staff, covering operational procedures, customer service, and food preparation.
Marketing Support: Guidance on local marketing strategies, promotional materials, and brand development to attract and retain customers.
Ongoing Support: Regular operational reviews, staff training updates, and access to a dedicated support team to address any challenges.
This robust support system ensures that franchisees are well-equipped to operate successfully and maintain the brand's high standards.
The ideal Chaps Pit Beef franchisee:
Experience: Has a background in the restaurant industry, preferably in fast casual dining or BBQ establishments.
Passion: Demonstrates a genuine love for BBQ cuisine and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Skills: Possesses strong leadership, management, and financial skills to oversee daily operations.
Investment Capability: Has the financial resources to meet the initial investment requirements and sustain operations during the startup phase.
Location Preference: Interested in establishing a franchise in high-traffic areas such as shopping malls, strip malls, casinos, or stadiums.
Chaps Pit Beef seeks franchisees who align with its core values of honesty, hustle, teamwork, loyalty, passion, and pride.
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $300,000 – $500,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $300,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 7% (6% royalty + 1% advertising) |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Varies by location and store size |
| Marketing Budget | Included in 1% advertising royalty |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $75,000 |
| Break-Even Time | 18 – 24 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | In-store dining, takeout, catering, merchandise |
| Expected ROI | 20% – 30% annually (varies by location and traffic) |
| Franchise Units (Current) | 6+ (Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania) |
