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BUTTERMILK CAFÉ Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)

BUTTERMILK CAFÉ offers a variety of breakfast and brunch dishes, providing a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with a focus on fresh and delicious meals.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

Franchisees

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0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Franchise fee

?

$40,000
Investment

?

$1,237,000 - $1,673,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$3,464,000

+
n.a.
n.a.
Upgrade

Buttermilk Café is a fast-casual breakfast and lunch franchise known for its generous portions and vibrant atmosphere. Founded in 2014 in Geneva, Illinois, the brand has expanded to multiple locations across the Chicagoland area, including Naperville, Vernon Hills, and Downers Grove.

In 2023, Buttermilk Franchise Group, Inc. was established to manage the brand's franchising efforts, with headquarters located at 65 North River Lane, Suite 201, Geneva, Illinois 60134.

The café offers a diverse menu featuring classic breakfast items such as omelets, pancakes, and French toast, alongside signature dishes like their trademark biscuits.

Lunch options include sandwiches, burgers, and salads, all crafted with fresh ingredients. Buttermilk Café's commitment to quality and its energetic dining environment set it apart in the competitive breakfast and lunch market.

Initial investment

The initial investment required for a BUTTERMILK CAFÉ franchise is $1,237,000 - $1,673,000. 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
Initial Training Fee $45,000
Travel and Living Expenses and Employee Wages During Training $25,000 to $40,000
Initial Inventory $15,000 to $30,000
Lease Security Deposit and Utility Deposits $25,000 to $50,000
Rent (Initial 3 months) $48,000 to $60,000
Leasehold Improvements $315,000 to $412,500
POS/Back Office System $15,000 to $20,000
Kitchen/Prep Equipment $350,000 to $450,000
Furniture & Fixtures $250,000 to $300,000
Signage (Interior and Exterior) $15,000 to $56,000
Business Licenses & Permits $3,500 to $7,000
Design and Architect Fees $55,000 to $85,000
Professional Fees $2,500 to $10,000
Business Insurance $3,000 to $12,000
Grand Opening Marketing $15,000 to $30,000
Additional Funds for First 3 Months $15,000 to $25,000
Total $1,237,000 to $1,672,500

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Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $40,000
Initial Training Fee $45,000
Travel and Living Expenses and Employee Wages During Training $25,000 to $40,000
Initial Inventory $15,000 to $30,000
Lease Security Deposit and Utility Deposits $25,000 to $50,000
Rent (Initial 3 months) $48,000 to $60,000
Leasehold Improvements $315,000 to $412,500
POS/Back Office System $15,000 to $20,000
Kitchen/Prep Equipment $350,000 to $450,000
Furniture & Fixtures $250,000 to $300,000
Signage (Interior and Exterior) $15,000 to $56,000
Business Licenses & Permits $3,500 to $7,000
Design and Architect Fees $55,000 to $85,000
Professional Fees $2,500 to $10,000
Business Insurance $3,000 to $12,000
Grand Opening Marketing $15,000 to $30,000
Additional Funds for First 3 Months $15,000 to $25,000
Total $1,237,000 to $1,672,500

Franchise Disclosure Document

Below is BUTTERMILK CAFÉ's 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.

Number of units

BUTTERMILK CAFÉ had 3 total units in 2023, of which 0 were franchised-owned and 3 company-owned.

Competitors

Below are some of

BUTTERMILK CAFÉ

key competitors in the

Coffee & Tea

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Royalty fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

0

New
+
n.a.
n.a.

5.00%

$1,237,000

-

$1,673,000

$3,464,000

n.a.

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Training

Buttermilk Café provides a comprehensive set of training and support programs to franchisees. Here are the key training components outlined by the franchisor:

  1. Initial Training Program
    Before the franchise opens, Buttermilk Café delivers an initial training program focused on operating the business. This training includes essential aspects like operational standards and procedures and is required for all franchisees.
  2. Pre-Opening and Opening Support
    The franchisor offers onsite supervision and assistance during the pre-opening and opening phases. This ensures the franchisee is fully prepared to start business operations successfully.
  3. Operations Manual Access
    Franchisees are loaned one copy of the comprehensive Operations Manual, which contains 383 pages covering procedures such as pre-opening steps, human resources, daily operations, and management practices. It is regularly updated to reflect current standards.
  4. Continuing Advisory Services
    Ongoing support is provided through telephone, digital communication, or visits. If performance issues arise, additional targeted assistance is offered beyond standard support.

Territory Protection

Buttermilk Café grants franchisees a “Protected Area,” typically a three-mile radius in suburban locations, where no other franchise unit will be opened if the franchisee remains in good standing.

However, this area does not apply in large urban centers and excludes previously existing locations.

The franchisor retains the right to operate in “Captive Markets” like airports, hospitals, and stadiums within the Protected Area. They may also sell through online or third-party channels, and the Protected Area may be reduced during renewals or transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Competitors

Below are some of BUTTERMILK CAFÉ's key competitors in the Coffee & Tea sector.

Azal Coffee

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$227,000 - $333,000
Revenue

?

Upgrade

Auntea Jenny

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$285,000 - $596,000
Revenue

?

Upgrade

WANPO

Franchisees

?

11
+
450%
450%
Investment

?

$110,000 - $196,000
Revenue

?

Upgrade

TPTEA Tea Shop

Franchisees

?

16
+
78%
78%
Investment

?

$425,000 - $447,000
Revenue

?

Upgrade

Peet's Coffee

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$1,035,000 - $1,697,000
Revenue

?

Upgrade

Sugar Llamas

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$252,000 - $368,000
Revenue

?

Upgrade

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