Protein Bar and Kitchen Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)

Protein Bar and Kitchen is a healthy fast-casual concept specializing in protein-rich meals. Franchisees are supported with comprehensive training, marketing strategies, and tools to run a successful, health-focused restaurant.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

Franchisees

n.a.

Franchise fee

$40,000

Investment

$370,000 - $685,000

Revenue (AUV)

$1,279,000

n.a.

Protein Bar & Kitchen is a fast-casual restaurant brand founded in 2009 in Chicago by entrepreneur Matt Matros. It began in a small downtown location with a vision to serve nutritious, protein-packed shakes and meals for busy, health-conscious customers.

Over time, the menu grew to include bowls, wraps, salads, smoothies, and breakfast items, all customizable and catering to a variety of diets including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

In May 2023, Protein Bar & Kitchen began franchising through Protein Bar and Kitchen Franchising, LLC. Just a month later, it signed its first multi-unit franchise agreement, launching a new location in Crown Point, Indiana.

The franchise stands out with a unique, streamlined kitchen design that requires no grills, fryers, or gas lines. Its efficient model supports multiple service formats including dine-in, takeout, delivery, online ordering, and catering—maximizing daily traffic and revenue opportunities.

Initial investment

The initial investment required for a Protein Bar and Kitchen franchise is $370,000 - $685,000. 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
Expenses Associated with Initial Training Program	$10,000 - $25,000
Real Property (Rent, Security Deposit)	$25,000 - $50,000
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment	$75,000 - $120,000
Leasehold Improvements	$135,000 - $290,000
Architectural Design	$20,000 - $30,000
Professional Fees	$1,000 - $5,000
Licenses and Permits	$2,000 - $10,000
Computer System and Technology Fee	$10,000 - $20,000
Opening Inventory, Supplies and Smallwares	$15,000 - $25,000
Grand Opening Advertising	$10,000 - $15,000
Insurance	$2,000 - $5,000
Signage	$7,500 - $20,000
Other Deposits	$2,000 - $5,000
Additional funds (3 months)	$15,000 - $25,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment	$369,500 – $685,000

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$40,000
Expenses Associated with Initial Training Program	$10,000 - $25,000
Real Property (Rent, Security Deposit)	$25,000 - $50,000
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment	$75,000 - $120,000
Leasehold Improvements	$135,000 - $290,000
Architectural Design	$20,000 - $30,000
Professional Fees	$1,000 - $5,000
Licenses and Permits	$2,000 - $10,000
Computer System and Technology Fee	$10,000 - $20,000
Opening Inventory, Supplies and Smallwares	$15,000 - $25,000
Grand Opening Advertising	$10,000 - $15,000
Insurance	$2,000 - $5,000
Signage	$7,500 - $20,000
Other Deposits	$2,000 - $5,000
Additional funds (3 months)	$15,000 - $25,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment	$369,500 – $685,000

Franchise Disclosure Document

Below is Protein Bar and Kitchen's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.

Number of units

Protein Bar and Kitchen had 16 total units in 2025, of which 3 were franchised-owned and 13 company-owned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Competitors

Below are some of

Protein Bar and Kitchen

key competitors in the

Healthy

sector.

Franchise

New

n.a.

6.00%

$370,000

$685,000

$1,279,000

13.2%

Koibito Poke

$200K - $500K

New

n.a.

6.00%

$273,000

$502,000

n.a.

Smoothie King

$200K - $500K

1149

New

10%

6.00%

$346,000

$1,278,000

$627,000

15.0%

Daboba

$200K - $500K

New

n.a.

6.00%

$218,000

$503,000

n.a.

Bowl Boss Acai

$100K - $200K

New

400%

6.00%

$107,000

$559,000

$606,000

20.0%

NrGize

$50K - $100K

New

-5%

6.00%

$89,000

$454,000

n.a.

Simple Plan Foods

$50K - $100K

New

n.a.

$0.3025 per Meal

$92,000

$117,000

$655,000

n.a.

Training

Protein Bar & Kitchen provides a detailed and structured training program to equip franchisees with the knowledge and skills necessary for operating their businesses effectively. The training programs include the following:

Initial Training Program: This consists of 240 hours of on-the-job training at a designated training facility in Chicago, IL. It includes 90 hours of back-of-house training, 30 hours of front-of-house training, and 120 hours of assignment weeks, where trainees manage operations under supervision.
Designated Manager Training: The franchisee’s Designated Manager must be approved by Protein Bar & Kitchen and complete the Initial Training Program. They are also required to meet educational and experience standards and may need certifications such as ServSafe.
Refresher and Additional Training: The franchisor may require attendance at annual conferences and periodic training sessions. These are held at designated times and locations, and the franchisee must bear associated costs.

Territory Protection

Protein Bar & Kitchen grants franchisees a Protected Territory tied to their approved business premises. Within this area, as long as the franchisee complies with the terms of the Franchise Agreement, no other Protein Bar & Kitchen location will be authorized.

The boundaries of the Protected Territory are defined at the time the premises are approved and may be influenced by factors such as population density, neighborhood characteristics, traffic flow, and proximity to competing businesses.