Established
2006
Franchise Units
25
Minimum Investment
$900,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$1,600,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Mugshots Grill and Bar franchise represents a bold, high-energy opportunity in the American casual dining and sports bar segment. Known for its oversized gourmet burgers, hand-crafted cocktails, and vibrant game-day atmosphere, Mugshots Grill and Bar has carved out a strong brand identity that blends comfort food with an elevated bar experience.
Positioned at the intersection of casual dining, nightlife, and sports entertainment, Mugshots appeals to a broad demographic—families during daytime hours, professionals for after-work gatherings, and loyal sports fans during evenings and weekends. The brand’s menu focuses on crave-worthy burgers, wings, sandwiches, salads, and signature drinks, creating multiple revenue streams and high average ticket values.
In a highly competitive restaurant industry, Mugshots stands out through its distinctive branding, energetic in-store environment, and community-driven culture. Each location is designed to be a neighborhood destination—where guests gather to eat well, watch the game, and socialize. For entrepreneurs seeking a scalable restaurant franchise with strong consumer appeal and repeat business potential, Mugshots Grill and Bar offers a compelling pathway into the U.S. foodservice market.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Strong Casual Dining Demand: Burgers and sports bars remain among the most resilient and in-demand restaurant categories in the U.S.
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Distinctive Brand Identity: Oversized burgers, bold flavors, and a lively sports-centric atmosphere differentiate Mugshots from generic bar-grill concepts.
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Multiple Revenue Channels: Dine-in, bar sales, takeout, and catering opportunities help diversify income.
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High Average Ticket Size: Premium burgers, alcohol sales, and group dining drive strong per-guest spending.
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Repeat Customer Model: Local regulars, sports nights, and community events encourage consistent foot traffic.
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Scalable Growth Potential: Suitable for both single-unit owner-operators and multi-unit franchise developers.
Background
Mugshots Grill and Bar is a U.S.-based casual dining and sports bar concept known for its oversized gourmet burgers, bold flavors, and energetic game-day atmosphere.
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Established Year: 2006
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Founders: Chuck Mullins and Zack McClure
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Concept Origin: The brand was created to elevate the traditional sports bar by pairing premium, oversized burgers with a fun, high-energy environment designed for social gatherings and live sports viewing.
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Brand Journey & History:
Mugshots began as a single neighborhood restaurant that quickly gained a loyal following for its signature burgers and lively ambiance. As demand grew, the founders refined operations, menu standards, and branding to support multi-unit expansion. The concept transitioned into franchising to scale its proven model while maintaining consistency and local community appeal. -
Franchise Active Units: Approximately 25+ operating locations across the United States
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Ownership Structure: A mix of franchised and company-operated locations
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Market Presence in the USA: Strong footprint in Southern and Southeastern U.S. markets, with continued expansion into high-traffic suburban areas, urban corridors, and college towns
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Industry Category: Casual Dining Franchise / Sports Bar & Grill Franchise
Support Training
Mugshots Grill and Bar offers comprehensive franchise support designed to guide owners from initial onboarding through long-term operations:
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
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Restaurant layout, design, and build-out specifications
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Vendor sourcing and equipment recommendations
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Assistance with permits, licenses, and compliance
Training & Operations
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In-depth initial training covering kitchen operations, food preparation, bar management, and customer service
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Management training focused on staffing, scheduling, inventory control, and cost management
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Standardized operating procedures to ensure brand consistency
Marketing & Brand Support
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Grand opening marketing strategy and promotional campaigns
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Ongoing brand-level marketing initiatives
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Local store marketing guidance, including community engagement and sports-event promotions
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Digital marketing support and social media best practices
Ongoing Support
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Field support and operational coaching
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Continuous menu innovation and product updates
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Performance reviews and business optimization strategies
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Access to franchisee network and shared best practices
Ideal Candidate
Mugshots Grill and Bar is best suited for driven entrepreneurs who are passionate about hospitality and customer experience:
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Business Background: Restaurant, bar, or multi-unit management experience preferred, though not mandatory
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Leadership Skills: Ability to manage teams, maintain service standards, and create a welcoming atmosphere
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Hands-On or Semi-Absentee Ownership: Ideal for owner-operators or investors with experienced management in place
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Financial Capability: Adequate capital to meet investment requirements and sustain early operations
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Location Preference: Strong retail corridors, entertainment districts, college towns, and high-traffic suburban markets
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Brand Alignment: Enthusiasm for food, sports culture, and community-driven dining concepts
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $900,000 – $1,600,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | ~$900,000 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Restaurant Build-Out & Infrastructure | $500,000 – $900,000 |
| Equipment, Furniture & Fixtures | $200,000 – $300,000 |
| Initial Marketing / Grand Opening | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Working Capital (Initial Months) | $75,000 – $150,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% – 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing / Ad Fund Contribution | 2% – 3% of gross sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 24 – 36 months |
| Expected ROI | Competitive, driven by strong food & alcohol sales |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-in food, bar & alcohol sales, takeout, catering, events |
