Established
1963
Franchise Units
10
Minimum Investment
$300,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$550,000
Home Based
No
Description
Pudgie's Famous Chicken is a classic American quick-service restaurant brand built around one timeless promise: exceptional fried chicken made fresh, fast, and flavorful. With deep roots in the U.S. foodservice industry, the brand blends old-school recipe integrity with modern franchise systems designed for today’s competitive QSR landscape.
Known for its crispy, golden chicken, hearty sides, and value-driven menu, Pudgie’s has earned a loyal following among families, working professionals, and comfort-food enthusiasts. The brand is positioned at the intersection of affordability, nostalgia, and operational efficiency—making it a strong contender in the growing fried chicken segment.
As consumer demand continues to rise for protein-focused, indulgent fast food, Pudgie’s Famous Chicken stands out with a proven concept, simplified kitchen operations, and flexible footprint options suitable for strip malls, inline retail, and high-traffic urban areas. For franchise investors seeking a recognizable name with American heritage, this brand offers both scalability and long-term relevance.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Well-established American fried chicken concept with decades of brand history
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Operates in one of the most resilient and in-demand QSR categories
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Streamlined kitchen systems that support faster training and lower labor complexity
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Flexible restaurant formats adaptable to various real estate types
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Strong repeat customer appeal driven by comfort food and family meals
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Franchise model designed for multi-unit ownership and regional expansion
Background
- Established Year: 1963
- Founder: Patrick Ganci Sr.
- Origin: New York, USA
- Industry Category: Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) – Fried Chicken
- Franchise Presence: Active franchise locations across the United States
- Franchise Units: 10+ locations operating across select U.S. markets
Pudgie’s Famous Chicken was founded with a simple mission: deliver high-quality fried chicken using proprietary seasoning and preparation techniques that ensure consistent flavor and quality. What began as a local favorite gradually evolved into a recognized franchise brand as customer demand grew.
Over time, the company refined its menu, operations, and franchise systems to support sustainable growth. The brand remains privately owned and continues to focus on franchise-driven expansion across key U.S. markets, offering investors an opportunity to join a legacy brand with modern operational discipline.
Support Training
Pudgie’s Famous Chicken offers end-to-end franchise support to help owners launch confidently and operate efficiently.
Pre-Launch Support
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Assistance with site selection and territory evaluation
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Store design, layout planning, and equipment specifications
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Guidance on vendor sourcing and supply chain setup
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Pre-opening marketing and launch coordination
Training & Operations
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Comprehensive initial training covering food preparation and safety standards
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In-store and classroom operational training
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Systems for inventory control, labor management, and cost optimization
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POS system onboarding and reporting tools
Marketing & Ongoing Support
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Brand marketing guidelines and local advertising strategies
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Grand opening promotional support
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Ongoing operational coaching and performance reviews
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Menu updates, system improvements, and franchisee collaboration
Ideal Candidate
This franchise is well-suited for hands-on owners and growth-oriented investors who value structure and operational consistency.
Ideal candidates include:
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First-time franchise owners with strong management skills
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Experienced QSR or restaurant operators
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Multi-unit investors seeking scalable food concepts
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Entrepreneurs passionate about customer service and food quality
Key requirements:
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Ability to follow proven systems and brand standards
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Strong leadership and team-building capability
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Financial capacity to support build-out and working capital
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Interest in high-traffic suburban or urban trade areas
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $300,000 – $550,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | ~$300,000 |
| Real Estate & Build-Out | $180,000 – $300,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & Signage | $70,000 – $120,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Launch | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Opening Inventory & Supplies | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~5% of Gross Sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fee | ~2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months |
| Expected ROI | Competitive within QSR Fried Chicken Segment |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Catering, Family Meals |
