Brown's Chicken serves fried chicken and a variety of homestyle sides, offering a flavorful and satisfying dining experience with a focus on quality ingredients.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
21
+
0%
0%
Franchise fee
?
$25,000
Investment
?
$358,000 - $2,699,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Brown's Chicken & Pasta, founded in 1949 by John and Belva Brown in Bridgeview, Illinois, has become a cherished part of Chicago's culinary landscape. Starting from a modest trailer, the brand has grown into a beloved fast-food chain known for its signature fried chicken.
Headquartered in Villa Park, Illinois, Brown's Chicken continues to serve its community with dedication and passion.
The franchise began expanding its reach in the 1970s, bringing its delectable offerings to various locations. Brown's Chicken offers a diverse menu, including its renowned fried chicken, Chicago-style sandwiches, and a comprehensive catering program.
What sets Brown's Chicken apart is its unwavering commitment to quality. The original recipe, featuring a buttermilk batter fried in cottonseed oil, delivers a crispy exterior and moist interior that has stood the test of time.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Brown's Chicken franchise is
$358,000 - $2,699,000.
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.
Brown's Chicken offers 4 types of franchises:
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Store with Purchase of Vacant Real Estate
$608,000 to $2,349,000
Store with Purchase of Real Estate with Building
$558,000 to $2,699,000
Store with Build-To-Suit Lease
$366,000 to $1,239,000
In-Line (Strip Center) Store with Lease
$358,000 to $1,199,000
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Brown's Chicken Store with Purchase of Real Estate with Building.
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Real Estate (land & Shell Building)
$200,000 to $1,500,000
Remodeling Costs
$150,000 to $600,000
Build-Out for Video Gaming Area
$0 - $2,000
Equipment Costs (includes signage)
$150,000 to $500,000
Inventory for initial 2 weeks
$8,000 to $20,000
Additional Funds (3 month estimate)
$25,000 to $52,000
Estimated Total
$558,000 to $2,699,000
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Brown's Chicken offers 4 types of franchises:
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Store with Purchase of Vacant Real Estate
$608,000 to $2,349,000
Store with Purchase of Real Estate with Building
$558,000 to $2,699,000
Store with Build-To-Suit Lease
$366,000 to $1,239,000
In-Line (Strip Center) Store with Lease
$358,000 to $1,199,000
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Brown's Chicken Store with Purchase of Real Estate with Building.
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Real Estate (land & Shell Building)
$200,000 to $1,500,000
Remodeling Costs
$150,000 to $600,000
Build-Out for Video Gaming Area
$0 - $2,000
Equipment Costs (includes signage)
$150,000 to $500,000
Inventory for initial 2 weeks
$8,000 to $20,000
Additional Funds (3 month estimate)
$25,000 to $52,000
Estimated Total
$558,000 to $2,699,000
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Brown's Chicken's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Brown's Chicken had 21 total units in 2024, of which 21 were franchised-owned and 0 company-owned.
Brown’s Chicken provides an in-depth and mandatory training program for new franchisees and designated staff to ensure consistent operations across all locations. This training must be completed before the opening of a Brown’s Store and spans approximately eight weeks, combining both classroom and on-the-job instruction.
Breading Training: Includes 6 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of practical, hands-on training at a Brown’s location.
Customer Service Training: Designed to ensure staff understand service protocols, consisting of 6 hours in the classroom and 40 hours on the job.
Food Preparation and Cooking Training: Covers food safety and preparation methods with the same structure—6 hours of classroom learning and 40 hours of practical work.
Cooking and Cooker Operation: Focuses specifically on cooking equipment use and safety with 6 classroom hours and 40 practical hours.
Accounting Training: Provides 6 hours of classroom-based instruction covering bookkeeping and financial reporting.
Personnel Training: Includes both classroom and practical training on hiring, scheduling, and managing staff—6 hours each.
Territory Protection
Brown’s Chicken offers its franchisees a defined exclusive territory as part of the franchise agreement, typically encompassing an area within a one-mile radius of the store. This territory is explicitly outlined in an exhibit attached to the agreement and is granted so long as the franchisee remains in full compliance with all contractual obligations.
However, if the location is within a shopping mall food court, no exclusive territory is provided. The exclusivity protects the franchisee from competition by other Brown’s franchise locations within that territory, but it does not limit the franchisor’s rights entirely. Brown’s retains the right to operate or authorize other franchises outside the defined area, regardless of proximity.
Additionally, the franchisor reserves the right to sell products within the franchisee’s territory through other channels such as internet sales, catalogs, or telemarketing, either using the Brown’s trademarks or alternative branding.
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