1996
35
$1,160,500
$20,000
$2,490,000
No
Colton’s Steak House & Grill offers a unique franchise opportunity in the casual dining sector, blending the rich flavors of mesquite-grilled steaks with the warm ambiance of the American West. With a commitment to quality, service, and a family-friendly atmosphere, Colton’s has become a beloved brand in the U.S. Their menu features hand-cut, USDA Choice steaks, fresh-baked yeast rolls, and a variety of classic American dishes, all served in a rustic, Western-themed setting.
Proven Business Model: Colton’s has demonstrated consistent growth since its inception in 1996, with a strong presence in multiple states.
Brand Recognition: The brand's distinctive Western theme and commitment to quality have garnered a loyal customer base.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support to ensure operational success.
Scalable Opportunities: With a focus on multi-unit development, Colton’s offers opportunities for franchisees to expand their investment.
Established Year:
Colton’s Steak House & Grill was founded in 1996, establishing itself as a midwestern casual dining steakhouse brand with a focus on American West-themed décor and high-quality mesquite-grilled steaks.
Founders & Ownership:
The brand was created by a group of experienced restaurateurs who wanted to deliver a warm, family-friendly steakhouse experience. The franchise is currently owned and managed by Colton’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (CRG), which oversees the brand’s strategic expansion, franchise operations, and support services for franchisees.
Franchise Units & Market Presence:
As of 2025, Colton’s operates 35 locations across multiple U.S. states, including Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. While the majority of locations are in the Midwest and South, the brand is actively pursuing expansion through franchising opportunities in other regions.
Brand Journey & Concept:
Colton’s has built a strong reputation for combining hand-cut USDA Choice steaks, signature salads, fresh-baked yeast rolls, and American favorites with a distinctive Western-themed interior. Over the years, the company has focused on:
Consistent Quality: Ensuring every dish maintains the same high standard across all locations.
Customer Experience: Emphasizing friendly service and a family-oriented atmosphere.
Franchise Growth: Expanding through a combination of company-owned and franchised units, maintaining brand consistency and operational excellence.
Industry Category & Positioning:
Colton’s is positioned in the casual dining, steakhouse segment of the restaurant industry, competing with regional and national steakhouse chains. The brand’s differentiation lies in its American West theme, signature mesquite-grilled flavor, and focus on family dining, which appeals to a broad demographic of steak lovers and casual diners.
Company History & Evolution:
Since its founding, Colton’s has:
Developed a proven business model that can be replicated across multiple locations.
Introduced modern operational systems and franchisee support programs to maintain consistency and profitability.
Built a loyal customer base through quality food, memorable experiences, and community engagement.
Ownership & Management Approach:
The company operates under a franchisor-franchisee model, providing franchisees with tools, training, and ongoing support. The leadership team brings decades of experience in restaurant operations, brand development, and franchise management, ensuring that every location aligns with the brand’s core values and standards.
Colton’s Steak House & Grill is committed to ensuring the success of its franchisees through comprehensive support and training programs that cover every stage of the business, from pre-launch to ongoing operations.
Before a restaurant opens, Colton’s provides hands-on guidance to help franchisees set up a successful business:
Site Selection Assistance: Franchisees receive help identifying high-traffic, profitable locations that fit the brand’s demographic and market requirements.
Lease Negotiation Support: Expert advice on lease agreements ensures favorable terms for franchisees.
Restaurant Design & Build-Out: Guidance on interior design, layout, equipment, and signage to maintain brand consistency and create a welcoming dining environment.
Permits & Licensing: Assistance in navigating local regulations, health permits, and licensing requirements.
Colton’s ensures that franchisees and their management teams are fully prepared to operate a restaurant efficiently:
Comprehensive Training Program: Covers day-to-day operations, food preparation, service standards, and employee management.
Management & Leadership Training: Helps franchisees develop strong leadership skills and operational expertise.
Operational Manuals: Detailed step-by-step guides covering procedures for kitchen operations, inventory management, health and safety compliance, and customer service.
Colton’s provides marketing tools and guidance to drive traffic and build brand awareness:
Local Marketing Assistance: Support for grand opening promotions, local advertising, social media campaigns, and community engagement.
National Marketing Programs: Franchisees benefit from national campaigns that strengthen brand recognition.
Digital Marketing Support: Guidance on website, SEO, and online ordering platforms to attract more customers.
After the restaurant opens, Colton’s continues to provide continuous support to ensure long-term success:
Field Visits & Operational Audits: Experienced team members regularly visit franchise locations to provide feedback and ensure operational excellence.
Problem-Solving Assistance: Support for addressing operational, staffing, or marketing challenges.
Continuous Education: Updated training programs and resources to adapt to new industry trends, menu innovations, and management techniques.
Franchisees have access to modern systems that streamline operations:
Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems: Integrated solutions for sales tracking, reporting, and inventory management.
Supply Chain Management: Assistance with sourcing high-quality ingredients and equipment at competitive prices.
Data Analysis & Reporting: Tools to monitor sales performance, customer feedback, and financial health.
Summary:
Colton’s Steak House & Grill offers franchisees a turnkey business model, providing expert guidance and ongoing support in operations, marketing, training, and management, ensuring franchisees have all the tools and resources needed to succeed.
Colton’s Steak House & Grill seeks franchisees who are not only financially capable but also passionate about delivering exceptional dining experiences and growing a successful business. The ideal franchisee embodies a combination of business acumen, operational focus, and alignment with the brand’s values.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Franchisees should have experience running or managing a business, ideally in the restaurant, hospitality, or retail industry.
Leadership Skills: Ability to manage a team, motivate staff, and maintain high standards of customer service and operational efficiency.
Operational Oversight: Strong organizational skills to handle daily restaurant operations, staffing, scheduling, and inventory management.
Investment Readiness: Candidates must have sufficient liquid assets (typically $750,000 or more) and a net worth of at least $1.5 million to cover the initial franchise investment, operational costs, and working capital.
Long-Term Commitment: Ability to sustain financial investment until the business reaches profitability and growth targets.
Passion for the Food Service Industry: A genuine interest in hospitality, dining experiences, and creating memorable customer interactions.
Customer-Centric Mindset: Commitment to upholding Colton’s brand values, quality standards, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Growth-Oriented: Willingness to expand into multiple units or new territories over time, leveraging the franchise’s scalable business model.
Strategic Location Interest: Candidates should focus on developing franchises in available and high-potential markets, primarily in the Midwest and Southern U.S.
Community Engagement: A willingness to engage with the local community to build brand loyalty and enhance the restaurant’s reputation.
Resilience & Adaptability: Ability to navigate challenges in a dynamic restaurant industry.
Attention to Detail: Maintaining consistency in service, quality, and operational standards.
Team Player: Ability to collaborate with Colton’s corporate support team and other franchisees for best practices.
Summary:
The ideal Colton’s franchisee is a financially capable, experienced, and passionate entrepreneur who values quality, customer service, and operational excellence. They are committed to building a strong presence in their market while leveraging the brand’s established systems, training, and support to maximize profitability.
| Category | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $1,160,500 – $2,490,000 |
| Minimum Investment | Approximately $1,160,500 |
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 – $100,000+ (depending on location and agreement) |
| Royalty Fees | Typically 4% – 6% of gross sales (industry standard; exact fee may vary) |
| Marketing/Advertising Fees | Typically 2% – 4% of gross sales (for national and local marketing initiatives) |
| Franchise Units (Existing) | 35 units across Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Costs | Includes restaurant design, kitchen equipment, furniture, signage, décor, and initial inventory |
| Working Capital | Sufficient funds to cover initial operating expenses until the restaurant becomes profitable |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location, management, and market conditions; generally strong potential given brand reputation |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 2 – 3 years (location and operational efficiency dependent) |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in service, takeout, catering, merchandise sales |
