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30 Best Sports Bar Franchises [Cost, Fees]

Do you want to start a sports bar by buying a franchise? If YES, here are 30 best sports bar Franchise opportunities for sale and their cost. Sport bar is a business that can be classified under the sports and entertainment industry. A sports bar is a place where customers can eat, drink and socialize while watching the latest televised sports events.

Since sports bars are tailored to a specific clientele, they must have certain business objectives in place to ensure success. Football viewing centers and cafes that show live matches and allow people who patronize at least a bottle of drink from their bar to relax and watch live matches are also considered as sport bars.

Starting a business in the sports and entertainment industry is indeed one sure means of owning a thriving business that will always stand the test of time. Owning a business in this industry and breaking even in record time is easier when you buy the franchise of a successful sports bar franchising company.

Entrepreneurs regularly seek the best franchises available. Franchising is a $1.3 trillion industry. Nearly 750,000 businesses employ more than 8.5 million workers, according to the International Franchising Association. Franchises are considered superior to startups.

Entrepreneur Magazine reports that the average failure rate for new businesses in their first five years of operation is close to 65 percent. Comparatively, franchised companies experience just 3 to 11 percent annual turnover. Aside from statistics on business success, prospective business owners are partial to franchise models due to their brand recognition, consistent service, developed and proven operating system, and security. Here are 50 best sports bar franchises you can choose from;

50 Best Sports Bar Franchise Opportunities and Their Cost

1. Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings is one of the top sport bars that was founded in 1982 and franchising since 1991, the number of locations has grown in recent years from 47 in 2012 to the current total of 638 as listed on the company website. Buffalo Wild Wings is the ultimate place to get together with your friends, watch sports, drink beer, and eat wings.

The franchisor requires that the U.S. franchise candidates have a minimum of USD 750,000 in liquid assets and a net worth of USD 1.5 million. Additionally, there is a minimum commitment to develop at least 2 restaurants.

All new franchisees receive extensive support and training, as well as assistance with site selection, design and construction, guidance in securing liquor licenses, grand opening promotions and ongoing operational and management tools.

Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial investment: from $1,997,700
  • Royalty Fees: 5 percent

2. Boston’s Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar

Boston’s Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar was founded in 1963 and they began franchising in 1968. Currently, they have 422. Boston’s Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar is both a family – friendly restaurant and a lively sports bar, all under one roof.

When you join the Boston’s family you don’t just get comprehensive support and training, you get the invaluable benefit of the brand power that comes with more than 50 years of successful expansion all over North America.

As a franchisor, we’re committed to helping you build your business, which is why Boston’s Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar support services are a pillar of our business model. From training and IT to marketing and operations, you can count on the entire Boston’s team to help your location reach its full potential.

Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial investment: from $1,800,000
  • Royalty Fees: 5 percent

3. Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Pub

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is one of the most enduring “family sports pub” concepts ever created with an unusually loyal following. The company was founded by Jim Mellody and his wife Jeanette in Brandon, Florida in 1985 and franchising since 1998. The number of locations has declined steadily in recent years from 261 in 2009 to the current total of 151, of which 24 are company – owned and all are located in the US.

Beef’s is more than just a restaurant. It’s a social hub a place where every corner of the community always seems to gather. And that legacy lives on with each new Franchisee who adds another chapter to our story. In – depth training is the key to success for any new franchisee.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s franchise support team combines in – restaurant and classroom training to cover all the bases, making things easy to understand. You’ll also be invited to attend a new restaurant opening at another Beef’s location prior to opening yours so you can see firsthand everything needed for a successful launch.

Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial investment: from $806,830
  • Royalty Fees: 4 percent

4. Hooters of America, LLC

Hooters of America, LLC which was founded in 1983 is an Atlanta – based operator and franchiser of over 430 restaurants in 28 countries and they began franchising in 1986. The casual beach – themed establishments feature music, sports on large flat screens, and a menu that includes seafood, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and of course, Hooters original chicken wings. The Franchise Development Team is your first point of contact with Hooters.

They will assist you with the number of restaurants to be developed, your development schedule, territory to be developed, and navigation of the franchise award process. The Franchise Development Team will also provide guidance and support during your site procurement for your Hooters location.

Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial investment: from $956,500
  • Royalty Fees: 5 percent

5. Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks was founded in 2005 and the company is built upon five brand pillars: the Twin Peaks Girls, made – from – scratch food, 29° draft beer, sports on wall-to-wall TVs, and of course, the local lodge atmosphere. They started franchising in 2007 and presently they now have 80+ locations in 26 states, from Florida to California.  However, for the right candidates, they still have development opportunities in several additional markets across the country.

Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial investment: from $1,424,550
  • Royalty Fees: 5 percent

6. Native Grill & Wings

Native Grill & Wings was founded in 1979 and started franchising in 1993, the number of locations just dropped from its high of 36 in 2017 to the current total of 29, none of which are company – owned and all are located in the US.

Native Grill & Wings has matured over 40 years of uncompromising flavor, food and fun. Native Grill & Wings is still winning awards for its wings, its sauces, its menu and for being the only unique concept where guests can order all 19 flavors by the individual wing. All new Native Grill & Wings franchisees receive the support and training required to open their restaurants quickly and efficiently.

Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial investment: from $998,000
  • Royalty Fees: 6 percent

7. Ground Round® Grill and Bar

Ground Round® Grill and Bar has been a proven Casual Dining brand for more than 45 years. Founded in 1969, its two – room restaurant design is ideal for families with children in the dining room, or for adults meeting friends or watching the game in a separate, sports bar lounge.

Since 2004, the brand has been owned by its franchisees, with a unique offer where operators not only own their franchise, but also have the option to purchase a Membership Share in the Ground Round® brand. This share gives the franchisee voting rights and preferred royalty rates as set by and voted on by Ground Round IOC Members.

As a member of the Ground Round IOC Cooperative, a franchisee is guaranteed to have input and a financial stake in the future success and growth of the brand.

Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Investments: $1,140,000 – $2,205,000
  • Franchise fee: $35,000
  • Royalty fee: 3.5 percent
  • Minimum Cash: $500,000
  • Net Worth: $1,000,000
  • Partner Requirements
  • The initial franchise fee is $35,000
  • Royalty Rate of 3.5 percent and a 2 percent Local Advertising obligation
  • Or $60,000 in Initial Fees to include purchase of a Membership Share with voting rights and a member preferred royalty rate of 2.5 percent
  • All real estate and construction costs are the responsibility of the franchisee.
  • Financial requirements include a minimum liquidity of $500,000 and net worth of $1 million per restaurant to be developed.

8. Brass Tap

Brass Tap is not just a craft beer bar but also a sports bar that was founded in 2008 and began franchising in 2010 and presently they have 47 franchise units. Brass Tap are innovators and over the past five years The Brass Tap concept has proven its ability to lead a category filled with abundant opportunities.

Brass Tap business model is quite nimble. Unlike typical casual dining franchises, you won’t have the staffing, space, equipment and inventory demands of a full kitchen.

Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial investment: from $791,970
  • Royalty Fees: 4 percent

9. Buffalo Wings & Rings

Buffalo Wings & Rings was founded in 1984 and they began franchising since 1988 and presently they have 76 active franchise units.

Buffalo Wings & Rings is a restaurant brand where everyone is a VIP, worthy of the ultimate sports restaurant experience. With over 70 locations, they are taking game time to the next level with a bright, inviting dining room, 50+ TVs, elevated fan experiences, a chef – inspired menu and of course their signature wings.

Their model combines the simplicity in operations of a QSR kitchen with the revenue of a casual dining restaurant. When you join the Buffalo Wings & Rings team, you truly join a family. Each Buffalo Wings & Rings franchisee is given extensive five – week training at the corporate headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial investment: from $1,280,000
  • Royalty Fees: 5 percent

10. BigShots Golf

BigShots Golf offers the family, sports and entertainment space and provide full – service food and beverage, sports bars, multi – media, private event space and climate –  controlled golf gaming experiences. Jason Payne, an avid golfer and tech – industry veteran, concepted and developed BigShots Golf in 2013 and has since overseen the brand’s evolution into a state – of – the – art golf and entertainment experience.

In 2018, BigShots entered a joint venture with ClubCorp, which will introduce the cutting – edge BigShots proprietary technology to consumers at some of ClubCorp’s locations and through franchise opportunities available in 2019.

If you are interested in this franchise, you are advised to contact them to get the cost requirements for acquiring their franchise.

11. Lucky Dog Bark and Brew

Lucky Dog Bark and Brew is a Sports Bar (minus the food) with an Indoor and Outdoor off leash dog park! In addition to the bar and dog park, they also offer Doggie Daycare, Overnight Boarding, Dog Baths and a small Boutique. These multiple sources of income streams make this franchise a fun and profitable business model. The company was founded in 2012. As of 2019, the company operates 3 franchises in the United States.

Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial Investment: $250,000 –  $495,500
  • Liquid Cash Requirement: $200,000
  • Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $35,000

12. Bout Time Pub and Grub

Bout Time Pub and Grub provides superior food and beverages, quality service, sales growth, cost controls, and friendly atmosphere. Fresh, high quality pub fare and a full service bar featuring specialty cocktails and beers are served in a distinctive, casual, sports themed facility. Pubs range in size of approximately 3,000 – 4,000 square feet primarily located in lifestyle complexes, strip malls and other high traffic locations.

Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial Investment: $400,000 –  $500,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement: $250,000

13. Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom

Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom makes its priorities clear: Beer first, food second, and watching sports a somewhat distant third. But it doesn’t serve up just any old beer. The big focus here is on craft beer, which the chain considers a way of life, not just a trend.

Having a craft beer featured at Old Chicago is a highly competitive feat that few can manage, though the chain does try to spread the joy. The menu features appetizers, wings, deep – dish pizzas, calzones, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, salads, soups, and desserts.

The company was founded in 1976 and franchising since 2000, the number of locations inched upwards in recent years from 96 in 2011 to the current total of 109, of which 72 are company – owned and all are located in the US. If you are interested in this franchise, you are advised to contact them to get the cost requirements.

14. Bailey Seafood

Bailey Seafood was founded in 1985 out of a passion for fresh seafood. Started out with only one employee, the market quickly grew after customers from the neighborhood realized they can purchase the freshest seafood in Buffalo without having to travel far.

Bailey Fish & Seafood offers a comprehensive and hands on training program in order to ensure that franchisees are 100 percent equipped with the knowledge, skills and expertise to successfully operate their own center.

Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial Investment: $226,250 –  $381,500
  • Net – worth Requirement: $34,500
  • Liquid Cash Requirement: $34,500
  • Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $34,500
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5 percent
  • Ad Royalty Fee: up to 1 percent

15. The Greene Turtle

The Greene Turtle is a restaurant chain and the family – oriented sports bar and casual dining concept. The Greene Turtle Franchising Corporation was founded in 1976 and is based in Hanover, Maryland. The Greene Turtle also provides franchise opportunities. As of 2018, the company operates 35 franchises in the United States.

The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille has a menu featuring the usual suspects: appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, entrées, salads, and dessert. Lots of different beers are on tap, including local craft beers. It bills itself as the community hangout place to share food, drinks, and sports with friends and family.

Greene Turtle was founded by Steve Pappas and Tommy Dickerson in Ocean City, Maryland in 1976 and franchising since 2003, the number of locations grew slowly but steadily from 23 in 2009 to 47 in 2018, but just dropped back to 44, of which 13 are company – owned and all are located in the US.

Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial investments: $1,455,000 –  $2,702,500
  • Net – worth Requirement: $1,500,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement: $500,000
  • Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $45,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee: 4 percent
  • Ad Royalty Fee: 1.5 percent

16. Tilted Kilt

Tilted Kilt is another “breastaurant” but this time with a Scottish/Celtic theme featuring pretty waitresses in short kilts and plaid bikini tops. The menu features a variety of traditional and modern pub fare such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and “Big Arse Burgers.” Lots of screens are available for watching sports, and there are in – house gaming options such as pool, darts, and Golden Tee. There are always at least 24 beers on tap along with wine, cocktails, and spirits.

Tilted Kilt was founded in 2003 and franchising since 2006, the number of locations has declined in recent years from a high of 103 in 2015 to the current total of 44 (one more than the previous year), of which two are company – owned and three are located outside the US.

If you are interested in this franchise, you are advised to contact them to get the cost requirements for acquiring their franchise.

17. Arooga’s Grille House and Sports Bar

Arooga’s Grille House and Sports Bar goes a bit further than most sports bar restaurant companies on this list. The others may boast 50+ screens, but each Arooga location has at least 100! These places have big footprints ranging from 6,500 – 9,500 square feet, and different areas are themed on different sports. Very family – friendly, with a surprisingly forward – thinking menu that includes a meat – free plant – based burger, Arooga’s is the first Green Certified restaurant in the state of Pennsylvania.

Arooga’s Grille House and Sports Bar was founded in 2007 and franchising since 2010, the number of locations currently stands at 20 (11 are in Pennsylvania), of which 10 are company – owned and all are located in the US.

If you are interested in this franchise, you are advised to contact them to get the cost requirements for acquiring their franchise.

18. Rock and Brews

Rock and Brews is a craft beer restaurant started up by an interesting combination of people including Dave and Dell Furano (long – time rock concert tour promoters and merchandisers), restaurateur / hotelier Michael Zislis, and KISS band members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.

The craft beer emphasis is on local brews. The food is reimagined American comfort food for the 21st century, all with a heavy rock – n – roll emphasis in the décor as opposed to sports. Rock and Brews was founded in 2010 and franchising since 2012, there are now 18 locations (two less than the previous year’s total of 20), of which six are company – owned and one is located outside the US.

If you are interested in this franchise, you are advised to contact them to get the cost requirements for acquiring their franchise.

19. Stacked Pickle

Stacked Pickle is quickly becoming Indiana’s go-to place for sports, wings, burgers, and beer. Also on the menu are lots of starters, main events (tacos, fish and chips, chicken dishes, pasta, etc.), salads, flatbreads, sandwiches, wraps, rice bowls, sides, and desserts.

Stacked Pickle was founded by former Indianapolis Colts football player and Super Bowl champion Gary Brackett in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2010 and they have been franchising since 2017, there are now 10 locations, all of which are company – owned and in the US.

If you are interested in this franchise, you are advised to contact them to get the cost requirements for acquiring their franchise.

20. Daddy O’Brien’s

Daddy O’Brien’s opened its doors in January of 2017 in Sugar Hill, Georgia. The operating unit has since become the hottest new destination in Metro Atlanta, offering national award – winning homemade premium alcohol – infused ice creams as well as family – friendly flavors with the flare and style of the modern day.

Based on this unit’s relatively immediate operational success, Daddy O’Brien’s is now launching a franchise program. This prototype location will act as a proof of concept and training center for new franchise locations, which will maintain a similar look and feel (as much as possible) as the company expands into new markets.

Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Investments: $229,000 – $366,600
  • Franchise fee: $30,000

21. Walk – On’s Sports Bistreaux

Walk – On’s Sports Bistreaux is Louisiana – themed sports grills that has carved a name for itself in the United States. The company was founded in 2003 and they started franchising since 2015, about 5 years ago. Walk – On’s Sports Bistreaux has her corporate head office at 3960 Burbank Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70808 and Brandon Landry is the Founder and CEO.

Walk – On’s Sports Bistreaux has relationships with third – party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll et al. Walk – On’s Sports Bistreaux is seeking new franchise units from interested investors throughout the United States of America.

Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial Investment: $1,215,500 –  $3,998,700
  • Net – worth Requirement: $1,300,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement: $400,000
  • Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $60,000 –  $60,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5 percent
  • Ad Royalty Fee: 2 percent
  • Veteran Incentives: 10 percent off franchise fee

22. Shots Bar

SHOTS Bar provides superior food and beverages, quality service, sales growth, cost controls, and friendly atmosphere. Beyond the bar, it offers fruit flavored vapor hookahs, SHOTS brand merchandise, gift cards, the SHOTSTM Squad loyalty program, VIP bottle service, frozen drinks, Bad – Ass Buckets and signature cups. The company was founded in Miami, FL in 2012. It also provides franchise opportunities. As of 2018, SHOTS operates 2 locations in the United States.

Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial Investment: $143,900 –  $1,512,400
  • Liquid Cash Requirement: $200,000
  • Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $34,900
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee: 6 percent
  • Ad Royalty Fee: 2 percent

23. Oggi’s Sports Brewhouse Pizza

Oggi’s Sports Brewhouse Pizza is a Sports – themed restaurant that was founded in 1991 and began franchising in 1995, about 25 years ago. Oggi’s Sports Brewhouse Pizza has her corporate head office at 1245 Puerta del Sol, San Clemente, CA 92673 and George Hadjis is the founder and CEO

Oggi’s Sports Brewhouse Pizza is seeking new franchise units from interested investors throughout the United States of America. Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial Investment: $990,000 –  $1,812,000
  • Net – worth Requirement: $1,000,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement: $250,000
  • Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $50,000 –  $50,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5 percent
  • Ad Royalty Fee: 2 percent

24. Bar 145

Bar 145 is a pub – style sports bar restaurant that was founded 2011 and began franchising in 2012, about 8 years ago. Bar 145 has her corporate head office at 5305 Monroe St. Toledo, OH 43623 and the current CEO of the company is Jeremy Fitzgerald.

Bar 145 has relationships with third – party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll amongst others. Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial Investment: $405,000 –  $2,536,000
  • Net – worth Requirement: $1,200,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement: $300,000
  • Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $36,000 –  $36,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee: 6 – 4 percent
  • Ad Royalty Fee: 3 percent

25. Bikinis Sports Bar & Grill

Bikinis Sports Bar & Grill is world – class sports bar & restaurant that was founded in 2006 and began franchising since 2010, about 10 years ago. Bikinis Sports Bar & Grill has her corporate head office at 1201 Tinnin Ford Rd., #40 Austin, TX 78741 under the leadership of Doug Guller who is also the founder of the company.

Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial Investment: $435,000 –  $1,250,000
  • Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $55,000 –  $55,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee: 4 – 6 percent
  • Ad Royalty Fee: 2 percent

26. Mugs ‘N Jugs Sports Bar & Grill

Mugs ‘N Jugs Sports Bar & Grill was founded in 2007 and they have been franchising since 2012, about 8 years ago. Mugs ‘N Jugs Sports Bar & Grill has her corporate at 14100 U.S. Hwy. 19 N., #114 Clearwater, FL 33764 and the present CEO of the company is Sam Ahmed.

Mugs ‘N Jugs Sports Bar & Grill has relationships with third – party sources which offer financing to cover the following: startup costs, and equipment. Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial Investment: $635,000 –  $935,000
  • Net – worth Requirement: $1,000,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement: $500,000
  • Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $35,000 –  $35,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee: 4 percent
  • Ad Royalty Fee: 1 percent
  • Veteran Incentives: 10 percent off franchise fee

27. PDH (Publik Draft House)

PDH (Publik Draft House) is standard pub – style sports bars and restaurant that was founded in 2009 and began franchising since 2012 and that is about 8 years ago. PDH (Publik Draft House) has her corporate head office at 654 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30308 and Eddie Johnson is the founder and CEO of the company.

PDH (Publik Draft House) has relationships with third – party sources which offer financing to cover the following: startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll. Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial Investment: $423,000 –  $891,000
  • Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $35,000 –  $35,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5 percent
  • Ad Royalty Fee: 2 percent
  • Veteran Incentives: 50 percent off franchise fee

28. Rock & Brews Franchising LLC

Rock & Brews Franchising LLC is an American based restaurants and sports bar that was founded in 2010 and began franchising since 2012 and that is about 8 years). Rock & Brews Franchising LLC has her corporate head office at 321 12th St., #200 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 and the current CEO of the company is Adam Goldberg.

Rock & Brews Franchising LLC has relationships with third – party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial Investment: $1,478,000 –  $4,416,000
  • Net – worth Requirement: $1,500,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement: $500,000
  • Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $50,000 –  $250,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5 percent
  • Ad Royalty Fee: 1 percent

29. Sea Legs

Sea Legs is a standard restaurant and wine cum sports bar that was founded in 2012. The company started franchising since 2014  and that is about 6 years ago. Sea Legs has her corporate head office at 21022 Beach Blvd Huntington Beach, CA 92648 and the current CEO of the company is Alicia Whitney.

Sea Legs has relationships with third – party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll. Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial Investment: $591,900 –  $1,405,500
  • Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $55,000 –  $55,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee: 6 percent
  • Ad Royalty Fee: 2 percent

30. Beermiscuous

Beermiscuous is world class craft beer and sports café that is based in the United States of America. The company was founded in 2014 and they began franchising since 2017, about 3 years. The Company has her corporate head office at 2812 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60657 and the current CEO of the company is Paul Leamon.

Financial Requirements for purchasing this franchise are;

  • Initial Investment: $272,000 –  $388,150
  • Net – worth Requirement: $300,000 –  $500,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement: $75,000 –  $150,000
  • Ongoing Initial Franchise Fee: $20,000 –  $30,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5 percent
  • Ad Royalty Fee: 2 percent
  • Veteran Incentives: 25 percent off franchise fee