2005
4
$600,000
$50,000
$1,200,000
No
Chuck Lager Legendary Kitchen is an upscale tavern dining concept that redefines the American restaurant experience. Founded by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, known for his appearances on Bravo’s Top Chef, Chuck Lager offers a globally inspired menu that combines bold flavors with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The brand is designed to be a gathering place for friends, families, and colleagues, providing a space where legendary moments are made over exceptional food and drinks.
Each dish at Chuck Lager is crafted with care, offering a fusion of international cuisines that cater to diverse palates. The restaurant's ambiance is complemented by a curated selection of craft beers and cocktails, creating a vibrant setting for social dining. With locations across the United States, Chuck Lager is poised for continued growth, making it an attractive opportunity for potential franchisees seeking to invest in a brand with a strong culinary reputation and a commitment to quality.
Investing in Chuck Lager Legendary Kitchen offers several compelling advantages:
Celebrity Chef Backing: Benefit from the culinary expertise and media presence of Chef Fabio Viviani, which enhances brand visibility and credibility.
Proven Concept: The brand's unique blend of upscale tavern fare and global flavors has resonated with a wide customer base, leading to successful locations across the country.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support in operations, marketing, and staff development, ensuring a smooth and profitable business journey.
Strong Brand Identity: The Chuck Lager brand is synonymous with quality, adventure, and community, attracting customers seeking a memorable dining experience.
Chuck Lager Legendary Kitchen is an upscale tavern dining concept founded by renowned chef Fabio Viviani, in collaboration with the Colby Restaurant Group. The brand aims to redefine the traditional sports bar experience by offering a globally inspired menu in a sophisticated yet approachable setting .
Founder: Fabio Viviani
Fabio Viviani is an Italian-American chef, restaurateur, and television personality. Born in Florence, Italy, he began his culinary career at a young age and moved to the United States in 2005. Viviani gained national recognition as a contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef, where he was voted “Fan Favorite.” He has since opened numerous restaurants across the U.S., including Café Firenze, Firenze Osteria, Siena Tavern, and Bar Siena .
Brand Concept
Chuck Lager Legendary Kitchen offers a diverse menu that blends local and global flavors, providing guests with a culinary journey that spans the globe. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to offer a unique dining experience, complemented by an extensive selection of craft beers and cocktails. The brand's first location opened in Pike Creek, Delaware, and has since expanded to multiple states, including Florida and Illinois. Franchise opportunities are available for those interested in bringing the Chuck Lager experience to new communities.
Franchise Expansion
Chuck Lager Legendary Kitchen is actively expanding through franchising. For instance, a new franchise location is set to open in South Fort Myers by the end of October 2025, occupying the space formerly held by Chili's. This venture is led by franchise owner Jim Tovey, who transitioned from a finance career in Boston to pursue this opportunity
Chuck Lager offers comprehensive support and training to its franchisees:
Pre-Launch: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and restaurant design to ensure a strong foundation for the new location.
Operational Training: In-depth training covering all aspects of restaurant operations, including kitchen procedures, front-of-house management, and customer service standards.
Marketing Support: Access to branded marketing materials, digital marketing strategies, and promotional campaigns to drive customer engagement and brand awareness.
Ongoing Assistance: Continuous support from the franchisor, including regular visits, performance evaluations, and updates on best practices to ensure sustained success.
Chuck Lager Legendary Kitchen seeks franchisees who are not just investors, but partners in building a premium, experience-driven dining brand. The ideal franchisee profile includes the following characteristics:
Entrepreneurs with a proven track record in managing or owning businesses, preferably in the restaurant, hospitality, or food service industry.
Experience in team leadership, operational management, and customer service excellence is highly valued.
Minimum liquid capital of $200,000 to meet franchise investment requirements.
Ability to invest in infrastructure, working capital, marketing, and initial operational costs.
Understanding of cash flow management and financial planning is essential for long-term success.
Genuine interest in delivering exceptional dining experiences and fostering a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
Commitment to upholding brand standards, quality food, and excellent customer service.
Enthusiasm for the culinary industry and appreciation for globally inspired menus.
Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and capable of handling multi-faceted responsibilities, including staffing, operations, and marketing.
Desire to grow the brand locally while maintaining alignment with corporate guidelines.
Preference for high-traffic, urban, or suburban areas with strong consumer demand.
Willingness to engage with the local community and adapt marketing strategies to regional preferences.
Strong alignment with Chuck Lager’s values of quality, innovation, and memorable dining experiences.
Willingness to participate in ongoing training, corporate programs, and brand initiatives.
Financial Item | Details / Estimated Range |
---|---|
Initial Franchise Fee | $50,000 |
Total Initial Investment | $600,000 – $1,200,000 (includes build-out, equipment, furniture, and pre-opening expenses) |
Build-Out / Infrastructure Cost | $220 – $275 per sq. ft. (excluding land/lease) |
Marketing / Advertising Budget | 1% of gross sales (national brand fund) + local marketing expenses |
Working Capital Requirement | $50,000 – $100,000 |
Royalty Fees | 5% of gross sales |
Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $200,000 |
Average Unit Volume (AUV) | Not publicly disclosed – prospective franchisees advised to request financial performance representations |
Expected ROI | Typically 15% – 25% annually (depends on location & operational efficiency) |
Break-Even Time | 18 – 30 months depending on location and sales performance |
Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in service, takeout, catering, private events, merchandise, loyalty programs |
Franchise Units Current Number | 4 locations (Pike Creek DE, Wesley Chapel FL, Tampa FL, Fort Myers FL – opening soon) |