BUTTERMILK CAFÉ Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

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

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

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 $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
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

Number of units

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.

Competitors

Below are some of

BUTTERMILK CAFÉ

key competitors in the

Coffee & Tea

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
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EBITDA
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0

New
+
n.a.
n.a.

$40,000

$1,237,000

$1,673,000

n.a.

$3,464,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Tastea

Tastea is a beverage-and-snack café franchise offering customizable teas, smoothies, and bowls, serving health- and flavor-focused consumers, and known for bold visual branding, fresh mixes, and social-media-friendly store experience.

Franchisees

?

25
+
25%
25%
Investment

?

$252,000 - $1,392,000

Tom n Toms Coffee

Tom n Toms Coffee is a café franchise offering espresso drinks, pretzels, breads, and light bites, serving students and urban professionals, and known for spacious cafés, extended hours, and a Korean coffeehouse heritage.

Franchisees

?

12
+
71%
71%
Investment

?

$370,000 - $487,000

Feng Cha

Feng Cha is a tea café franchise offering handcrafted milk teas, fruit teas, and desserts, serving tea lovers and social café guests, and known for creative toppings, seasonal menus, and modern, photogenic store designs.

Franchisees

?

72
+
188%
188%
Investment

?

$194,000 - $512,000

illy

illy is a premium café franchise offering espresso beverages, coffee, pastries, and packaged products, serving coffee connoisseurs and travelers, and known for Italian espresso heritage, design-driven cafés, and consistently high-quality blends.

Franchisees

?

17
+
31%
31%
Investment

?

$402,000 - $2,006,000

Ding Tea

Ding Tea is a bubble tea franchise offering milk teas, fruit teas, and specialty drinks, serving boba enthusiasts and casual café guests, and known for customizable sweetness, premium teas, and an international brand footprint.

Franchisees

?

135
+
16%
16%
Investment

?

$195,000 - $324,000

Qahwah House

Qahwah House is a specialty coffee shop franchise offering authentic Yemeni coffee, baked goods, and café experiences, serving coffee enthusiasts and communities, and known for premium sourcing, cultural heritage, and welcoming hospitality.

Franchisees

?

18
+
500%
500%
Investment

?

$573,000 - $939,000