1958
11
$750,000
$45,000
$750,000
No
Dreamland Bar-B-Que is a renowned Southern barbecue chain that has been delighting customers since 1958. Founded by John "Big Daddy" Bishop in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the brand is celebrated for its hickory-fired ribs, signature vinegar-based sauce, and a rich history rooted in community and tradition. With a commitment to quality and authenticity, Dreamland has expanded to multiple locations across Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, earning accolades from national media outlets like Southern Living and Business Insider.
The franchise offers a unique opportunity for investors to be part of a legacy that blends culinary excellence with a strong brand identity. Whether you're an experienced restaurateur or a passionate entrepreneur, Dreamland provides a platform to bring authentic Southern barbecue to new communities.
Proven Brand Legacy: Over six decades of culinary tradition and brand recognition.
Quality Product: Signature hickory-fired ribs and unique vinegar-based sauce that set Dreamland apart.
Expansion Potential: Established presence in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida with opportunities for growth in untapped markets.
Supportive Franchise System: Comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure franchisee success.
Community Engagement: A brand deeply rooted in community values and customer loyalty.
Established Year: 1958
Founder: John “Big Daddy” Bishop
Franchise Units: 11 locations across Alabama, Georgia, and Florida
Company History & Brand Journey: Dreamland Bar-B-Que began as a modest café in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, originally selling burgers and other simple fare. The restaurant’s signature hickory-smoked ribs, combined with a unique vinegar-based sauce, quickly became a local sensation. Over time, this focus on quality Southern barbecue helped Dreamland evolve into a recognized regional brand, celebrated for its authentic flavors and friendly, community-oriented atmosphere. The brand has maintained its legacy through careful expansion and consistent quality standards.
Ownership: Privately held
Market Presence in USA: Strong presence in the Southeastern United States, particularly Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, with opportunities for expansion into new states and regions.
Industry Category: Restaurant and Food Service – specializing in Southern-style barbecue
Notable Achievements: Featured in Southern Living, Business Insider, and other national publications; known for award-winning ribs and community engagement initiatives.
Vision & Mission: To deliver authentic Southern barbecue experiences that bring communities together, maintaining the quality, flavor, and tradition that has defined Dreamland for decades.
Dreamland Bar-B-Que offers a full spectrum of support and training to ensure franchisees operate successful restaurants while maintaining the brand’s high standards of quality and service.
Site Selection & Lease Negotiation: Expert guidance in choosing an ideal location based on demographics, traffic patterns, and competition, along with assistance negotiating favorable lease terms.
Restaurant Design & Build-Out: Support with interior and exterior design to maintain brand consistency, including layout optimization for efficient kitchen operations and customer flow.
Permitting & Licensing Assistance: Help with navigating local regulatory requirements, health permits, and other legal compliance steps.
Comprehensive Training Program: Hands-on training at an existing Dreamland location covering all aspects of restaurant operations, including food preparation, cooking techniques (especially hickory-fired ribs), and quality control.
Staff Training: Guidance on hiring, onboarding, and training employees to meet the brand’s service standards.
Inventory & Supply Chain Management: Training on sourcing, inventory tracking, and managing food costs efficiently.
Brand Marketing: Access to national and regional campaigns to strengthen brand awareness.
Local Marketing Guidance: Customizable strategies for community outreach, social media management, and promotions to drive traffic to the franchise location.
Advertising Materials: Templates for flyers, banners, menus, and digital campaigns to maintain a consistent brand image.
Franchise Support Team: Continuous support through regular visits, performance evaluations, and operational guidance.
Best Practices Updates: Regular updates on new operational strategies, menu innovations, and marketing techniques.
Problem-Solving Assistance: Immediate help with operational challenges, staffing issues, or supply chain concerns.
Point-of-Sale Integration: Guidance on installing and managing POS systems for order processing, inventory, and reporting.
Online Ordering & Delivery Systems: Support in setting up and optimizing online orders and third-party delivery platforms.
Operational Analytics: Tools for tracking sales, inventory, and employee performance to ensure profitable operations.
Dreamland Bar-B-Que seeks passionate and committed franchisees who are ready to uphold the brand’s legacy while delivering an exceptional Southern barbecue experience. The ideal franchisee embodies a combination of business acumen, dedication to quality, and enthusiasm for community engagement.
Experience: Preferably individuals with experience in the restaurant, hospitality, or food service industry.
Entrepreneurial Skills: Ability to manage operations, oversee staff, and make strategic business decisions.
Operational Management: Understanding of day-to-day restaurant operations, including inventory, staffing, and customer service management.
Love for Southern Cuisine: Genuine interest in authentic barbecue and delivering a memorable dining experience.
Commitment to Quality: Dedication to maintaining the brand’s high standards for food preparation, service, and cleanliness.
Brand Ambassador: Willingness to represent Dreamland’s values and contribute to its long-term reputation.
Investment Readiness: Ability to meet the required total investment and franchise fees.
Financial Planning: Capacity to manage working capital, operational costs, and marketing budgets effectively.
Local Engagement: Interest in building strong relationships within the community through events, sponsorships, and local promotions.
Location Selection: Willingness to establish the franchise in areas with growth potential, particularly untapped or emerging markets in the USA.
Leadership Skills: Strong team management, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Customer-Focused Mindset: Commitment to delivering excellent customer service and ensuring repeat business.
Resilience & Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic business environment and adapt to operational challenges.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $750,000 and up |
| Minimum Investment | $750,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $45,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Advertising Fee | 0.25% of gross sales |
| Franchise Units (Current) | 11 locations across Alabama, Georgia, and Florida |
| Infrastructure Cost | Varies depending on location and restaurant size |
| Marketing Budget | Included in advertising fee; additional local marketing at franchisee’s discretion |
| Working Capital Requirement | Sufficient to cover initial 3–6 months of operational expenses |
| Expected ROI | Location dependent; typically achievable within 3–5 years |
| Break-even Time | Approximately 18–24 months, depending on sales volume and operational efficiency |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, catering, merchandise, and online sales of signature sauces |
