Established
2015
Franchise Units
1
Minimum Investment
$250,000
Franchise Fee
$29,500
Total Investment Range
$717,300
Home Based
No
Description
Cole's Backyard Grill offers a fresh take on American comfort food, combining the warmth of a backyard gathering with the efficiency of fast-casual dining. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Richardson, Texas, the brand is a subsidiary of Homestyle Dining LLC, which also owns Bonanza Steakhouse and Bonanza Steak & BBQ. Cole's Backyard Grill aims to provide high-quality American food at affordable prices, serving a limited menu of burgers, steaks, sandwiches, and salads with a culinary twist to make eating out as a family hassle-free.
The franchise is designed to cater to the growing demand for quick-service restaurants that don't compromise on taste or quality. With a focus on fresh ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere, Cole's Backyard Grill is positioned to attract families and food enthusiasts seeking a satisfying dining experience without the wait.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
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Proven Business Model: Cole's Backyard Grill operates under a streamlined concept that emphasizes quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
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Growing Market: The fast-casual dining sector continues to expand, with consumers increasingly seeking convenient yet high-quality meal options.
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Supportive Franchise System: Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training, marketing support, and operational guidance to ensure success.
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Scalable Opportunity: With a relatively low initial investment, Cole's Backyard Grill offers potential for multi-unit ownership and regional expansion.
Background
Established Year: 2015
Cole’s Backyard Grill was launched in 2015 as part of Homestyle Dining LLC, a company with a history of operating casual dining concepts such as Bonanza Steakhouse and Ponderosa Steakhouse.
Founders & Ownership:
The brand is owned by Homestyle Dining LLC, a privately held company focused on creating family-friendly, affordable dining experiences. The founders aimed to modernize the steakhouse concept by combining quick-service efficiency with homestyle meals, making it appealing for families and casual diners.
Brand Journey & Company History:
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2015: First Cole’s Backyard Grill location opened in Richardson, Texas.
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2015–Present: Focused on delivering a fast-casual dining experience emphasizing fresh, high-quality American cuisine at affordable prices.
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Vision: To create a friendly, backyard-style dining atmosphere where families and communities feel welcome.
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Ownership Evolution: Remains under Homestyle Dining LLC, leveraging their experience from other casual dining brands to ensure operational excellence and consistent customer experiences.
Market Presence in the USA:
While still a small chain, Cole’s Backyard Grill operates primarily in Texas and surrounding areas, with potential for national expansion. The brand competes in the fast-casual dining sector, appealing to families and individuals looking for quality food in a relaxed environment.
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Dining / American Cuisine
Other Information:
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Focus on Quality: The brand emphasizes fresh ingredients and made-to-order meals.
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Community-Oriented: Often involved in local events and community engagement, strengthening brand loyalty.
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Franchise Vision: The company is opening opportunities for franchisees to expand the brand regionally and nationally.
Support Training
Cole’s Backyard Grill offers a comprehensive and structured support system to ensure franchisees can successfully launch and operate their business. The support covers pre-launch, operational, marketing, academic, and ongoing assistance:
1. Pre-Launch Support
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Site Selection Assistance: Expert guidance to choose a location with strong traffic, visibility, and growth potential.
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Lease Negotiation & Design: Help negotiating lease terms, plus store layout and design consulting to align with brand standards.
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Equipment & Supply Setup: Assistance in selecting equipment, sourcing vendors, and setting up supply chains for smooth operations.
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Permitting & Licensing: Guidance to secure local permits, licenses, and meet health & safety regulations.
2. Training Programs
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Initial Training: Comprehensive programs covering all aspects of restaurant operations, including food preparation, service standards, and hygiene protocols.
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Management Training: Focused on managing staff, inventory, scheduling, and handling customer relations efficiently.
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Franchise Operations Manual: A detailed guide containing standard operating procedures, operational checklists, and best practices.
3. Marketing Support
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Brand Marketing: Access to national marketing campaigns, social media support, and promotional materials to boost visibility.
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Local Marketing Guidance: Advice on local advertising, events, and community engagement to attract a loyal customer base.
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Digital Presence: Assistance in building a strong online presence, including website optimization, SEO strategies, and online ordering integration.
4. Ongoing Operational Support
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Field Consultants: Regular visits from experienced franchise consultants to ensure operational standards are maintained.
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Performance Monitoring: Continuous evaluation of sales, customer service, and operational efficiency to identify improvement areas.
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Menu & Product Updates: Guidance on seasonal menu changes, promotions, and adapting offerings to local preferences.
5. Academic & Continuous Learning
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Workshops & Seminars: Periodic workshops on new operational techniques, marketing strategies, and industry trends.
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Staff Training Modules: Ongoing training modules for new hires to maintain consistency in service and quality.
6. Support in Technology & Systems
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POS & Inventory Management: Assistance in setting up modern point-of-sale systems and inventory tracking tools.
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Operational Software: Training and support in using software for scheduling, ordering, and performance reporting.
Ideal Candidate
Cole’s Backyard Grill seeks franchise partners who are motivated, business-savvy, and passionate about delivering exceptional dining experiences. The ideal franchisee combines operational capability, community engagement, and a love for quality food.
1. Passion for the Food Industry
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Franchisees should have a genuine interest in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
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A commitment to maintaining high food quality, service standards, and a positive customer experience is essential.
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A passion for creating a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere aligns with the brand’s backyard-style dining concept.
2. Business and Management Experience
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While prior restaurant experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory; however, strong business management skills are crucial.
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Ability to manage staff, operations, finances, and inventory efficiently.
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Capacity to implement operational best practices and adhere to brand standards.
3. Customer-Oriented Mindset
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Franchisees should be dedicated to delivering excellent customer service.
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Strong interpersonal skills to interact with staff, suppliers, and customers.
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A focus on building long-term relationships within the local community.
4. Financial Capability
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Must have sufficient personal investment capital to cover the initial franchise fee, working capital, and operational costs until the business becomes profitable.
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Ability to maintain financial stability while managing the business.
5. Entrepreneurial Spirit
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Willingness to actively engage in growing the franchise, including participating in local marketing initiatives.
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Ambition to potentially operate multiple units or expand the brand within a region.
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Resourcefulness and adaptability in responding to market trends and operational challenges.
6. Location & Community Focus
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Ideally located in areas with high family traffic or community-centered neighborhoods.
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Franchisees should be willing to participate in local events and community activities, enhancing brand visibility and loyalty.
7. Commitment to Brand Values
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Alignment with Cole’s Backyard Grill’s core values: quality, consistency, customer satisfaction, and community engagement.
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Dedication to upholding the brand’s reputation and fostering a welcoming dining environment.
Financial Detail
| Financial Aspect | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $236,600 – $717,300 |
| Franchise Fee | $29,500 |
| Minimum Cash Required | $250,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of monthly sales |
| Marketing / Advertising Fee | 2% of monthly sales |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Varies by location and lease agreement |
| Working Capital | Recommended to cover initial operational expenses |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location, management, and market conditions |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 6 months – 2 years |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, catering services, delivery options |
| Franchise Units (Current) | 1 |
Notes:
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The total investment range includes franchise fees, equipment, leasehold improvements, initial inventory, and working capital.
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Royalty and marketing fees are ongoing monthly payments based on gross sales, supporting brand growth and marketing initiatives.
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ROI and break-even are estimates; actual results depend on location, local market demand, and operational efficiency.
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The brand offers potential for multi-unit ownership and regional expansion as the franchise network grows.