Game Kastle is a hobby game retail franchise offering tabletop games, miniatures, accessories, and organized play space, serving gamers and hobbyists of all ages, and known for community-focused game nights, in-store events, and broad curated selections of specialty games.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
5
+
-17%
-17%
Franchise fee
?
$47,500
Investment
?
$199,000 - $442,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$513,000
+
55.3%
55.3%
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Game Kastle is a specialty hobby-game retail franchise that serves tabletop gamers, card-game fans, miniature wargamers, and collectors. The company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. It has grown into a well-recognized brand in the gaming community.
Game Kastle began franchising around 2017. The stores offer a wide range of board games, role-playing games, collectible card games, miniatures, paints, and hobby accessories. Each location blends retail with community engagement, creating a space that attracts both casual customers and dedicated gamers.
The franchise stands out because it operates as both a store and a social gaming hub. Many locations host weekly leagues, tournaments, game nights, and special events. Staff members are typically enthusiasts themselves, creating a knowledgeable and welcoming environment that strengthens customer loyalty.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Game Kastle franchise is
$199,000 - $442,000.
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
$47,500 - $47,500
Furniture, Fixtures and Décor
$19,000 - $42,000
Initial Inventory
$88,000 - $174,000
Computer and POS System, Security & Cameras
$3,500 - $5,800
Leasehold Improvements
$10,000 - $22,000
Utility and Landlord Security Deposits
$3,000 - $21,000
Signage
$3,100 - $6,300
Insurance
$1,100 - $12,000
Professional Fees
$1,500 - $5,500
Architecture Fees and Permits
$3,200 - $8,500
Training
$0 - $6,600
Grand Opening Program
$1,500 - $4,200
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$17,500 - $87,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$198,900 - $442,400
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$47,500 - $47,500
Furniture, Fixtures and Décor
$19,000 - $42,000
Initial Inventory
$88,000 - $174,000
Computer and POS System, Security & Cameras
$3,500 - $5,800
Leasehold Improvements
$10,000 - $22,000
Utility and Landlord Security Deposits
$3,000 - $21,000
Signage
$3,100 - $6,300
Insurance
$1,100 - $12,000
Professional Fees
$1,500 - $5,500
Architecture Fees and Permits
$3,200 - $8,500
Training
$0 - $6,600
Grand Opening Program
$1,500 - $4,200
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$17,500 - $87,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$198,900 - $442,400
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Game Kastle's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Game Kastle had 9 total units in 2024, of which 5 were franchised-owned and 4 company-owned.
Game Kastle® provides a robust training structure to prepare franchisees and their staff for successful operation. Below are the core training programs offered by the Franchisor:
Initial Training Program Game Kastle® offers an initial training program at no charge for up to four individuals, typically held in Santa Clara, California or another designated location. The program includes 36 hours of classroom instruction and 4 hours of on-the-job training, covering topics such as staff and product management and product knowledge. Additional attendees beyond the initial four are subject to a training fee.
Training for Franchise Managers If a franchisee appoints a Franchise Manager, that individual must be approved by the Franchisor and must successfully complete the initial training program at the franchisee’s expense. A similar requirement applies to any replacement manager in the event of death, disability, or termination.
Remedial Training Should a franchisee or their business fall out of compliance with Game Kastle®’s standards, the Franchisor may mandate remedial training. This training is tailored to address operational deficiencies and is conducted at the franchisee’s cost.
Territory Protection
Game Kastle® provides limited territorial protection to its franchisees. If a designated territory is granted under the franchise agreement, Game Kastle® commits not to operate or authorize another franchise within that territory, subject to several exceptions.
These territories are generally defined in Attachment A of the agreement, but they are not exclusive and can overlap with other developers’ territories, especially under an Area Development Agreement.
Franchisees should note that Game Kastle® and its affiliates retain broad rights to compete within and outside any designated territory. This includes selling products through alternate channels like the internet, wholesale, and catalog sales, and operating in non-traditional venues such as airports or college campuses.
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