Established
1988
Franchise Units
20
Minimum Investment
$600,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$1,100,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Red Hot & Blue franchise represents a well-established American barbecue brand known for its bold flavors, slow-smoked meats, and rock-and-roll inspired atmosphere. Built on authentic Southern BBQ traditions, Red Hot & Blue has carved out a loyal following by delivering consistent quality, generous portions, and a high-energy dining experience that stands apart in the competitive fast-casual restaurant segment.
Positioned at the intersection of comfort food and efficient operations, the brand appeals to a wide demographic—from families and working professionals to catering clients and sports fans. Its streamlined menu, proven recipes, and recognizable branding make Red Hot & Blue a compelling opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a restaurant franchise with strong consumer appeal, scalable systems, and multiple revenue channels. In a U.S. market where barbecue remains a timeless favorite, Red Hot & Blue continues to leverage its heritage while adapting to modern dining trends such as takeout, delivery, and catering.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Recognized BBQ Brand with decades of consumer trust and repeat customers
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Proven Fast-Casual Model combining dine-in, takeout, delivery, and catering
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High-Demand Cuisine as barbecue remains one of America’s most popular food categories
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Operational Simplicity with standardized recipes and efficient kitchen workflows
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Multiple Revenue Streams including bulk orders, events, and corporate catering
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Strong Franchise Support across site selection, training, marketing, and operations
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Scalable Growth Potential in suburban, urban, and high-traffic locations
Background
Established Year: 1988
Founders: Founded by barbecue enthusiasts with a vision to bring authentic Southern-style BBQ to a broader U.S. audience
Brand Journey & History: Red Hot & Blue began as a single barbecue restaurant focused on slow-smoked meats, homemade sauces, and a fun, music-driven dining environment. Over the years, the brand expanded through franchising, refining its menu, operations, and brand identity to support multi-unit growth.
Ownership: Operates as a franchised restaurant system with experienced leadership overseeing brand standards and franchise development
Franchise Active Units: Approximately 20+ locations across the United States
Market Presence: Established footprint in multiple states with continued opportunities in untapped territories
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Dining | Barbecue Restaurant Franchise
Support Training
Red Hot & Blue offers comprehensive, hands-on support designed to guide franchisees from initial planning through long-term operations:
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and territory analysis
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Restaurant layout, design standards, and equipment planning
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain coordination
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Pre-opening timelines and launch planning
Training & Operational Support
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In-depth initial training covering food preparation, smoking techniques, kitchen operations, and quality control
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Front-of-house service standards and customer experience training
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POS systems, inventory management, and cost controls
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Food safety, compliance, and operational best practices
Marketing & Brand Support
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Grand opening marketing strategy and promotional planning
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Access to brand-approved advertising materials and digital assets
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Local store marketing guidance and community engagement strategies
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Ongoing brand campaigns and promotional initiatives
Ongoing Support
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Continuous operational coaching and performance reviews
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Menu updates, product innovation, and seasonal promotions
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Field support and corporate advisory assistance
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Franchisee collaboration and system-wide best practice sharing
Ideal Candidate
Red Hot & Blue is best suited for motivated entrepreneurs who are passionate about food service and brand execution. Ideal franchisees typically demonstrate:
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Strong business or restaurant management background (multi-unit experience is a plus)
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Hands-on leadership style with a focus on team building and customer satisfaction
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Financial capability to meet investment requirements and sustain early operations
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Passion for barbecue, hospitality, and community engagement
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Commitment to following proven systems and maintaining brand standards
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Interest in developing single or multiple locations within assigned territories
This opportunity is well-suited for both experienced restaurant operators and qualified investors seeking a proven fast-casual concept.
Financial Detail
| Cost Component | Estimated Investment Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $600,000 – $1,100,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | ~$600,000 |
| Site Development & Build-Out | $350,000 – $700,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & Fixtures | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| Furniture, Signage & Décor | $50,000 – $120,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $75,000 – $150,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~5% of Gross Sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fund Contribution | ~2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 24 – 36 Months |
| Expected ROI Timeline | 3 – 5 Years |
| Franchise Term | Typically 10 Years (Renewable) |
| Available Franchise Units | Single-Unit & Multi-Unit Development |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-In, Takeout, Delivery, Catering, Bulk Orders |