Established
1988
Franchise Units
50
Minimum Investment
$600,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$1,200,000
Home Based
No
Description
Moe’s Original BBQ is a fast-casual barbecue restaurant franchise rooted in authentic Southern cooking, laid-back hospitality, and bold, time-tested flavors. Known for its Alabama-style smoked meats, signature sauces, and relaxed “come as you are” atmosphere, the brand has carved out a distinct identity in the competitive U.S. barbecue restaurant space.
What sets Moe’s Original BBQ apart is its commitment to real, scratch-made barbecue prepared low and slow, paired with a welcoming community vibe that feels more like a neighborhood gathering spot than a traditional chain restaurant. The concept blends crave-worthy comfort food with a streamlined operating model, making it appealing to both seasoned restaurant operators and passionate entrepreneurs looking to enter the food and beverage industry with a proven brand.
As consumer demand for authentic regional barbecue continues to rise across the United States, Moe’s Original BBQ is positioned as a scalable, lifestyle-driven restaurant franchise with strong brand loyalty, flexible footprints, and multiple revenue channels including dine-in, takeout, catering, and alcohol sales where permitted.
Why Invest in the Moe’s Original BBQ Franchise?
Investing in Moe’s Original BBQ offers franchisees the opportunity to own a recognizable barbecue restaurant brand with deep Southern roots and a loyal customer following. The brand has successfully translated a regional barbecue tradition into a repeatable franchise model that resonates in diverse U.S. markets.
Key reasons investors are drawn to Moe’s Original BBQ include:
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Strong brand identity built around authentic Alabama-style barbecue
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A proven fast-casual restaurant model with dine-in and off-premise revenue streams
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High consumer demand for comfort food and craft barbecue experiences
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Flexible restaurant formats suited for urban, suburban, and college-town locations
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Opportunities for catering, events, and alcohol sales to boost average ticket value
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Hands-on franchisor support focused on operational consistency and brand standards
Background
Brand Name: Moe’s Original BBQ
Established Year: 1988
Moe’s Original BBQ was founded in Decatur, Alabama, by three lifelong friends and University of Alabama alumni — Mike Fernandez, Ben Gilbert, and Roddy Bryson. What started as a passion project centered around authentic Southern barbecue quickly evolved into a beloved local institution, known for its slow-smoked meats, house-made sides, signature sauces, and relaxed, come-as-you-are hospitality.
The brand’s roots are deeply tied to Alabama-style barbecue, a regional format that emphasizes pork, chicken, turkey, and ribs smoked low and slow, paired with tangy, vinegar-forward white and red sauces. This distinctive flavor profile helped Moe’s Original BBQ stand out in a crowded barbecue market and build a loyal following well beyond its home state.
As demand grew, the founders began expanding the concept into neighboring states, carefully selecting locations that aligned with the brand’s community-driven culture. Over time, Moe’s Original BBQ transitioned into a franchise-supported growth model, allowing qualified entrepreneurs to replicate the concept while preserving its authenticity, food quality, and laid-back Southern identity.
Franchise Active Units: Approximately 50+ operating locations across the United States
Today, Moe’s Original BBQ operates in multiple U.S. states, with a strong presence in the Southeast, Midwest, and select urban and college markets. The brand continues to expand selectively, focusing on franchise partners who share its commitment to great food, hospitality, and local community engagement.
Industry Category:
Fast-Casual Restaurant Franchise / Barbecue Restaurant Franchise
Support Training
Moe’s Original BBQ offers comprehensive franchise support designed to help owners launch confidently and operate efficiently while preserving brand consistency.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and market evaluation
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Restaurant layout, design, and build-out specifications
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain coordination
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Pre-opening marketing strategy and launch planning
Training Program
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In-depth operational training covering food preparation, smoking techniques, and kitchen systems
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Front-of-house service standards and guest experience training
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Management and staff training programs
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Food safety, quality control, and brand compliance
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and local marketing guidance
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Social media and digital marketing frameworks
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Grand opening promotional strategies
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Ongoing brand positioning and creative assets
Ongoing Operational Support
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Continuous coaching and performance evaluations
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Menu development updates and seasonal offerings
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Operational best practices and system refinements
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Franchisee network access for shared insights and collaboration
Ideal Candidate
Moe’s Original BBQ is best suited for entrepreneurs and investors who appreciate hands-on operations and value authentic food experiences. Ideal franchisees typically demonstrate:
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Passion for food, hospitality, and community engagement
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Restaurant, hospitality, or multi-unit business experience (preferred but not mandatory)
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Strong leadership and team-management skills
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Financial capability to meet investment requirements
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Willingness to follow brand systems and operational standards
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Interest in operating in lifestyle-driven markets such as suburban hubs, college towns, and high-traffic urban areas
Owner-operators and semi-absentee investors with experienced management teams both find success within the Moe’s Original BBQ franchise system.
Financial Detail
| Cost / Fee Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | ~$40,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | ~$600,000 – $1,200,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | ~$250,000+ |
| Restaurant Type / Units | Single-unit & multi-unit franchises |
| Leasehold Improvements | ~$200,000 – $500,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & Smokers | ~$150,000 – $300,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Décor (FF&E) | ~$75,000 – $150,000 |
| Signage & Branding | ~$15,000 – $35,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | ~$10,000 – $25,000 |
| Pre-Opening & Initial Marketing | ~$15,000 – $40,000 |
| Training Expenses | Included / Variable |
| Opening Inventory & Supplies | ~$20,000 – $40,000 |
| Working Capital Reserve | ~$50,000 – $100,000 |
| Royalty Fee | Ongoing % of gross sales |
| Marketing / Brand Fund Contribution | Ongoing % of gross sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Timeline | 24 – 36 months |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, catering, online orders, alcohol sales (where permitted) |