2004
8
$373,000
$50,000
$1,817,500
No
Cool Hand Luke’s Steakhouse & Saloon offers a unique dining experience that combines the rustic charm of the Wild West with a modern, family-friendly atmosphere. Known as “The Coolest Joint in Town,” the brand specializes in hand-cut marinated steaks, slow-roasted ribs, and signature cocktails, all served in a setting reminiscent of a first-rate establishment in the rustic West.
Since its inception, Cool Hand Luke’s has built a reputation for quality food, exceptional service, and a welcoming environment. With a growing presence across the United States, the franchise offers investors an opportunity to be part of a brand that blends tradition with innovation.
Investing in a Cool Hand Luke’s franchise means aligning with a brand that offers:
Proven Business Model: A successful track record with multiple locations across the U.S.
Unique Dining Concept: A distinctive Western-themed atmosphere that attracts a diverse clientele.
Comprehensive Support: Extensive training and ongoing support to ensure franchisee success.
Strong Brand Identity: A well-established brand known for quality and customer satisfaction.
Established Year:
Cool Hand Luke’s Steakhouse & Saloon was founded in 2004. The brand was created with the vision of offering a unique Western-themed dining experience that combines the rugged charm of the Old West with high-quality American cuisine, especially hand-cut steaks and slow-roasted ribs.
Founders:
The franchise was founded by a group of passionate entrepreneurs who shared a love for Western culture and exceptional dining. Their goal was to create a restaurant where customers could enjoy hearty meals in a fun, family-friendly, and memorable atmosphere.
Ownership & Corporate Structure:
Currently, Cool Hand Luke’s is operated under Heritage Restaurant Brands, LP, a California-based limited partnership formed in August 2016. This corporate structure provides centralized support for franchisees while maintaining consistent brand standards across all locations.
Franchise Units & Market Presence:
Cool Hand Luke’s has grown steadily in the U.S. and currently has around 8 franchise units, primarily located in California, with plans for further national expansion. The brand operates in the full-service restaurant industry, specializing in steaks, ribs, and classic American dishes, making it part of the highly competitive yet profitable casual dining segment.
Brand Journey & Reputation:
Over the years, Cool Hand Luke’s has built a strong reputation for quality food, excellent customer service, and a distinctive Western-themed ambiance. Its combination of thematic décor, friendly staff, and a menu focused on classic American cuisine has helped it carve out a niche in the casual dining market.
Industry Category & Differentiation:
Industry: Full-service restaurants / casual dining / steakhouse
Differentiation: Western-themed décor, immersive dining experience, high-quality menu, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Target Market: Families, young professionals, and groups looking for a casual yet memorable dining experience.
Growth & Expansion:
Cool Hand Luke’s focuses on strategic expansion, targeting areas with high family traffic and communities that appreciate themed dining. Franchisees benefit from being part of a brand with proven operations, marketing support, and strong brand identity, which makes it attractive to investors looking for a niche yet stable franchise opportunity.
Cool Hand Luke’s offers a comprehensive support system to ensure that franchisees can successfully operate their restaurants and maximize profitability. The support spans pre-launch, operational, marketing, academic, and ongoing assistance:
Before opening, franchisees receive extensive assistance to set up their restaurant according to brand standards:
Site Selection: Guidance in choosing the ideal location with high foot traffic and customer potential.
Lease Negotiation Assistance: Support in securing favorable lease terms.
Design & Construction: Help with restaurant layout, interior design, décor, and ambiance to maintain the Western theme.
Vendor Connections: Recommendations for approved suppliers for kitchen equipment, furniture, and operational essentials.
Pre-Opening Planning: Support in staffing, inventory setup, and operational readiness to ensure a smooth launch.
Cool Hand Luke’s provides hands-on training for franchise owners and key staff:
Restaurant Management: Instruction on day-to-day operations, staff scheduling, inventory management, and cost control.
Food Preparation & Quality Control: Training in menu items, cooking techniques, presentation standards, and portion control to ensure consistent quality.
Customer Service Standards: Training on delivering exceptional guest experiences aligned with the brand’s family-friendly and Western-themed identity.
Technology & POS Systems: Guidance on using point-of-sale systems, reporting tools, and other operational software.
The franchise provides marketing and promotional assistance to help drive traffic and sales:
Brand Guidelines: Access to marketing materials, logos, and brand assets to maintain a consistent image.
Local Marketing: Tips for community outreach, local advertising, social media campaigns, and event promotion.
National Campaigns: Participation in national promotions or campaigns to enhance brand recognition.
Digital Marketing: Guidance on managing online presence, reviews, and online ordering platforms.
Franchisees are equipped with the knowledge to adapt and grow:
Workshops & Seminars: Regular training sessions on operational best practices and emerging industry trends.
Staff Development: Programs to train new employees efficiently and improve retention.
Performance Monitoring: Tools and advice to evaluate financial and operational performance continuously.
After launch, Cool Hand Luke’s maintains an ongoing relationship with franchisees:
Field Support: Periodic visits from franchise consultants to provide advice on operations and marketing.
Problem Solving: Assistance with operational challenges, staff issues, or vendor concerns.
Continuous Improvement: Access to new menu ideas, seasonal promotions, and operational enhancements to keep the business competitive.
Summary:
The combination of pre-launch planning, in-depth operational training, marketing guidance, and ongoing support ensures that franchisees are well-equipped to run a successful Cool Hand Luke’s Steakhouse & Saloon. This structured support system reduces risk, enhances profitability, and allows franchisees to focus on growth.
The ideal franchisee for Cool Hand Luke’s Steakhouse & Saloon is someone who possesses a blend of business acumen, passion for hospitality, and commitment to the brand’s values. The franchise seeks individuals who are ready to manage a full-service restaurant and create a memorable dining experience for guests.
Hospitality/Restaurant Experience: Franchisees with prior experience in restaurants, casual dining, or hospitality management are highly preferred.
Leadership Skills: Capable of leading a team, managing staff, and maintaining operational efficiency.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Strong business instincts and the ability to make strategic decisions for growth and profitability.
Customer Service Focus: A genuine interest in creating exceptional guest experiences.
Brand Alignment: Appreciation for the Western-themed concept and willingness to uphold the brand’s image and standards.
Community Engagement: Enthusiastic about building relationships with the local community to attract and retain loyal customers.
Financial Readiness: Ability to meet the total investment requirements, including franchise fees, infrastructure costs, working capital, and marketing budgets.
Long-Term Vision: Committed to investing time, energy, and resources to grow the franchise over the long term.
High-Traffic Areas: Interested in opening locations in areas with high foot traffic, family-oriented neighborhoods, or regions popular for dining and entertainment.
Strategic Market Understanding: Able to assess the local market, understand competition, and identify opportunities to attract target customers.
Problem-Solving Skills: Capable of managing operational challenges, staffing issues, and financial decisions efficiently.
Adaptability & Learning: Willingness to follow the franchisor’s guidelines while adapting to local market needs.
Commitment to Excellence: Strives to maintain high standards for food quality, service, and overall guest experience.
Summary:
The ideal franchisee is a motivated, hands-on entrepreneur with the financial capacity, operational experience, and passion for hospitality. They are committed to upholding the brand’s reputation, delivering high-quality dining experiences, and driving the growth of Cool Hand Luke’s in their market.
| Financial Category | Details / Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $373,000 – $1,817,500 (varies by location and restaurant size) |
| Minimum Investment Required | $373,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 5% of monthly gross sales |
| Marketing / Advertising Fees | ~1% of monthly gross sales |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Costs | Varies based on location; includes kitchen equipment, furniture, décor, signage, and renovations |
| Working Capital | Sufficient funds recommended to cover initial operating expenses until break-even |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location, management, and market conditions; potential for strong returns with efficient operations |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 12 – 24 months |
| Revenue Streams | - Dine-in services - Takeout and delivery - Catering services - Merchandise sales (branded apparel, sauces, gift cards) |
| Franchise Units (Current) | Approximately 8 units in the U.S. |
| Ongoing Support | Operational guidance, marketing support, staff training, and performance monitoring |
| Location Requirements | High-traffic areas, family-friendly neighborhoods, or regions popular for casual dining |
