Established
2015
Franchise Units
4
Minimum Investment
$400,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$850,000
Home Based
No
Description
Upstairs Circus is not your typical bar, and it’s certainly not your typical DIY studio. It’s a social, hands-on experience that blends craft cocktails with creative workshops in a way that feels fresh, memorable, and highly Instagrammable. Guests walk in for drinks, but they stay to create—leather goods, wood projects, jewelry, and custom accessories—all while enjoying a curated cocktail menu in a stylish, upscale environment.
In a market where consumers are craving experiences over possessions, Upstairs Circus sits at the intersection of entertainment, hospitality, and experiential retail. It’s positioned as a premium social concept that attracts millennials, Gen Z, corporate groups, bridal parties, and birthday celebrations. Unlike traditional bars that compete solely on drinks and atmosphere, this model monetizes both the beverage program and the workshop experience.
Background
Established Year: 2015
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Founded In: Denver, Colorado
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Founders: Jon Schlegel and the creative team behind the original concept
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Industry Category: Experiential Entertainment / Hospitality / Bar & Event Concept
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Franchise Active Units: 4
Upstairs Circus was created to reimagine what a night out could look like. Instead of sitting at a bar or restaurant, guests would craft something meaningful while enjoying professionally mixed drinks. The brand quickly gained traction in Denver’s competitive hospitality scene and expanded through franchising.
The company built its reputation on blending creativity with nightlife culture—appealing to customers who wanted something interactive and memorable. Over time, the brand refined its operational systems, event programming, and project library to ensure consistency across locations.
Support Training
Franchisees benefit from a structured and comprehensive support system designed to reduce startup friction and streamline launch.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
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Lease negotiation assistance
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Studio layout design and build-out specifications
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Vendor and equipment sourcing
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Licensing and compliance guidance (including alcohol permits)
Training Programs
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On-site operational training for owners and managers
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Craft project production and workshop execution training
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Bar and beverage operations training
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POS and booking system setup
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Staff hiring and customer experience protocols
Marketing & Brand Support
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Grand opening marketing strategy
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Social media launch campaigns
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Event sales training
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Access to national branding assets
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Ongoing promotional guidance
Ongoing Operational Support
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Continuous project development and refresh cycles
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Inventory management systems
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Vendor relationships for craft supplies
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Operational audits and performance benchmarking
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Franchisee community collaboration and best-practice sharing
Ideal Candidate
Upstairs Circus is ideal for entrepreneurs who enjoy hospitality, community engagement, and event-driven business models.
Preferred Background:
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Hospitality or bar management experience
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Event planning or entertainment background
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Multi-unit retail or F&B operators
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Strong leadership and team-building skills
Investment Capability:
Franchisees should have access to sufficient capital for build-out and operating reserves, with the ability to manage staff and event coordination.
Personality Traits:
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Outgoing and community-focused
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Creative and brand-conscious
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Detail-oriented in operations
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Passionate about guest experience
Location Preference:
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Urban downtown areas
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Lifestyle centers
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Mixed-use retail developments
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High-income suburban markets
Financial Detail
| Investment Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Total Estimated Investment | $400,000 – $850,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $150,000 – $400,000 |
| Bar Equipment & Furnishings | $75,000 – $150,000 |
| Craft Workshop Equipment & Inventory | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Licenses, Permits & Insurance | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Professional Fees (Legal, Accounting) | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Initial Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% – 8% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing / Brand Fund Contribution | 1% – 3% of Gross Sales (if applicable) |
