Established
1991
Franchise Units
40
Minimum Investment
$400,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$1,200,000
Home Based
No
Description
Jefferson’s has earned a loyal national following as a neighborhood-friendly restaurant brand known for fresh oysters, award-winning wings, and classic American comfort food served in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Across the Southeast and beyond, Jefferson’s consistently attracts customers who want great food without the fuss—families, students, professionals, and local regulars who consider it their go-to spot. The franchise combines the warmth of a hometown eatery with a scalable operational model, making it a standout opportunity in the casual dining and sports-bar category.
What sets Jefferson’s apart is its unique trifecta: fresh oysters shucked daily, signature wings with dozens of hand-crafted sauces, and an all-American lineup of burgers, sandwiches, and entrees. This menu mix creates broad appeal and high repeat business. Over the years, the brand has grown quietly but steadily, leaning on consistency, quality, and a tight-knit culture shaped by franchise owners who truly believe in the model.
In a dining landscape where consumers search for authenticity, community, and comfort, Jefferson’s delivers a concept that blends familiarity with personality. Franchisees benefit from a brand with a proven track record, well-defined systems, and a community-driven identity that translates into strong year-round traffic. For investors seeking a restaurant franchise with character, staying power, and room to grow, Jefferson’s offers a compelling pathway.
Why Invest in the Jefferson’s Franchise?
Investing in Jefferson’s means stepping into a brand with nearly three decades of operating experience and a loyal customer base. The franchise has carved a solid niche in the casual dining sector by combining approachable menu pricing, a community-oriented brand personality, and strong unit economics.
Here are some of the top reasons investors choose Jefferson’s:
1. A Signature Menu with Strong Differentiation
While many casual restaurants compete in wings or burgers, few specialize in oysters the way Jefferson’s does. This combination sets the brand apart, creating a memorable identity and enticing customers to visit frequently.
2. Sustainable, Repeat-Driven Customer Traffic
Jefferson’s is not a trend-driven restaurant; it’s a community staple. This positions it well during fluctuating economic periods, offering steady sales and loyal repeat customers.
3. Streamlined Operations for New & Experienced Restaurateurs
The operating system is designed for efficiency, consistency, and manageable labor costs. Franchisees benefit from tested workflows, vendor partnerships, supply-chain support, and technology systems.
4. Attractive Mid-Sized Restaurant Footprint
Locations typically operate with a flexible layout, making Jefferson’s suitable for markets ranging from college towns to suburbs to smaller cities.
5. Strong Branding Without Corporate Friction
Jefferson’s maintains a balance between professional franchise support and the warm, approachable culture of a brand that still values relationships, not just processes.
Background
Established Year:
Jefferson’s was founded in 1991 in Jacksonville, Alabama.
Founders:
The company was created by Jefferson “Jeff” Rosenthal, who opened the first location as a fun, inviting spot for wings, oysters, and good times with friends.
Brand Journey & Company History:
The original Jefferson’s quickly became a local favorite, known for its relaxed atmosphere and walls covered in personalized dollar bills—one of the quirky traditions that fans loved. As word spread, demand for additional locations grew. By the early 2000s, Jefferson’s began franchising, attracting operators who appreciated the simplicity of the concept and the strength of the community-focused identity.
Over the years, the brand expanded through college towns, Southern markets, and suburban communities, building a reputation for consistency and authentic charm. Today, Jefferson’s continues to maintain a family-style franchise culture while incorporating modern operational systems, technology, and menu innovation to meet evolving customer expectations.
Current Franchise Units:
Jefferson’s has grown to 40+ locations across the United States, primarily in the Southeast, with steady expansion into new states.
Ownership & Market Presence:
The franchise operates within the casual dining and sports-bar industry category, a sector known for strong growth and loyal repeat traffic. Jefferson’s blends sports-bar energy with family-friendly dining, giving it wide demographic appeal and strong lunch, dinner, and weekend demand.
Support Training
Jefferson’s offers a comprehensive support system that helps franchise owners build and manage successful restaurants—from site evaluation to daily operations. The franchise puts a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, ensuring every owner understands both the culinary and business components.
Pre-Launch Support
• Site selection assistance and market evaluation
• Lease negotiations and real estate guidance
• Restaurant layout, design, and construction support
• Full equipment list and vendor connections
• Pre-opening marketing strategy to build awareness and early customer traffic
Initial Training Program
• In-store training at an established Jefferson’s location
• Kitchen operations, food prep, menu execution, and quality standards
• Front-of-house service systems and guest experience training
• POS system and technology setup
• Inventory and supply-chain management
• Hiring processes, staff onboarding, and labor management
• Financial management, cost-control strategies, and scheduling
Operational Support
• Field support visits from franchise consultants
• Operational evaluations and performance reviews
• Vendor programs to maintain consistent food quality and pricing
• Technology support and software updates
• New product rollouts and menu innovation
Marketing Support
• Local store marketing guidance
• Brand-approved promotional materials
• Social media templates and strategies
• Seasonal campaigns and national promotions
• Loyalty program recommendations
Ongoing Franchisee Support
• Dedicated franchise support managers
• Continuous education opportunities
• Brand-wide training calls and franchise owner collaboration
• Access to updated operating manuals, training tools, and best practices
Ideal Candidate
Jefferson’s franchise owners come from diverse backgrounds, but they share a few key traits: passion for hospitality, an appreciation for community-driven business, and a desire to grow a strong, people-centered brand.
The ideal candidate typically includes:
• Entrepreneurs with a passion for restaurants, sports, or community hospitality
• Individuals who enjoy managing teams and creating memorable guest experiences
• Investors seeking a stable, long-term franchise model
• Multi-unit operators looking to add a proven casual dining concept to their portfolio
• Former food-service managers or professionals shifting into ownership
• Individuals capable of managing a hands-on business that requires daily oversight
Financial & Operational Suitability
• Sufficient capital for restaurant buildout, equipment, and working capital
• Ability to handle multi-stage hiring and training
• Willingness to follow brand systems while adding local community engagement
• Strong communication skills and people management capabilities
Jefferson’s thrives in small towns, mid-sized cities, college communities, and markets that value locally inspired hospitality. Franchisees who love the brand’s culture tend to build lasting, profitable locations.
Financial Detail
Note: Actual costs may vary by market, buildout, and size of location. Below is a general industry-aligned estimate range commonly associated with restaurant franchises of this type.
Total Investment Required:
Approximately $400,000 to $1,200,000 depending on store size and real estate costs.
Minimum Net Worth:
Typically $500,000+
Liquid Capital Required:
Generally $150,000 to $300,000
Franchise Fee:
Approx. $35,000 – $45,000
Royalty Fees:
Estimated 4% – 6% of gross sales
Marketing Fund Contribution:
Estimated 1% – 2%
Infrastructure Costs:
• Kitchen equipment
• Restaurant buildout
• Furniture, fixtures, and decor
• POS systems and technology
• Signage and exterior branding
Working Capital:
Typically $50,000 to $150,000 for the first 3–6 months of operations
Expected ROI:
Many franchisees report strong returns due to repeat business, consistent foot traffic, and manageable operational costs. ROI typically varies based on market selection and operational quality.
Break-Even Timeline:
Generally 18–36 months, depending on location and operational performance.
Potential Revenue Streams:
• Dine-in sales
• Takeout and curbside pickup
• Local catering
• Game-day and event-driven sales spikes
• Alcohol sales where permitted
• Seasonal menu promotions
Jefferson’s blends strong margins with customer loyalty, creating a model built for stable, predictable growth.