Established
2017
Franchise Units
2
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$700,000
Home Based
No
Description
Nash + Tender is a modern, crave-driven hot chicken concept that blends bold Nashville-style heat with chef-inspired flavors and a polished fast-casual experience. Built for today’s taste-forward consumer, the brand has carved out a strong position in the highly competitive fried chicken segment by focusing on quality ingredients, customizable spice levels, and a menu designed for repeat visits. From juicy tenders and stacked sandwiches to loaded sides and signature sauces, Nash + Tender delivers consistency, speed, and unmistakable flavor.
The concept appeals to a wide demographic, from Gen Z and millennials seeking bold food experiences to families looking for reliable, high-quality comfort food. With a scalable footprint, strong off-premise performance, and a brand aesthetic that resonates on social media, Nash + Tender is positioned as a premium yet approachable franchise opportunity in the booming U.S. fast-casual chicken category.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Nash + Tender stands at the intersection of three powerful market trends: the continued dominance of fried chicken, rising demand for fast-casual dining, and consumer appetite for spicy, customizable menus. The brand’s streamlined operations and focused menu allow franchisees to manage food costs effectively while maintaining high throughput during peak hours.
The concept is engineered for growth, with layouts that support dine-in, takeout, and third-party delivery. Strong unit economics, a recognizable brand identity, and centralized marketing support give franchise partners a competitive edge in urban, suburban, and high-traffic trade areas. For investors seeking a food franchise with mainstream appeal and modern branding, Nash + Tender offers a compelling value proposition.
Background
Established Year: 2017
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Restaurant | Fried & Hot Chicken
Founders: Visionary hospitality entrepreneurs with deep experience in lifestyle dining concepts
Brand Journey & History:
Nash + Tender began as a bold reimagining of Nashville hot chicken, elevating the category with premium ingredients, refined recipes, and a contemporary dining atmosphere. What started as a single concept quickly gained traction, expanding across major U.S. markets and earning a loyal following for its consistent quality and heat-forward flavors.
Franchise Active Units: Approximately 2 active locations operating across the United States
Ownership & Market Presence: The brand operates within a professionally managed hospitality platform, benefiting from experienced leadership, standardized systems, and a growth-focused franchise strategy.
Support Training
Nash + Tender offers a comprehensive, end-to-end franchise support system designed to help operators launch confidently and scale successfully.
Pre-Launch Support:
Franchisees receive assistance with site selection, lease review guidance, restaurant design standards, equipment specifications, and vendor sourcing. The development team works closely with partners to ensure each location meets brand and operational benchmarks.
Training Programs:
Hands-on training covers kitchen operations, food preparation, quality control, inventory management, customer service, and point-of-sale systems. Franchisees and key managers participate in structured onboarding programs to ensure operational consistency from day one.
Marketing & Brand Support:
National brand positioning, creative assets, and digital marketing strategies are provided to support local store launches and ongoing promotion. Franchisees benefit from social media playbooks, seasonal campaigns, and local store marketing guidance.
Ongoing Operational Support:
Dedicated franchise support teams provide continuous coaching, performance reviews, and operational updates. Regular menu innovation, system improvements, and best-practice sharing help franchisees stay competitive and profitable.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Nash + Tender franchisee is an entrepreneur or investor with a passion for food service and brand building. Prior restaurant or multi-unit management experience is beneficial, though not mandatory, for candidates with strong operational discipline and leadership skills.
Franchisees should be hands-on or capable of building a reliable management team, comfortable operating in fast-paced environments, and committed to maintaining brand standards. Adequate financial capacity, a growth mindset, and interest in developing single or multiple units within defined territories make candidates well-suited for this opportunity. Prime locations include urban cores, lifestyle centers, college markets, and high-density suburban areas.
Financial Detail
Nash + Tender is positioned as a mid-range fast-casual investment with strong revenue potential.
Estimated Total Investment: USD 350,000 – 700,000
Minimum Investment Required: Approximately USD 350,000
Franchise Fee: Around USD 40,000
Infrastructure & Build-Out: USD 180,000 – 300,000
Equipment & Fixtures: USD 90,000 – 150,000
Initial Marketing & Launch Budget: USD 10,000 – 20,000
Working Capital: USD 40,000 – 80,000
Royalty Fee: Approximately 6% of gross sales
Marketing Fund Contribution: Around 2% of gross sales
Expected ROI: Attractive returns driven by strong unit volumes and efficient operations
Break-Even Timeline: Typically 18–30 months, depending on location and management
Revenue Streams: Dine-in, takeout, third-party delivery, catering, and limited-time menu features