Established
1993
Franchise Units
3
Minimum Investment
$180,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$350,000
Home Based
No
Description
Umai Savory Hot Dogs is redefining one of America’s most iconic comfort foods. While hot dogs have long been a staple at ballparks and street corners, Umai takes this familiar favorite and elevates it with bold flavors, premium ingredients, and a modern fast-casual experience. Inspired by the word “umai,” meaning delicious in Japanese, the brand blends classic American street food with globally influenced toppings, house-made sauces, and chef-driven creativity.
The concept is simple yet powerful: serve high-quality, crave-worthy hot dogs and sides in a vibrant, Instagram-friendly setting that appeals to families, students, office workers, and food lovers alike. From signature savory dogs loaded with unique toppings to gourmet fries and refreshing beverages, Umai positions itself in the fast-growing specialty quick-service restaurant segment.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
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Proven Demand: Hot dogs are a timeless American favorite with year-round appeal.
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Modern Twist: Gourmet toppings and bold flavors differentiate the brand from traditional hot dog stands.
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Efficient Operations: Streamlined kitchen model with limited SKUs and manageable staffing.
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High Margin Menu: Strong food cost control with attractive profit potential.
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Flexible Formats: Suitable for inline stores, food courts, kiosks, and high-traffic urban locations.
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Scalable Model: Designed for multi-unit growth across major US markets.
Background
Established Year: 1993
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Industry Category: Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) / Fast Casual Dining
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Franchise Active Units: 3
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Founders: Culinary entrepreneurs passionate about elevating street food classics
Umai Savory Hot Dogs was founded with a vision to modernize the traditional American hot dog experience. The founders recognized a gap in the market—while burgers and pizza had been reinvented with gourmet positioning, hot dogs remained largely unchanged. Umai introduced chef-crafted recipes, premium sausages, fresh toppings, and bold sauces to create a differentiated product line.
Over time, the brand refined its store layout, menu engineering, and supply chain processes to support franchising. With a focus on operational efficiency and consistent product quality, Umai built a system that allows franchisees to replicate the concept in diverse markets—from suburban shopping centers to downtown business districts.
Support Training
Umai Savory Hot Dogs offers comprehensive franchise support to ensure long-term success.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
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Lease negotiation assistance
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Store design layout and build-out specifications
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Vendor and equipment sourcing
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Pre-opening marketing strategy
Initial Training Program
Franchisees receive in-depth training covering:
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Food preparation and quality control
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Inventory management
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POS system operations
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Customer service excellence
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Hiring and staff training
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Health and safety compliance
Training includes classroom instruction and hands-on kitchen experience to ensure operational readiness before opening.
Marketing Support
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Grand opening campaign planning
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Social media branding templates
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Local store marketing strategies
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Digital advertising guidance
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Ongoing promotional calendar
Operational & Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise support team
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Field visits and performance evaluations
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Menu updates and innovation rollouts
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Supply chain management
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Continuous training updates
Ideal Candidate
Umai Savory Hot Dogs is best suited for entrepreneurs who:
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Have a passion for food and customer service
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Possess leadership and team management skills
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Are financially prepared for restaurant investment
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Prefer a hands-on business model
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Seek multi-unit growth opportunities
Prior restaurant experience is helpful but not mandatory. The brand looks for motivated individuals who are operationally focused and committed to maintaining quality standards.
Ideal territories include high-traffic retail centers, college towns, urban downtown districts, shopping plazas, and entertainment hubs.
Financial Detail
Total Investment Required: $180,000 – $350,000
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Minimum Investment Required: Approximately $180,000
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Franchise Fee: $25,000 – $35,000
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Royalty Fees: 5% – 7% of gross sales
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Marketing Fee: 1% – 3% contribution
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Infrastructure & Build-Out Cost: $80,000 – $150,000
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Equipment & Fixtures: $40,000 – $90,000
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Initial Inventory: $10,000 – $20,000
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Working Capital (3–6 months): $20,000 – $40,000
