1987
5
$250,000
$40,000
$750,000
No
The American consumer is demanding more than just fast food—they want Better Eating. They seek high-quality, all-natural ingredients, scratch-made meals, and convenient, reliable service. This shift has created an unparalleled opportunity in the fast-casual and corporate catering sectors, and D. Brian's Kitchen & Catering is perfectly positioned to lead this movement.
For decades, D. Brian’s has cultivated a reputation for excellence in the competitive food service industry by committing to a simple, powerful promise: fresh, all-natural food and exceptional service. Our dual-revenue model, combining a high-traffic deli/café presence with a robust, scalable catering operation, provides franchisees with multiple avenues for sustained growth and profitability.
We are not just a deli; we are a scratch-kitchen operation specializing in customizable, health-conscious meals. Our "Better Eating" philosophy—which mandates no artificial ingredients, no chemical preservatives, and a focus on ethically sourced meats and local ingredients—resonates deeply with today’s health-aware customers and corporate clients. By offering a menu that includes gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, scratch-made soups, and diverse catering packages, D. Brian's has established itself as the trusted choice for daily lunches and large corporate events. Join us in expanding this legacy of quality and integrity across the USA.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
1. Dual-Revenue Stream Model: D. Brian’s operates on a powerful business structure, combining the stability of a brick-and-mortar café/deli with the high-margin, scalable growth of corporate and event catering. This model provides year-round revenue opportunities, diversifying risk and maximizing market penetration.
2. Commitment to "Better Eating": Our strict adherence to all-natural, high-quality ingredients (antibiotic-free chicken/turkey, nitrate-free bacon, scratch-made soups) is a core competitive differentiator. This commitment attracts a loyal customer base willing to pay a premium for healthier, superior food.
3. Proven Operational Simplicity: The model is streamlined for efficiency. While we are a "scratch kitchen," our menu is designed for consistent execution, utilizing a structured prep and service system that minimizes waste and complexity, making it easier to manage than traditional full-service restaurants.
4. Strong Corporate Catering Brand: The catering market, particularly for corporate lunches and events, is less saturated than traditional retail food. D. Brian's already has a track record of reliability and quality, providing a strong foundation for rapid expansion into new markets.
5. Scalable for Multi-Unit Ownership: The business model, centralized purchasing power, and comprehensive support systems are designed to enable motivated entrepreneurs to successfully open and manage multiple units within a designated territory.
Founded Year & Founders:
D. Brian's Kitchen & Catering was founded in 1987 by Doug Sams in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The brand was created with a mission to provide fresh, healthy, all-natural meals in a fast-casual dining environment. Doug Sams envisioned a foodservice operation that prioritized quality ingredients, community engagement, and customer wellness long before “healthy eating” became mainstream.
Franchise Units & Market Presence:
Currently, D. Brian's operates five locations across the Minneapolis metropolitan area, including Downtown Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Bloomington, and Edina. While all locations are company-owned rather than franchised, the brand has established a loyal customer base and a strong reputation for healthy, made-to-order meals. Each location caters to busy professionals, families, and health-conscious consumers, making it a prominent name in the local fast-casual dining scene.
Brand Journey & Evolution:
Over the decades, D. Brian's has maintained a focus on fresh, natural, preservative-free ingredients, setting itself apart from traditional fast-food chains. The brand has continuously evolved to meet changing consumer demands, including the incorporation of online ordering, catering services, and corporate meal programs. Its menu emphasizes flexibility, quality, and health without compromising flavor or convenience.
Ownership & Company Philosophy:
D. Brian's Kitchen & Catering is privately owned. The company emphasizes a philosophy of sustainability, nutrition, and community. Its growth strategy focuses on maintaining quality across all locations rather than rapid expansion, ensuring that each customer experience aligns with the brand’s high standards.
Industry Category:
The brand operates in the fast-casual dining sector, specializing in healthy, all-natural meals and catering services. With increasing consumer awareness around nutrition, D. Brian’s is well-positioned to capitalize on the demand for wholesome, convenient food options.
Additional Information:
Strong local presence in Minnesota with brand recognition among health-conscious diners.
Offers catering services for corporate events, private parties, and community events, expanding its revenue streams beyond dine-in customers.
Known for community involvement, including partnerships with local charities and events that promote wellness and healthy lifestyles.
D. Brian's Kitchen & Catering is committed to setting every franchisee up for success with a comprehensive, multi-phase support and training program.
D. Brian's Kitchen & Catering is seeking passionate, driven entrepreneurs who share our commitment to quality food and community integrity.
Business Background: Prior multi-unit management experience in the restaurant, catering, or retail industry is highly desirable, but a strong background in business operations and team leadership is essential.
Passion & Brand Alignment: A genuine commitment to the "Better Eating" philosophy—believing in the value of all-natural ingredients, ethical sourcing, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Investment Capability: Must meet the minimum liquidity and net worth requirements to secure financing and comfortably handle the total initial investment.
Managerial Style: Excellent interpersonal skills, a hands-on approach to business, and the ability to train, motivate, and retain a high-quality team.
Location Preference: Driven to open and operate a D. Brian's unit in a high-traffic, densely populated urban or suburban commercial area with a strong base of corporate offices and an affluent, health-conscious customer demographic. Multi-unit development agreements are encouraged for qualified investors.
The following figures are estimates intended for illustrative purposes. Prospective franchisees must refer to the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for exact, legally binding figures.
