1999
50
$900,000
$40,000
$1,400,000
No
HuHot Mongolian Grill is one of America’s most unique and fast-growing casual dining concepts, offering guests a build-your-own Asian stir-fry experience that’s both interactive and delicious. Inspired by the bold flavors of the ancient Mongol Empire, HuHot allows customers to customize their own meals by selecting from a variety of meats, noodles, vegetables, and signature sauces—all cooked to perfection on a large, circular grill right before their eyes. This immersive, family-friendly dining experience has made HuHot a household name in the Mongolian grill segment and a standout in the broader restaurant industry.
Since its founding, HuHot has built a strong national reputation for quality, creativity, and customer engagement. With an established franchise system, a proven business model, and a loyal customer base, HuHot Mongolian Grill presents a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to enter the restaurant industry with a differentiated and highly scalable brand. The brand’s mix of strong unit economics, innovative dining experience, and consistent operational support makes it one of the top restaurant franchise opportunities in the USA today.
Investing in a HuHot Mongolian Grill franchise means joining a brand that combines entertainment, customization, and culinary excellence—all key drivers of today’s fast-casual dining trends. Unlike traditional Asian restaurants, HuHot stands out by offering an open-grill concept where guests participate in the creation of their meals, fostering a memorable and social dining experience.
The franchise thrives in diverse markets—from suburban family hubs to busy metropolitan centers—thanks to its broad appeal and flexible store footprint. Franchisees benefit from strong brand recognition, proprietary recipes and sauces, a loyal fan base, and ongoing national marketing campaigns that drive repeat business.
Additionally, HuHot’s streamlined operations, supply chain efficiency, and effective employee training systems make it a manageable and profitable venture for both seasoned restaurateurs and first-time business owners.
HuHot Mongolian Grill was founded in 1999 in Missoula, Montana, by Daniel and Linda Vap. The Vap family, known for their long-standing experience in the restaurant industry, envisioned a new kind of dining experience—one that was fresh, fun, and flavorful. Their concept quickly caught on, leading to rapid expansion across the United States.
Today, HuHot has grown to over 50 franchise units across multiple states, establishing itself as one of the most successful Mongolian grill franchises in America. The brand operates under HuHot Mongolian Grills, LLC, which continues to be a family-owned and operated company headquartered in Denver, Colorado.
HuHot’s growth has been driven by its unique concept, consistent customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. It competes in the casual dining and Asian cuisine franchise category, but differentiates itself through its “Create Your Own Stir Fry” concept—a proven model that appeals to health-conscious diners and families alike.
HuHot provides one of the most comprehensive franchise support systems in the restaurant industry, ensuring every new franchisee is equipped for long-term success.
Pre-Opening Support:
Assistance with site selection and lease negotiation.
Guidance on restaurant layout, equipment, and design based on proven templates.
Help with vendor sourcing, local permits, and pre-opening marketing.
Training Programs:
A detailed, multi-week training program at HuHot’s corporate training center covering operations, food preparation, service standards, and safety procedures.
In-store opening support from experienced corporate trainers during your restaurant’s first few weeks of launch.
Ongoing Support:
Continued access to operations manuals, menu innovation updates, and management tools.
Regular franchise business reviews and performance optimization strategies.
National advertising and social media marketing campaigns to drive brand awareness.
Ongoing culinary R&D and seasonal menu updates to keep the brand fresh and competitive.
HuHot also provides its franchise partners with technology solutions for POS systems, inventory control, and customer engagement analytics to streamline daily operations and maximize profitability.
HuHot seeks passionate, community-oriented entrepreneurs who are eager to deliver memorable dining experiences and uphold the brand’s standards of excellence.
The ideal franchisee should possess:
A strong entrepreneurial spirit with a commitment to hands-on business management.
Prior experience in food service, restaurant management, or customer service (preferred but not mandatory).
The ability to recruit and manage a reliable, guest-focused team.
Financial capability to meet the investment requirements and sustain early-stage operations.
A passion for food, hospitality, and community involvement.
HuHot franchises perform best in high-traffic retail centers, university towns, family neighborhoods, and mid-sized metropolitan areas where interactive dining experiences thrive.
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Range | $900,000 – $1,400,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $300,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Advertising Fee | 1% – 2% of gross sales |
| Average Unit Size | 4,000 – 5,000 sq. ft. |
| Working Capital | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| Equipment & Build-Out Cost | $500,000 – $850,000 |
| Training & Initial Marketing | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Average Annual Sales per Unit | $1,200,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| Estimated ROI | 20% – 25% annually (average) |
| Break-Even Point | Approximately 24 – 36 months |
Revenue streams include dine-in, takeout, catering, and online orders—diversifying income potential across multiple channels.
