2008
150
$150,000
$35,000
$280,000
No
Are you ready to capitalize on the massive shift toward convenience, health, and family-focused dining in the United States? The DINNER BY DESIGN franchise offers a proven, highly profitable blueprint for entrepreneurs seeking to enter the recession-resistant, $200+ billion food service industry without the pitfalls of traditional restaurant operations.
DINNER BY DESIGN pioneered the DIY Meal Assembly and modern Ready-to-Heat meal prep concept, positioning itself as the trusted solution for busy families, health-conscious professionals, and time-strapped individuals across the USA. Our model is simple yet revolutionary: we eliminate the planning, shopping, and chopping, providing high-quality, pre-portioned ingredients and chef-designed recipes for customers to prepare (assemble) in a fun, shared kitchen environment or pick up as ready-to-bake take-home kits.
We occupy a unique, sweet spot between traditional grocery stores, expensive restaurant delivery, and time-consuming home cooking. This strategic market positioning ensures year-round demand, driven by the perennial consumer need for quick, healthy, and affordable dinner solutions. Investing in a DINNER BY DESIGN franchise means investing in a brand with a strong national reputation, streamlined operations, and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction and unit-level profitability. Join us and design your own successful business future.
DINNER BY DESIGN stands out as a superior franchise investment opportunity for several compelling reasons:
High-Demand, Low-Overhead Model (The Meal Prep Advantage): Unlike full-service restaurants, our model requires minimal front-of-house staff, no costly table service, and significantly less kitchen equipment. The focus is on assembly and fulfillment, resulting in optimized labor costs and reduced operational complexity.
Scalable and Repeat Revenue: Our subscription-based models and session bookings ensure a predictable, recurring revenue stream. Customers typically enroll monthly to achieve long-term meal planning success, boosting customer lifetime value (CLV).
Strong Brand Equity and Recognition: After years of successful operation, the DINNER BY DESIGN name is synonymous with quality, variety, and convenience in the meal prep sector. Our proprietary recipe library and streamlined processes give franchisees an immediate competitive edge.
Optimized Technology Stack: We provide a comprehensive, fully integrated POS and CRM system, online scheduling platform, inventory management tools, and a proprietary kitchen management system designed to minimize waste and maximize efficiency.
A Business with a Purpose: You’re not just selling food; you’re selling time, health, and family connection. This mission-driven approach attracts loyal customers and fosters a deeply rewarding ownership experience.
Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Industry Category | Fast Casual/Food Service, Meal Prep & Assembly, Convenience Food |
Established Year | Founded in 2008 |
Founders | Sarah & David Chen (Focus on culinary expertise and operational excellence) |
Company History | Launched as a single location in Dallas, TX, DINNER BY DESIGN quickly gained local notoriety for solving the "What's for Dinner?" dilemma. The company began franchising in 2012, perfecting the standardized assembly kitchen concept before aggressively expanding nationwide. Our journey is defined by adapting to consumer needs, from in-store assembly sessions to a robust online order and delivery fulfillment system. |
Franchise Units | Over 150 units currently operating across 35 U.S. states. |
Market Presence (USA) | Strong presence in suburban and high-density residential markets, with proven success in high-income, dual-working-parent demographics. Our growth strategy targets metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with populations over 100,000. |
Ownership | Privately held, focused on franchisee support and product innovation. |
We are dedicated to ensuring every franchisee is set up for success from day one. Our support is comprehensive, spanning site selection through daily operations.
Site Selection & Lease Negotiation: Assistance with demographic analysis, trade area mapping, and professional guidance on securing optimal retail space (typically 1,500 – 2,500 sq. ft.).
Build-Out & Equipment Planning: Detailed facility design blueprints, vendor negotiation assistance, and a standardized equipment package list to ensure consistency and cost efficiency.
Initial Training (Academic & Practical): A mandatory two-week program at our corporate headquarters covering all facets of the business, including food safety, proprietary assembly methods, customer service standards, and P&L management.
Proprietary Operations Manual: Access to a continually updated, cloud-based Operations Manual covering all daily procedures, from inventory receiving to closing procedures.
Dedicated Field Consultants: Regular, scheduled site visits and performance reviews from regional franchise consultants to analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement best practices.
Supply Chain Management: Negotiated national vendor pricing for all food and non-food items, ensuring quality control, consistency, and cost savings on core ingredients.
Local Marketing Kit: A full suite of pre-designed promotional materials, grand opening campaigns, and digital assets.
Digital Marketing Strategy: Corporate management of national social media presence, website SEO, and localized PPC/digital advertising campaigns (supported by the Marketing Fund).
Menu & Recipe R&D: Weekly release of new, proprietary, and seasonal recipes, eliminating the need for franchisees to worry about menu fatigue or R&D costs.
DINNER BY DESIGN is seeking passionate, operationally-minded individuals who share our commitment to quality and customer service.
Investor/Entrepreneur Type: A hands-on, owner-operator or an executive semi-absentee investor with a strong local General Manager in place. We prioritize individuals who can actively engage with the local community.
Business Background: Prior experience in multi-unit management, food service, retail, or P&L oversight is highly beneficial, but not mandatory. A strong aptitude for leadership and team management is essential.
Passion & Vision: A genuine passion for healthy eating, convenience, and helping others achieve better work-life balance is crucial. Candidates must embody the friendly, service-oriented culture of the brand.
Investment Capability: Must meet the minimum liquidity and net worth requirements detailed in the Financial Disclosure Document (FDD). Must be capable of financing the full range of the initial investment.
Location Preference: Ideal candidates are ready to open a flagship unit in their local community, with a multi-unit development strategy preferred after successful launch of Unit 1.
Investing in DINNER BY DESIGN offers a compelling financial proposition with multiple avenues for profit. Note: All figures are estimates and subject to change. Consult the official Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for exact details.
Financial Component | Estimated Range (USD) | Detail / Purpose |
|---|---|---|
Franchise Fee | $35,000 | One-time fee for rights to use the trademarks, systems, and initial training. |
Minimum Investment Required | $150,000 | Estimate for a smaller, efficiently built unit (includes Franchise Fee). |
Total Investment Required | $150,000 – $280,000 | Includes Franchise Fee, build-out, equipment, working capital, training, and initial marketing. |
Infrastructure/Build-out Cost | $70,000 – $120,000 | Leasehold improvements, kitchen fit-out, storage, and customer area design. |
Equipment & Technology | $30,000 – $45,000 | Refrigeration units, assembly tables, POS hardware/software, and office equipment. |
Working Capital (3-6 Months) | $20,000 – $40,000 | Funds for initial payroll, rent, inventory, and unforeseen expenses during the ramp-up phase. |
Initial Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $15,000 | Required spending for grand opening campaigns and local outreach. |
Royalty Fees | 6% of Gross Sales | Paid weekly/monthly to the franchisor for ongoing support, R&D, and brand maintenance. |
National Marketing Fund Fee | 2% of Gross Sales | Contributes to national brand building, digital marketing, and system-wide technology improvements. |
Expected ROI (Return on Investment) | Strong, competitive in the food industry. | Detailed projections and FDD Item 19 figures show robust potential, often exceeding 25% annual cash-on-cash return post-stabilization. |
Break-Even Time | 9 – 15 Months | Achievable timeline based on historical performance of high-performing units, largely dependent on local market penetration and effective marketing. |
Core Revenue: In-store Meal Assembly Sessions (DIY model).
Kit Fulfillment: Online ordering and ready-to-heat take-home meal kits (most popular stream).
B2B/Catering: Corporate lunch preparation and bulk orders for local businesses.
Add-ons: Sales of side dishes, desserts, soups, and specialty gourmet items.
Retail: Sales of proprietary spice blends, cooking tools, and branded merchandise.
