Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant offers a unique dining experience where customers grill their own meats and vegetables at the table, providing high-quality ingredients and authentic Japanese flavors.

Gyu-Kaku, which translates to “Horn of the Bull” in Japanese, is a popular global chain of yakiniku restaurants that first took root in Japan. Created by the Reins Group during the mid-1990s, the concept has grown into an internationally recognized dining brand.

At Gyu-Kaku, diners enjoy an engaging culinary experience by grilling their own selection of meats, seafood, poultry, and vegetables on individual, built-in smokeless grills right at their table. This hands-on approach has become a signature feature of the brand.

The very first Gyu-Kaku location launched in Japan in 1996, with franchising rolling out just a year later in 1997. The brand made its debut abroad in 2001 with a U.S. opening, followed by its entry into Taiwan in 2002, marking the start of its international footprint.

One of the standout features setting Gyu-Kaku apart is its unique smokeless roaster technology. Designed with a downdraft system, the roasters channel smoke away efficiently, creating a comfortable environment.

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.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ offers 3 types of franchises:

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant Size	Initial Investment (Low – High)
2,000 Square Foot Single Restaurant	$1,215,444 – $1,504,591
3,500 Square Foot Single Restaurant	$1,518,828 – $1,922,945
5,000 Square Foot Single Restaurant	$2,063,934 – $2,606,540

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We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ 5,000 Square Foot Single franchised restaurant. For more information on costs required to start a Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$50,000 – $50,000
Construction and Leasehold Improvements	$1,431,000 – $1,749,000
Construction Assistance	$10,000 – $35,000
Equipment, Furniture, Fixtures, and Signage	$281,168 – $343,651
Computers and Telecommunications	$30,679 – $37,497
Initial Opening Assistance by Franchisor	$6,500 – $21,500
Pre-Opening Labor	$58,900 – $67,528
Travel and Living Expenses	$11,000 – $23,500
Professional Fees – Architects	$56,200 – $70,250
Legal / Professional Fees	$2,700 – $3,300
Opening Inventory	$28,080 – $34,320
Opening Supplies	$35,807 – $45,893
Insurance Deposits and Premiums	$9,000 – $11,000
Market Introduction	$14,400 – $17,600
Licenses, Permits, and Deposits	$13,500 – $16,500
Miscellaneous Expenditures	$10,000 – $20,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months	$15,000 – $60,000
TOTAL	$2,063,934 – $2,606,540

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ offers 3 types of franchises:

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant Size	Initial Investment (Low – High)
2,000 Square Foot Single Restaurant	$1,215,444 – $1,504,591
3,500 Square Foot Single Restaurant	$1,518,828 – $1,922,945
5,000 Square Foot Single Restaurant	$2,063,934 – $2,606,540

‍

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$50,000 – $50,000
Construction and Leasehold Improvements	$1,431,000 – $1,749,000
Construction Assistance	$10,000 – $35,000
Equipment, Furniture, Fixtures, and Signage	$281,168 – $343,651
Computers and Telecommunications	$30,679 – $37,497
Initial Opening Assistance by Franchisor	$6,500 – $21,500
Pre-Opening Labor	$58,900 – $67,528
Travel and Living Expenses	$11,000 – $23,500
Professional Fees – Architects	$56,200 – $70,250
Legal / Professional Fees	$2,700 – $3,300
Opening Inventory	$28,080 – $34,320
Opening Supplies	$35,807 – $45,893
Insurance Deposits and Premiums	$9,000 – $11,000
Market Introduction	$14,400 – $17,600
Licenses, Permits, and Deposits	$13,500 – $16,500
Miscellaneous Expenditures	$10,000 – $20,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months	$15,000 – $60,000
TOTAL	$2,063,934 – $2,606,540

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

The Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ franchise provides a comprehensive range of training programs for franchisees and their teams:

Initial Training Program
Franchisor offers about five weeks of training for the Operating Principal and four weeks for the Restaurant Manager before the restaurant opens. This includes on-site food preparation, portion control, cooking procedures, packaging, marketing, customer service, reports, and equipment maintenance. All personnel must complete this program to the franchisor’s satisfaction before opening.
On-Site Training
Franchisor provides up to 10 days of on-site training around the restaurant opening, focusing on practical implementation and operations. Franchisees must cover reasonable expenses like transportation and lodging.
Gyu-Kaku Training Manual
Franchisees are required to use the franchisor’s training manual to educate their staff on operational procedures and standards.
Additional Training and Quarterly Conferences
Franchisees, Operating Principals, and Managers may be required to attend quarterly conferences and other additional training on topics like new procedures, marketing, bookkeeping, and technology updates. These may be held regionally or nationally.

Territory Protection

The Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ franchise offers a defined territory to its franchisees, but it does not grant exclusive territory rights. While the franchisor and its affiliates will not open or license another Gyu-Kaku restaurant within the defined territory, franchisees may still face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or alternative brands controlled by the franchisor.

The territory is clearly outlined in the Franchise Agreement, often using maps, geographic boundaries, or mile-based radiuses.

Additionally, Gyu-Kaku franchisees are allowed to solicit and accept orders outside their assigned territory, including through online channels, catalog sales, or telemarketing, as long as they comply with the franchisor's policies.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Started franchising

1997

Franchisees

11%

Franchise fee

$50,000

Investment

$1,215,000 - $2,607,000

Revenue (AUV)

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n.a.

Operating Profit

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n.a.

Home based

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Passive investment

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Competitors

Below are some of

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant

key competitors in the

Asian

sector.

Franchise

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New

11%

$50,000

$1,215,000

$2,607,000

n.a.

Yeung's Lotus Express

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