The Budlong Hot Chicken

The Budlong Hot Chicken Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

The Budlong Hot Chicken serves Nashville-style hot chicken, offering a variety of heat levels and Southern-inspired sides in a casual dining atmosphere.

Founded in 2016 in Chicago, Illinois, The Budlong Hot Chicken brings the bold, spicy flavors of Nashville-style hot chicken to the Midwest. Known for its authentic Southern roots, the brand serves up fried chicken sandwiches, tenders, and comforting sides like mac and cheese and banana pudding.

The company is headquartered in Chicago and began franchising in 2023 under the leadership of Craveworthy Brands, led by former Jimmy John’s CEO Gregg Majewski.

The Budlong stands out with its chef-curated, scratch-made menu that focuses on flavor and quality. Each meal is prepared to order, allowing guests to choose their preferred spice level. This attention to detail, paired with Southern hospitality and fresh ingredients, distinguishes The Budlong in the competitive fast-casual chicken space.

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	$35,000
Architect/Engineering Fee	$10,000 – $20,000
Business License & Permits	$1,000 – $10,000
Liquor License	$0 – $10,000
Rent - First 3 Months	$10,000 – $40,000
Leasehold Improvements	$30,000 – $400,000
Furniture, Fixtures & Decor	$10,000 – $50,000
Equipment	$15,000 – $250,000
Smallwares	$7,500 – $9,500
Insurance	$3,000 – $7,500
Miscellaneous Opening Costs	$5,000 – $15,000
Training Costs: Travel and Living Expenses While Training	$10,000 – $20,000
Opening Inventory	$7,500 – $15,000
Signage	$5,000 – $20,000
Professional Fees	$3,000 – $15,000
Uniforms	$1,000 – $2,500
Computer, Point of Sale System and Annual Maintenance Contract, and Office Equipment and Supplies	$5,000 – $20,000
Grand Opening Advertising	$10,000
Additional Funds – First 3 Months	$15,000 – $45,000
Total (Excluding Real Estate Cost)	$183,000 – $994,500

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$35,000
Architect/Engineering Fee	$10,000 – $20,000
Business License & Permits	$1,000 – $10,000
Liquor License	$0 – $10,000
Rent - First 3 Months	$10,000 – $40,000
Leasehold Improvements	$30,000 – $400,000
Furniture, Fixtures & Decor	$10,000 – $50,000
Equipment	$15,000 – $250,000
Smallwares	$7,500 – $9,500
Insurance	$3,000 – $7,500
Miscellaneous Opening Costs	$5,000 – $15,000
Training Costs: Travel and Living Expenses While Training	$10,000 – $20,000
Opening Inventory	$7,500 – $15,000
Signage	$5,000 – $20,000
Professional Fees	$3,000 – $15,000
Uniforms	$1,000 – $2,500
Computer, Point of Sale System and Annual Maintenance Contract, and Office Equipment and Supplies	$5,000 – $20,000
Grand Opening Advertising	$10,000
Additional Funds – First 3 Months	$15,000 – $45,000
Total (Excluding Real Estate Cost)	$183,000 – $994,500

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

The Budlong Hot Chicken provides a structured training program to ensure franchisees operate effectively within brand standards:

Initial Training Program: The Operating Principal and up to two key management personnel must attend and successfully complete an initial training program prior to opening. This training spans 2 to 3 weeks and includes 20 hours of virtual classroom training and 30 hours of on-the-job training at a certified training restaurant. Topics covered include restaurant operations, equipment usage, customer service, marketing, and cost control.
Refresher and Supplemental Training: The franchisor may require the Operating Principal and Principal Owner to attend additional training sessions or refresher programs. These sessions are adjusted based on the attendee's experience and are essential for maintaining operational standards.
Opening Assistance: The franchisor provides at least 40 hours of support during the restaurant's launch phase, which may include onsite help. Franchisees are responsible for associated travel and lodging expenses of the franchisor’s representatives.

Territory Protection

The Budlong Hot Chicken grants its franchisees a "Protected Territory" defined at the time of signing the Franchise Agreement and identified in Exhibit A. This territory is typically delineated by a radius or other geographic boundary around the restaurant location, and its size depends on factors like population density and area demographics.

As long as the franchisee complies with the terms of the agreement, the franchisor will not open or franchise another Budlong location within the Protected Territory during the term of the agreement.

However, The Budlong Hot Chicken explicitly states that franchisees do not receive an exclusive territory. The franchisor reserves the right to operate or license others to operate restaurants outside the Protected Territory and at non-traditional venues such as airports, malls, and universities—even within the Protected Territory.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Started franchising

2023

Franchisees

n.a.

Franchise fee

$35,000

Investment

$183,000 - $995,000

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

The Budlong Hot Chicken

key competitors in the

Chicken

sector.

Franchise

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New

n.a.

$35,000

$183,000

$995,000

n.a.

Wings and Rings

Over $500K