American Kolache Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
American Kolache is a fast-casual bakery franchise offering Texas-style kolaches, savory pastries, and breakfast items, serving early-morning customers and families, and known for handheld convenience, hot-fresh items, and strong regional roots.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
5
+
400%
400%
Franchise fee
?
$39,000
Investment
?
$233,000 - $371,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$440,000
+
n.a.
n.a.
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American Kolache is a fast-casual franchise built around its signature filled pastries, offering both sweet and savory kolaches in a portable, easy-to-serve format. The company was established in 2015 in Ballwin, Missouri, which continues to serve as its headquarters.
The concept was developed to modernize a classic Central European pastry, blending traditional preparation with a convenient grab-and-go model designed for busy customers seeking quick meal options.
Franchising opportunities became available in 2018, giving aspiring business owners the chance to operate their own American Kolache locations as the brand expanded.
What sets American Kolache apart from typical breakfast or bakery franchises is its specialized menu, centered on a product that remains uncommon in most U.S. quick-service restaurants.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a American Kolache franchise is
$233,000 - $371,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$39,000
Lease Deposit
$1,950 – $4,000
Utility Deposit
$0 – $800
Rent (3 months)
$5,850 – $8,800
Utilities (3 months)
$2,100 – $2,400
Architect & Engineer Fees
$6,000 – $8,000
Leasehold Improvements
$75,000 – $125,000
Signage
$4,500 – $12,000
Furniture and Fixtures
$3,850 – $6,050
Third Party Delivery Fees (3 months)
$8,500 – $39,000
Computer Equipment
$12,000 – $14,000
Miscellaneous Equipment & Supplies
$3,000 – $5,000
Equipment
$44,000 – $60,500
Initial Inventory
$4,000 – $6,000
Uniforms
$750
Business License & Permits
$2,000 – $3,000
Professional Fees
$1,000 – $2,000
Technology Fee (3 months)
$0
Internet Service (3 months)
$450 – $600
Insurance
$3,150 – $3,600
Training Expense
$3,542 – $12,443
Third Party Training Expense
$326
Initial Launch Marketing & Promotions
$2,500
Additional Funds / Working Capital
$10,000 – $15,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment Cost
$233,468 – $370,769
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$39,000
Lease Deposit
$1,950 – $4,000
Utility Deposit
$0 – $800
Rent (3 months)
$5,850 – $8,800
Utilities (3 months)
$2,100 – $2,400
Architect & Engineer Fees
$6,000 – $8,000
Leasehold Improvements
$75,000 – $125,000
Signage
$4,500 – $12,000
Furniture and Fixtures
$3,850 – $6,050
Third Party Delivery Fees (3 months)
$8,500 – $39,000
Computer Equipment
$12,000 – $14,000
Miscellaneous Equipment & Supplies
$3,000 – $5,000
Equipment
$44,000 – $60,500
Initial Inventory
$4,000 – $6,000
Uniforms
$750
Business License & Permits
$2,000 – $3,000
Professional Fees
$1,000 – $2,000
Technology Fee (3 months)
$0
Internet Service (3 months)
$450 – $600
Insurance
$3,150 – $3,600
Training Expense
$3,542 – $12,443
Third Party Training Expense
$326
Initial Launch Marketing & Promotions
$2,500
Additional Funds / Working Capital
$10,000 – $15,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment Cost
$233,468 – $370,769
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is American Kolache's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
American Kolache had 9 total units in 2024, of which 5 were franchised-owned and 4 company-owned.
American Kolache provides a structured and multifaceted training program to ensure franchisees and their management teams are equipped to run their restaurants effectively. Below is a breakdown of the training offerings:
Initial Training Program The initial training is mandatory for the Principal Owner, general manager, and another manager. It is conducted at a franchised or affiliate-owned location near St. Louis and covers key operational topics such as customer service, use of the POS system, catering, marketing, and social media. This program must be completed to the franchisor’s satisfaction prior to the restaurant opening.
Opening Assistance Around the time of the restaurant opening, American Kolache sends one representative to the site for four days to assist with training and quality assurance. This support ensures that operations begin smoothly and that staff adhere to brand standards from day one.
Subsequent and Replacement Training If a new general manager or replacement personnel takes over, they must complete training similar to the initial program. The franchisor may charge a reasonable fee for this training, and it must be completed before assuming their roles.
Ongoing Training and Annual Meetings Franchisees and their staff may be required to participate in up to five days of ongoing training annually. This may include franchisee business meetings, trade shows, webinars, or regional sessions, with all associated costs borne by the franchisee.
Refresher and Performance-Based Training If a franchise is not meeting operational standards, American Kolache reserves the right to mandate additional training, which may be conducted onsite or at another designated location. This helps maintain consistent brand quality across locations.
Territory Protection
American Kolache grants its franchisees an Assigned Territory, which is determined based on factors like demographics, location, and visibility.
Within this designated area, the franchisor and its affiliates agree not to open or franchise another American Kolache restaurant, except in what is defined as a “Non-Traditional Location” (e.g., airports, universities, theme parks). This protection applies only as long as the franchisee is not in default of the franchise agreement.
However, this territorial protection has clear limits. Franchisees do not receive exclusive territory rights beyond their Assigned Territory and may face competition from other franchisees or company-owned outlets in nearby or unassigned areas.
Additionally, if a franchisee had been serving catering or delivery customers outside their Assigned Territory, they must cease doing so if a new American Kolache opens in that area.
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