Create a free account to access this table
Sign up for free
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
2,500+ franchises
Access our entire database: 2,500+ US franchises, updated every day
Essential financial data
Royalty fees, franchise fees, investment costs and more
View 1 FDD
Our free plan allows you to access 1 FDD. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to download

American Kolache Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

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.

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

Here's what you would need to invest 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
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

American Kolache

2024

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Competitors

Below are some of

American Kolache

key competitors in the

Baked Goods

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Sign up
Gross Profit
Sign up
EBITDA
Sign up

5

New
+
400%
400%

$39,000

$233,000

$371,000

n.a.

$440,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Al Manakeesh

Al Manakeesh is a Middle Eastern bakery-restaurant brand offering manakeesh flatbreads, shawarma, and Lebanese specialties, serving neighborhood diners and families, and known for freshly baked dough, traditional flavors, and casual, counter-service settings that highlight Levantine comfort food.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$261,000 - $403,000

Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurant

Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurant is a quick‐service franchise offering Caribbean-style patties, rotis, rice dishes and meals, serving diaspora communities and casual diners, and known for signature flavors, cultural brand heritage and growing franchise network.

Franchisees

?

101
+
-6%
-6%
Investment

?

$213,000 - $776,000

MidnighTreats

MidnighTreats is a late-night food-truck or small-format franchise offering waffles, desserts and sweet-snacks on-demand, serving late-night crowds, event patrons, and dessert lovers, and known for mobile flexibility, viral menu appeal and lean startup model.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$133,000 - $296,000

Schmackary's

Schmackary’s is a gourmet cookie-and‐dessert franchise offering handmade cookies, ice cream sandwiches, and specialty treats, serving dessert lovers and gift buyers, and known for bold flavors, urban brand presence and experiential retail-tainment.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$267,000 - $657,000

BAGEL BOSS

BAGEL BOSS is a bagel-and-deli franchise offering New York–style bagels, breakfast sandwiches, deli items and coffee, serving morning commuters and families, and known for authentic bagel craft, strong local presence and franchise scalability.

Franchisees

?

18
+
64%
64%
Investment

?

$510,000 - $1,175,000

House of Bread

House of Bread is a bakery-café franchise offering freshly baked artisan breads, pastries, sandwiches and café meals, serving families and casual diners, and known for hand-crafted baking, community-driven brand and multi-stream revenue.

Franchisees

?

5
+
25%
25%
Investment

?

$198,000 - $584,000

Our latest newsletters

Franchising 101

Is This Franchise the Right Fit for You?

December 15, 2025
Due Diligence & Decision-Making

Choosing a franchise goes beyond reviewing fees and financials — it requires an honest assessment of your goals, skills, and risk tolerance. This article outlines the key questions prospective owners should ask before committing. It helps clarify whether the opportunity aligns with your lifestyle, long-term plans, and operational preferences.

Franchisee Validation: Interviews, Reference Checking, Site Visits

December 15, 2025
Due Diligence & Decision-Making

Speaking with current and former franchisees is one of the most reliable ways to understand how a franchise really operates. This guide explains how to conduct validation calls, what questions to ask, and how to identify patterns in feedback. It provides a practical framework for uncovering real performance expectations and support quality.

How to Evaluate a Franchise Opportunity (Industry, Brand Strength, Market Fit)

December 15, 2025
Due Diligence & Decision-Making

Not all franchise opportunities offer the same potential. This article breaks down how to evaluate a brand’s industry, financial health, support systems, and competitive positioning. It helps prospective buyers compare options and identify franchises with strong long-term viability.

Building a Franchise Business Plan & Pro Forma Financials

December 15, 2025
Costs, Fees and Financing

A clear, well-structured business plan is essential for securing financing and preparing for the realities of franchise ownership. This article explains how to build a plan that covers market analysis, operations, staffing, and local marketing. It also outlines how to create realistic pro forma financials, including revenue projections, startup costs, and break-even analysis. Readers gain a practical framework they can use when applying for loans or planning their first years of operations.