Barrel House is a casual dining franchise specializing in comfort food and craft beers. Franchisees receive training, marketing support, and operational assistance to build a successful restaurant business.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
1
+
n.a.
n.a.
Franchise fee
?
$40,000
Investment
?
$540,000 - $1,215,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$1,534,000
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Barrel House is a modern bar and grill franchise founded in 2011 by entrepreneur Jimmy Holt in Davenport, Iowa. The brand focuses on delivering elevated comfort food and a welcoming atmosphere under its motto, “Food That Lifts Your Spirits.”
After nearly a decade of refining its concept, Barrel House began franchising in 2021, opening its first franchise location in Bloomington, Illinois. Headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, Barrel House offers a diverse menu that includes handcrafted burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, and fresh salads.
Guests also enjoy rotating local craft beers and seasonal specialty cocktails, creating a dynamic and approachable dining experience. The brand appeals to a wide audience by balancing classic bar food with innovative twists.
What differentiates Barrel House from competitors is its signature "We Care™" culture, which emphasizes exceptional guest service and deep community involvement.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Barrel House franchise is $540,000 - $1,215,000. 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
$40,000
Rent (3 months) and Security Deposit
$10,000 - $25,000
Utility & Deposits
$5,000 - $10,000
Licenses & Permits
$5,000 - $35,000
Design & Architectural Fees
$15,000 - $28,000
Leasehold Improvements
$150,000 - $500,000
Signage
$10,000 - $35,000
Furniture & Fixtures
$50,000 - $100,000
POS/Back Office System
$5,000 - $10,000
Equipment
$150,000 - $260,000
Professional Fees
$5,000 - $15,000
Initial Inventory
$20,000 - $40,000
Insurance (Quarterly)
$3,500 - $7,000
Training Expenses
$5,000 - $20,000
Grand Opening Advertising
$6,500 - $15,000
Additional Funds - 3 Months
$60,000 - $75,000
TOTAL
$540,000 - $1,215,000
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$40,000
Rent (3 months) and Security Deposit
$10,000 - $25,000
Utility & Deposits
$5,000 - $10,000
Licenses & Permits
$5,000 - $35,000
Design & Architectural Fees
$15,000 - $28,000
Leasehold Improvements
$150,000 - $500,000
Signage
$10,000 - $35,000
Furniture & Fixtures
$50,000 - $100,000
POS/Back Office System
$5,000 - $10,000
Equipment
$150,000 - $260,000
Professional Fees
$5,000 - $15,000
Initial Inventory
$20,000 - $40,000
Insurance (Quarterly)
$3,500 - $7,000
Training Expenses
$5,000 - $20,000
Grand Opening Advertising
$6,500 - $15,000
Additional Funds - 3 Months
$60,000 - $75,000
TOTAL
$540,000 - $1,215,000
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Barrel House's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Barrel House had 7 total units in 2024, of which 1 were franchised-owned and 6 company-owned.
Barrel House provides a structured training program designed to ensure that each franchise location operates effectively and consistently. The Franchisor offers multiple components as part of its training regimen:
Initial Training Program: Before the opening of the restaurant, the Operating Principal and two key management personnel must attend and successfully complete this program. It spans up to ten business days and includes both classroom and on-site instruction covering restaurant operations, equipment usage, customer service, marketing, and cost control methods.
On-Site Opening Assistance: The Franchisor provides on-site support for 3 to 5 days during the restaurant’s opening phase. This assistance includes help with initial operations and implementation of franchise standards and procedures.
Supplemental and Refresher Training: Up to seven days per year, the Franchisor may require the Operating Principal and key managers to attend additional training. These sessions cover updates on operations, products, or business management, and are held at the Franchisor’s discretion.
Franchise Conventions and Meetings: The Franchisor may also hold mandatory or optional conventions and meetings. These events address new products, operational procedures, training, and promotional strategies. Attendance by the Operating Principal is mandatory unless otherwise approved.
Territory Protection
Barrel House offers a defined Protected Territory to its franchisees, typically a one-mile radius in metropolitan areas or a three-mile radius in less populated regions. Within this area, and as long as the franchisee complies with the agreement, the franchisor will not establish or franchise another Barrel House restaurant.
This protected status is maintained throughout the term of the agreement and is not tied to sales performance or other business metrics. However, this protection is not absolute.
The franchisor retains the right to operate or authorize operations at “Captive Market Locations” such as airports, hospitals, campuses, and other venues even within the Protected Territory.
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