Jerk King Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Jerk King is a fast-casual restaurant specializing in authentic Caribbean jerk cuisine, offering bold flavors and a variety of traditional dishes in a vibrant setting.

Jerk King is a fast-casual Caribbean restaurant franchise known for its bold, authentic flavors and vibrant cultural roots. Founded in Toronto, Canada, in 2022 by Johnson Osei—originally under the name Marcus Garvey Restaurant—the brand rebranded to Jerk King as it expanded its culinary footprint.

The company is now headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota, and began offering franchise opportunities in 2023.

Jerk King specializes in traditional Caribbean dishes, including jerk chicken, oxtail, roti, plantains, and dumplings. What sets the brand apart is its proprietary marinade recipes, crafted in-house to deliver a flavor profile exclusive to Jerk King locations.

Jerk King stands out in the competitive fast-casual market by offering a unique blend of authentic Caribbean cuisine and a proven business model. Its commitment to quality, culture, and community makes it an appealing choice for entrepreneurs seeking to bring a taste of the Caribbean to their local markets.

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 $30,000
Training Expenses $2,000 – $4,000
Real Property (if leased) $18,000 – $30,000
Development Costs $75,000 – $200,000
Equipment Leases $7,500 – $10,500
Computer and POS System Purchase $3,426 – $5,000
POS Credit Card Processing Fees As POS vendor requires
Products / Inventory (except food items) $27,000 – $29,500
Food Items $4,000 – $5,000
Security Deposits $11,000 – $15,000
Organizational Expense $6,000 – $8,000
Uniforms $1,500 – $2,000
Signage $20,000 – $80,000
Insurance $8,400
Grand Opening Advertising $2,000 – $4,000
Additional Funds (Initial Period – 3 Months) $32,000 – $40,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment $247,826 – $471,400
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $30,000
Training Expenses $2,000 – $4,000
Real Property (if leased) $18,000 – $30,000
Development Costs $75,000 – $200,000
Equipment Leases $7,500 – $10,500
Computer and POS System Purchase $3,426 – $5,000
POS Credit Card Processing Fees As POS vendor requires
Products / Inventory (except food items) $27,000 – $29,500
Food Items $4,000 – $5,000
Security Deposits $11,000 – $15,000
Organizational Expense $6,000 – $8,000
Uniforms $1,500 – $2,000
Signage $20,000 – $80,000
Insurance $8,400
Grand Opening Advertising $2,000 – $4,000
Additional Funds (Initial Period – 3 Months) $32,000 – $40,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment $247,826 – $471,400

Franchise Disclosure Document

Competitors

Below are some of

Jerk King

key competitors in the

Steakhouse & Grill

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.

$30,000

$248,000

$471,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

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Training

Jerk King provides a comprehensive training program to prepare franchisees and their management for running a successful restaurant operation. The training programs offered by the franchisor include the following:

  1. Initial Training Program: This mandatory program is required for the franchisee (if an individual) and up to two Business Managers. It must be completed at least one month before opening the restaurant. The program is provided at no additional charge for three individuals and includes classroom and hands-on instruction. If a trainee fails to complete it successfully, they may retake the next session without charge; however, failure again may lead to termination of the franchise agreement.
  2. Training for Replacement Personnel: Any Business Managers hired after opening must attend the Initial Training Program at a cost of $50 per hour per person, plus travel and lodging expenses. This ensures all new management staff meet operational standards.
  3. On-Site Training or Assistance: Jerk King offers on-site support, especially for franchisees opening their first restaurant. Although not mandatory, this training is subject to the franchisor’s discretion and availability.

Territory Protection

Jerk King provides franchisees with a defined geographic area known as a “Protected Territory,” within which the franchisor agrees not to operate or license another restaurant under the same brand.

This territory is typically a specific radius around the franchised location and is formally outlined in Exhibit A of the Franchise Agreement. During the term of the agreement, the franchisor cannot alter the territory, and franchisees are not granted rights of first refusal or options for adjacent areas.

However, the protection comes with notable limitations. Jerk King and its affiliates reserve the right to operate businesses under different trademarks both inside and outside the territory, including non-traditional venues like airports or stadiums.

Competitors

Black Rock Bar & Grill

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15
+
0%
0%
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$1,520,000 - $4,999,000

Native Grill and Wings

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21
+
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$1,210,000 - $2,329,000

Pepper Lunch

Pepper Lunch is a fast-casual restaurant serving sizzling hot plate meals with a variety of protein and vegetable options, providing a unique and interactive dining experience.

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6
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$714,000 - $1,501,000

Barrel House

Barrel House is a casual dining franchise specializing in comfort food and craft beers. Franchisees receive training, marketing support, and operational assistance to build a successful restaurant business.

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Hickory River Smokehouse

Hickory River Smokehouse is a barbecue restaurant chain offering slow-smoked meats, homemade sides, and a relaxed dining experience with a focus on authentic, flavorful barbecue.

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$315,000 - $675,000

Jerk King

Jerk King is a fast-casual restaurant specializing in authentic Caribbean jerk cuisine, offering bold flavors and a variety of traditional dishes in a vibrant setting.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$248,000 - $471,000