Gordo's Bubble Waffles is a dessert café franchise offering Hong Kong–style bubble waffles, ice cream, and drinks, serving students, families, and late-night snackers, and known for customizable creations, colorful toppings, and playful, social-media-ready dessert experiences.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Franchise fee
?
$35,000
Investment
?
$179,000 - $469,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Gordo’s Bubble Waffles is a growing dessert franchise known for its made-to-order bubble waffles and indulgent sweet treats. The concept originated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where it quickly gained attention for its crispy, golden bubble waffles with soft interiors.
The menu focuses on visually appealing desserts that attract families, young adults, and social-media-driven customers. Offerings include bubble waffles, mini pancakes, waffle sticks, ice cream, and specialty beverages.
The franchise was founded in 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by a group of local entrepreneurs who aimed to bring a modern twist to classic waffle desserts. Early locations built a strong local following through bold flavors, creative toppings, and consistent product quality.
The brand expanded within the Milwaukee area before preparing for broader growth. Its success laid the foundation for a scalable franchise model.
Gordo’s Bubble Waffles is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and officially began franchising in 2025. The company offers franchise opportunities designed for dessert-focused retail spaces with streamlined operations.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Gordo's Bubble Waffles franchise is
$179,000 - $469,000.
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
$35,000
Rent, Utility Deposits and Security Deposits
$30,000 – $60,000
Leasehold Improvements
$75,000 – $250,000
Grand Opening Marketing Campaign
$5,000 – $8,000
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
$5,000 – $15,000
Opening Inventory
$12,000 – $22,000
Professional Fees
$1,000 – $2,500
Signage
$7,000 – $14,000
Insurance
$1,000 – $1,500
Business Licenses and Permits
$1,000 – $2,000
Travel, Lodging and Meals for Initial Training
$3,400 – $8,000
Office Equipment and Supplies
$4,000 – $6,000
Additional Funds (3 months)
$10,000 – $30,000
Total
$179,400 – $468,500
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$35,000
Rent, Utility Deposits and Security Deposits
$30,000 – $60,000
Leasehold Improvements
$75,000 – $250,000
Grand Opening Marketing Campaign
$5,000 – $8,000
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
$5,000 – $15,000
Opening Inventory
$12,000 – $22,000
Professional Fees
$1,000 – $2,500
Signage
$7,000 – $14,000
Insurance
$1,000 – $1,500
Business Licenses and Permits
$1,000 – $2,000
Travel, Lodging and Meals for Initial Training
$3,400 – $8,000
Office Equipment and Supplies
$4,000 – $6,000
Additional Funds (3 months)
$10,000 – $30,000
Total
$179,400 – $468,500
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Gordo's Bubble Waffles's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Gordo's Bubble Waffles had 2 total units in 2025, of which 0 were franchised-owned and 2 company-owned.
Gordo’s Bubble Waffles provides a comprehensive suite of training programs for franchisees to ensure brand standards and operational excellence:
Initial Training Program: Before opening, the franchisee, Managing Owner, and Operations Manager must attend and successfully complete an initial training program, which can be held virtually, in Milwaukee, or at another designated location. This training spans approximately one week and includes both classroom and on-the-job training covering brand orientation and operational procedures.
Replacement Manager Training: If the Operations Manager is replaced, the new hire must complete the same initial training within 30 days. The franchisee bears the cost, including a $1,500 fee per trainer per day and all travel-related expenses.
Post-Opening Training: After launch, Gordo’s may require or offer additional on-site or virtual training. This training can be mandatory in cases of non-compliance or staff changes and is subject to the then-current training fee plus travel and accommodation costs.
Ongoing Training & Updates: The franchisor will provide ongoing training, updates to operating standards, procedures, and marketing practices. Refresher and remedial training may be conducted as needed.
Training for Franchise Renewal: If a franchise is renewed, the franchisee and its owners may be required to undergo additional training as determined by Gordo’s in its business judgment.
Territory Protection
Gordo’s Bubble Waffles does not offer exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. While each franchisee is granted a Designated Territory, typically defined by a radius around the approved business location, this does not equate to exclusivity. The franchisor retains the right to sell through alternative channels, such as grocery stores or e-commerce, and may authorize others to use different trademarks even within the same territory.
During the term of the agreement, Gordo’s may choose not to open another franchise using its own brand within your Designated Territory, provided you are in full compliance.
However, the franchisor reserves the right to operate or license others to operate under different marks or formats, including non-traditional venues like airports or campuses. This means franchisees may still face competition within their designated area from various sources authorized by the franchisor.
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