Established
1992
Franchise Units
60
Minimum Investment
$1,000,000
Franchise Fee
$45,000
Total Investment Range
$2,500,000
Home Based
No
Description
RibCrib is a well-established American barbecue restaurant franchise known for its slow-smoked meats, bold flavors, and relaxed, family-friendly dining experience. Built around authentic pit-smoked barbecue techniques, RibCrib has earned a loyal customer base across the United States by delivering consistency, generous portions, and a welcoming neighborhood-style atmosphere.
Positioned in the fast-casual to casual-dining barbecue segment, RibCrib combines the comfort of traditional BBQ with modern restaurant operations. Its menu features hickory-smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, classic sides, and house-made sauces that appeal to both dine-in and takeout customers. This broad appeal allows franchisees to capture lunch, dinner, catering, and off-premise dining demand.
For investors seeking a proven food franchise with strong brand recognition in the BBQ category, RibCrib offers a compelling opportunity. The brand’s streamlined kitchen processes, scalable restaurant model, and experienced franchisor support make it attractive for both first-time franchise owners and seasoned multi-unit operators across the USA.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Strong BBQ Brand Recognition – RibCrib is a known name in American barbecue, benefiting from decades of brand equity and customer loyalty.
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Proven Operating Model – Efficient kitchen workflows, standardized recipes, and optimized layouts support consistent quality and cost control.
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Multiple Revenue Channels – Dine-in, takeout, online ordering, catering, and third-party delivery expand sales potential.
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Growing Demand for BBQ – Barbecue remains one of the most resilient and popular comfort-food categories in the U.S. restaurant market.
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Experienced Franchisor Support – Franchisees benefit from established systems, training programs, and marketing guidance designed for long-term success.
Background
Established Year: 1992
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Founders: Bret Chandler
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Industry Category: Casual Dining / Barbecue Restaurant Franchise
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Franchise Active Units: 60+ locations across the United States
RibCrib was founded in 1992 in Oklahoma with a simple mission: serve authentic, slow-smoked barbecue using time-honored cooking methods. What began as a local BBQ concept quickly gained traction due to its focus on quality meats, signature sauces, and a welcoming dining experience.
Over the years, RibCrib expanded through franchising, refining its menu, restaurant design, and operating systems to support scalable growth. Today, the brand operates in multiple U.S. states and is backed by experienced ownership with a clear focus on franchise development, operational excellence, and brand consistency.
Support Training
RibCrib offers comprehensive end-to-end support designed to help franchisees confidently launch and operate their restaurants.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and market evaluation
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Restaurant layout, design standards, and build-out coordination
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Vendor sourcing and equipment specifications
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Pre-opening marketing and launch planning
Training Programs
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In-depth initial training covering operations, food preparation, safety, and customer service
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Management and staff training systems to ensure operational consistency
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Hands-on kitchen and pit-smoking instruction
Operational Support
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Proven operations manuals and standardized procedures
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Ongoing field support and performance evaluations
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Supply chain management and purchasing assistance
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and local marketing strategies
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Digital marketing guidance and promotional campaigns
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Menu innovation and seasonal offerings
Ongoing Support
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Continuous training updates and system improvements
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Business coaching and operational benchmarking
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Access to franchisor leadership and peer franchisee network
Ideal Candidate
RibCrib is well-suited for motivated entrepreneurs and investors who are passionate about food service and operational excellence.
Ideal candidates typically include:
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Owner-operators or multi-unit investors with restaurant or hospitality experience
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Business professionals seeking a scalable food franchise opportunity
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Operators who value systems, consistency, and brand standards
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Individuals with strong leadership, people-management, and customer-service skills
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Investors with the financial capacity to develop and grow one or multiple locations
Location Preference:
High-traffic suburban or urban markets, strong family demographics, and areas with demand for casual dining and takeout barbecue concepts across the USA.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $1,000,000 – $2,500,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | Varies by location |
| Franchise Fee | ~$45,000 |
| Infrastructure & Build-Out | Major portion of total investment |
| Marketing & Grand Opening Budget | Included in initial investment |
| Working Capital | Included |
| Royalty Fees | ~5% of gross sales |
| Expected ROI | Competitive within casual dining |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 24–36 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering, group orders |