Established
2011
Franchise Units
20
Minimum Investment
$700,000
Franchise Fee
$45,000
Total Investment Range
$1,400,000
Home Based
No
Description
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque is a modern American barbecue brand that blends time-honored smoking techniques with a fast-casual restaurant model built for today’s consumer. Known for its bold flavors, slow-smoked meats, and authentic pitmaster approach, Mighty Quinn’s has carved out a distinctive position in the competitive U.S. barbecue restaurant segment. The brand delivers traditional barbecue craftsmanship while maintaining the speed, consistency, and scalability required for successful multi-unit growth.
Founded in New York City, Mighty Quinn’s quickly gained national attention for elevating barbecue beyond regional stereotypes. The brand focuses on responsibly sourced meats, house-made rubs and sauces, and real wood smoking methods that resonate with both barbecue purists and mainstream diners. This balance of authenticity and accessibility has helped Mighty Quinn’s build strong brand equity in urban, suburban, and high-traffic trade areas.
As a franchise opportunity, Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque appeals to investors seeking a recognizable, chef-driven concept with broad demographic appeal. The brand’s flexible restaurant formats, strong unit economics, and proven operating systems make it a compelling option for entrepreneurs looking to enter the fast-casual and casual dining barbecue category with a differentiated product and a polished consumer experience.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque offers franchisees entry into the resilient barbecue and fast-casual dining segment with a brand that already carries strong consumer recognition. Barbecue remains one of the most popular food categories in the U.S., supported by consistent demand across dine-in, takeout, catering, and delivery channels.
The brand’s menu is designed for high throughput and repeat visits, featuring smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, turkey, and sausages paired with classic sides and signature sauces. This simplicity supports efficient kitchen operations while maintaining premium quality. Mighty Quinn’s also benefits from a balanced check average that attracts both everyday diners and group orders.
From an investment perspective, franchisees gain access to a proven concept with established operating procedures, supply chain partnerships, and a marketing engine that leverages both national branding and local store marketing. The opportunity is particularly attractive to multi-unit operators and restaurant veterans looking to scale within a brand that emphasizes consistency, food integrity, and strong margins.
Background
Established Year:
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque was founded in 2011.
Founders:
The brand was founded by Hugh Mangum, an experienced pitmaster known for traditional American barbecue techniques, and Christos Leventis, an entrepreneur with a strong background in restaurant operations and brand development.
Franchise Units (Current):
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque operates approximately 20 active franchise and company-supported restaurant units across the United States, with continued expansion focused on high-demand urban and suburban markets.
Brand Journey & Company History:
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque began in New York City as a chef-driven barbecue concept centered on authentic, low-and-slow smoking methods inspired by Texas-style barbecue traditions. From the beginning, the founders emphasized quality over shortcuts, using real wood smokers, premium meats, and house-made rubs and sauces. This approach quickly attracted a loyal customer base and positioned the brand as a premium yet approachable barbecue destination.
As the concept gained traction, Mighty Quinn’s refined its systems, menus, and operations to support multi-unit growth. The brand successfully transitioned from a single-market restaurant into a scalable franchise model while preserving its culinary credibility and brand identity.
Ownership & Brand Evolution:
The company has evolved into a franchise-focused organization supported by experienced restaurant operators and strategic partners. Its leadership team continues to invest in operational efficiency, training programs, and marketing infrastructure to support franchisees nationwide.
Market Presence in the USA:
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque has built a footprint in major U.S. metropolitan areas, suburban trade zones, and high-traffic commercial locations. The brand’s flexible footprint allows it to perform across a range of real estate formats, including standalone restaurants, lifestyle centers, and mixed-use developments.
Industry Category:
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque operates in the fast-casual and casual dining restaurant industry, specializing in authentic American barbecue, a segment known for strong customer loyalty, catering demand, and repeat business.
Support Training
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque provides comprehensive franchise support designed to guide owners from initial onboarding through long-term operations.
Pre-Launch Support:
Franchisees receive assistance with site selection, lease evaluation, restaurant layout, and construction coordination. The brand provides prototype designs and specifications to ensure operational efficiency and brand consistency across locations.
Training Programs:
Initial training includes hands-on instruction in food preparation, smoking techniques, kitchen operations, guest service, inventory management, and point-of-sale systems. Training is delivered through a combination of in-restaurant experience, classroom sessions, and operational manuals.
Operational Support:
Ongoing operational support includes field visits, performance reviews, and access to experienced support staff. Franchisees benefit from standardized recipes, quality control systems, and supplier relationships that protect food consistency and margins.
Marketing & Brand Support:
Mighty Quinn’s supports franchisees with national brand initiatives, digital marketing strategies, social media guidance, and local store marketing playbooks. The brand emphasizes community engagement, catering outreach, and delivery optimization to maximize revenue.
Ongoing Education:
Continuous training updates, leadership development resources, and best-practice sharing ensure franchisees remain competitive as consumer preferences and market conditions evolve.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque franchisee is a hands-on operator or experienced investor with a passion for hospitality and food-driven brands. Prior restaurant or multi-unit business experience is highly valued, though qualified entrepreneurs with strong operational leadership skills are also considered.
Franchisees should be comfortable managing teams, maintaining food quality standards, and executing local marketing initiatives. A commitment to operational excellence, brand integrity, and guest experience is essential.
From a financial standpoint, candidates should have the capital resources to support the initial investment, working capital needs, and potential multi-unit expansion. Mighty Quinn’s is well-suited for operators targeting urban centers, high-density suburbs, mixed-use developments, and high-traffic retail corridors across the United States.
Financial Detail
| Cost Head | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $700,000 – $1,400,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $300,000+ |
| Net Worth Requirement | $750,000+ |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $45,000 |
| Restaurant Size | 2,000 – 3,500 sq. ft. (approx.) |
| Leasehold Improvements & Build-Out | $300,000 – $650,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & Smokers | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Signage | $60,000 – $120,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $20,000 – $35,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Pre-Opening & Training Expenses | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Grand Opening / Local Marketing | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $75,000 – $150,000 |
| Ongoing Royalty Fee | ~6% of Gross Sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fund Contribution | ~2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 Months |
| Expected ROI (Well-Operated Unit) | 20% – 30% annually (target range) |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-In, Takeout, Delivery, Catering, Group Orders |