2016
2
$450,000
$40,000
$1,000,000
No
Esco Restaurant and Tapas is one of the most exciting names to emerge in the upscale casual dining and nightlife scene. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, signature cocktails, and Southern-inspired tapas with a modern twist, Esco delivers an unforgettable dining and social experience. What began as a passion project founded by entrepreneur and rapper 2 Chainz alongside partners Mychel “Snoop” Dillard and Mohamed Alkabbani, has grown into a high-energy restaurant franchise blending culture, music, and cuisine.
With its chic interior design, crafted cocktail program, and menu that balances bold flavor with visual appeal, Esco has become a favorite destination in multiple U.S. cities. The brand combines the warmth of Southern hospitality with the sophistication of a modern tapas bar — appealing to food lovers, nightlife enthusiasts, and professionals looking for a social yet elegant dining space.
As the Esco Restaurant and Tapas franchise expands across the country, it’s offering investors the chance to bring a proven, celebrity-backed dining experience to their community — one that fuses great food, curated vibes, and strong returns.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in Esco Restaurant and Tapas means owning more than a restaurant — it’s joining a movement that celebrates good food, music, and culture. The brand’s strong following, extensive social media presence, and celebrity-driven credibility make it a powerful player in the hospitality industry.
High Brand Recognition: With national exposure through celebrity ownership and media features, Esco commands attention wherever it opens.
Proven Business Model: Every franchise benefits from a carefully tested operational playbook combining dining and lounge experiences for multiple revenue streams.
Strong Market Demand: Consumers increasingly seek upscale dining experiences that combine entertainment and social engagement — Esco delivers exactly that.
Attractive ROI: Optimized menu engineering, smart cost control, and a premium guest experience drive repeat visits and profitability.
Expanding Market: With a focus on growth in major U.S. metros, Esco offers franchisees the advantage of early entry into high-demand territories.
Established Year: 2016
Founders: 2 Chainz (Tauheed Epps), Mychel “Snoop” Dillard, and Mohamed Alkabbani
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Industry Category: Food & Beverage / Restaurant & Lounge / Tapas & Cocktails
Franchise Units: Expanding rapidly across the United States
Esco Restaurant and Tapas began its journey in 2016 in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, when Grammy-winning artist 2 Chainz joined forces with seasoned restaurateurs Mychel “Snoop” Dillard and Mohamed Alkabbani. Their goal was to create more than just another restaurant — they wanted to build an experience. Esco became a fusion of Southern-inspired tapas, handcrafted cocktails, and a vibrant social atmosphere that reflects Atlanta’s dynamic culture.
From the beginning, the founders focused on combining luxury dining, community connection, and nightlife energy into a single brand. Each Esco location offers guests a lively ambiance filled with great food, music, and art — turning every visit into a memorable event. The brand’s attention to detail, from menu curation to interior design, quickly made it a standout in the hospitality scene.
As Esco gained recognition, demand for expansion naturally followed. The restaurant evolved into a franchise opportunity, enabling investors to bring Esco’s unique flavor and entertainment-driven dining experience to new cities. Today, the brand continues to grow its presence in major U.S. markets like Houston, Charlotte, and Miami, while maintaining its Atlanta roots.
Backed by a celebrity brand name, a strong social media following, and a proven business model, Esco Restaurant and Tapas is now recognized as one of the most promising emerging restaurant franchises in the upscale-casual dining category. Its blend of culinary excellence, urban sophistication, and community energy positions Esco as a top-tier franchise opportunity in the American restaurant industry.
Esco Restaurant and Tapas ensures that every franchise partner is equipped for success through comprehensive training and ongoing support:
Pre-Launch Support:
Site selection guidance, lease negotiation, and design consultation.
Full assistance with kitchen layout, bar setup, and interior branding to reflect Esco’s signature aesthetic.
Vendor and supplier introductions for consistent sourcing of food and beverage items.
Operational Training:
In-depth training at an existing Esco location covering food prep, service standards, inventory control, and management systems.
Staff training modules for front-of-house and kitchen teams.
Marketing & Grand Opening Support:
Pre-opening marketing campaign support to build community buzz.
Social media strategy, influencer collaboration templates, and PR guidance.
Assistance with launch events, local promotions, and digital marketing execution.
Ongoing Support:
Continuous menu innovation and seasonal updates.
Operational audits and performance reviews.
Dedicated franchise development manager to ensure consistency and profitability.
Owning an Esco Restaurant and Tapas franchise is more than running a restaurant — it’s about curating an atmosphere where food, culture, and lifestyle meet. The ideal franchisee understands the value of creating memorable dining experiences and thrives in the world of hospitality, leadership, and community connection.
Esco is looking for entrepreneurs, investors, and operators who want to be part of a fast-growing, celebrity-backed brand that merges Southern-inspired dining with modern lounge culture. While restaurant experience is beneficial, it’s not mandatory — what matters most is passion, business acumen, and the drive to deliver excellence every day.
Passion for Hospitality: You genuinely enjoy engaging with guests, managing energetic teams, and ensuring every diner leaves with an unforgettable experience.
Leadership & Management Skills: Strong ability to recruit, train, and lead staff while maintaining Esco’s high service and operational standards.
Community Connector: You’re someone who thrives on building local relationships, creating buzz, and positioning Esco as the go-to social destination in your area.
Financial Capability: Must have the financial stability to manage startup and operational expenses comfortably. Recommended liquid capital of $150,000–$250,000 and a net worth of at least $500,000.
Operational Focus: Commitment to hands-on or semi-absentee management during the early stages to ensure smooth operations and brand consistency.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Driven by results, innovation, and the desire to grow within a scalable business model.
Location Vision: Prefers high-traffic, urban, or entertainment districts with a mix of nightlife, business, and residential footfall. Ideal territories include Atlanta, Houston, Miami, Dallas, Charlotte, and Nashville.
Experienced hospitality or restaurant managers ready to own their first brand.
Entrepreneurs seeking a premium lifestyle business that combines dining and nightlife.
Multi-unit investors looking to expand into a trending F&B category with strong margins.
Local business leaders who want to bring a celebrity-backed restaurant experience to their city.
The best Esco franchise partners share the brand’s commitment to culture, consistency, and community. They’re people who see beyond the food — who recognize that Esco’s energy, branding, and customer experience are what create loyal guests and sustainable profits.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the investment requirements and financial structure for owning an Esco Restaurant and Tapas franchise in the United States. These figures reflect the brand’s upscale dining concept, which combines a full-service restaurant with a vibrant lounge experience — offering multiple revenue streams and strong long-term returns.
| Financial Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $450,000 – $1,000,000 | Includes construction, kitchen setup, décor, permits, initial inventory, and working capital. |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $150,000 – $250,000 | Recommended liquid funds available to cover initial setup and early operations. |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 | One-time fee for franchise rights, training, and access to Esco’s brand systems. |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of Gross Sales | Paid monthly to the franchisor for ongoing operational and brand support. |
| National Marketing Fund | 2% of Gross Sales | Contributed monthly to support national advertising, brand campaigns, and influencer collaborations. |
| Local Marketing Budget | $2,000 – $5,000/month | Recommended local advertising and promotional spend to build community awareness. |
| Leasehold Improvements / Build-Out | $250,000 – $600,000 | Covers site build-out, kitchen installation, interior design, and bar setup. |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) | $75,000 – $120,000 | Includes kitchen equipment, dining furniture, lighting, and décor. |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $15,000 – $25,000 | Opening inventory of food, beverages, uniforms, and operational supplies. |
| Working Capital (First 3 Months) | $50,000 – $100,000 | Recommended buffer to cover initial payroll, rent, and operational expenses. |
| Technology & POS Systems | $10,000 – $20,000 | Includes software, hardware, and digital systems for efficient operations. |
| Training & Opening Support | Included in Franchise Fee | Pre-launch training, staff onboarding, and grand opening marketing support. |
| Average Revenue Potential | $1.2M – $2.5M annually | Based on current Esco franchise performance and average ticket size. |
| Expected ROI (Return on Investment) | 25% – 35% annually | Depends on location, management, and operational efficiency. |
| Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months | Typical timeline to reach profitability. |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Catering, Private Events, Lounge Bar, Weekend Brunch | Multiple income channels maximize profitability year-round. |
Moderate Startup Range: Compared to other upscale restaurant concepts, Esco offers a balanced entry point with high-earning potential.
Multiple Revenue Channels: The combination of restaurant dining, late-night lounge, and event hosting creates strong average unit volumes.
Attractive Returns: With proper management and marketing, many locations project a break-even in under 2 years.
Brand Power: Celebrity ownership and lifestyle branding significantly enhance local marketing impact and customer traffic.
