Nan Xiang Express Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
Nan Xiang Express is a fast-casual dumpling franchise offering soup dumplings, noodles and Shanghai-style snacks, serving mall visitors and busy urban diners, and known for Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao roots, handmade dumplings and quick, comforting counter service.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
6
+
n.a.
n.a.
Franchise fee
?
$40,000
Investment
?
$448,000 - $876,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Nan Xiang Express is a fast-casual Chinese restaurant franchise focused on authentic Shanghainese comfort food. The brand is best known for its signature soup dumplings, also called xiao long bao.
The menu also includes noodles, rice bowls, potstickers, scallion pancakes, and classic Chinese street-food items. Nan Xiang Express operates in a modern, quick-service format designed for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
The Nan Xiang brand originated in 2006 with the opening of Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao in New York City. The original restaurant gained national recognition and consistent Michelin Guide listings for its traditional soup dumplings.
Nan Xiang Express was later developed as a fast-casual concept to make these flavors more accessible. The express model preserves the core recipes and culinary techniques of the original restaurant.
Nan Xiang Express is headquartered in Saddle Brook, New Jersey. The brand began franchising in the early 2020s, with the first express locations opening around 2022.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Nan Xiang Express franchise is
$448,000 - $876,000.
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
$40,000
Initial Training Fee
$10,000
Construction and Leasehold Improvements
$200,000 – $500,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment
$100,000 – $120,000
Signs
$3,000 – $6,000
Technology Systems
$4,000 – $8,000
Initial Supply of Proprietary Items
$20,000 – $25,000
Other Initial Inventory
$5,000
Rent (3 Months) and Lease Deposits
$40,000 – $100,000
Utility Deposits
$3,000 – $5,000
Insurance Deposits and Premiums
$4,000 – $9,000
Travel and Lodging for Initial Training
$1,500 – $4,500
Grand Opening Advertising
$2,000 – $5,000
Professional Fees
$3,000 – $5,000
Business Licenses and Permits
$5,000 – $15,000
Printing, Stationery, and Office Supplies
$1,500 – $3,000
Additional Funds – First 3 Months of Operation
$6,000 – $15,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$448,000 – $875,500
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$40,000
Initial Training Fee
$10,000
Construction and Leasehold Improvements
$200,000 – $500,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment
$100,000 – $120,000
Signs
$3,000 – $6,000
Technology Systems
$4,000 – $8,000
Initial Supply of Proprietary Items
$20,000 – $25,000
Other Initial Inventory
$5,000
Rent (3 Months) and Lease Deposits
$40,000 – $100,000
Utility Deposits
$3,000 – $5,000
Insurance Deposits and Premiums
$4,000 – $9,000
Travel and Lodging for Initial Training
$1,500 – $4,500
Grand Opening Advertising
$2,000 – $5,000
Professional Fees
$3,000 – $5,000
Business Licenses and Permits
$5,000 – $15,000
Printing, Stationery, and Office Supplies
$1,500 – $3,000
Additional Funds – First 3 Months of Operation
$6,000 – $15,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$448,000 – $875,500
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Nan Xiang Express's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Nan Xiang Express had 10 total units in 2025, of which 6 were franchised-owned and 4 company-owned.
Nan Xiang Express provides a detailed, multi-level training program for franchisees and their designated staff:
Initial Training Program: The program includes 56 hours of classroom and 56 hours of on-the-job training covering key areas such as brand culture, marketing, inventory, food preparation, customer service, and POS systems. Training is conducted at an approved facility in New York or New Jersey.
Mandatory Completion: All “Mandatory Trainees,” including the General Manager and Managing Owner, must successfully complete the Initial Training Program before restaurant operations begin. Failure to do so may result in franchise agreement termination.
On-Site Opening Support: Nan Xiang Express sends representatives to assist with the restaurant’s grand opening for five days. Franchisees must reimburse all associated travel and living expenses.
Ongoing Training: Franchisees may be required to attend periodic refresher or development training programs. These sessions may incur additional training fees (currently $300/day), plus expenses.
Training for New Managers: Any new General Manager hired during the term must also complete the Initial Training Program before assuming responsibilities.
Territory Protection
Nan Xiang Express offers conditional territory protection through a “Protected Territory,” typically defined as a 2-block radius in metropolitan areas or a 3-mile radius in non-metropolitan zones. This protection applies only if a geographic area is specifically designated in Exhibit C of the Franchise Agreement.
Even with a Protected Territory, Nan Xiang Express reserves the right to conduct competing business outside that area and may reduce or revoke protection if the franchisee breaches the agreement.
The franchisor can also use various distribution channels, including internet and retail sales, even within the Protected Territory. Therefore, while some protection is offered, it is limited, non-exclusive, and subject to revocation.
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