The Flame Broiler Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
The Flame Broiler is a fast-casual Asian-rice-bowl franchise offering chicken, beef, tofu and rice or salad bowls, serving health- and value-focused diners, and known for simple model, quick service, and proven franchising system.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
120
+
-21%
-21%
Franchise fee
?
$35,000
Investment
?
$411,000 - $715,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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The Flame Broiler is a fast-casual franchise known for serving Korean-style rice bowls built around simple, healthy ingredients. The concept was launched in 1995 by founder Young Lee in Fullerton, California, and has since expanded to more than 190 restaurants nationwide. The company now operates from its headquarters in Santa Ana, California.
The brand introduced franchising in 1999, giving business owners the chance to join a concept focused on convenient, better-for-you meals. Its menu centers on customizable bowls made with options like natural chicken, Angus beef, and organic tofu, paired with fresh vegetables and house-made sauces.
The Flame Broiler’s emphasis on clean ingredients and straightforward preparation has helped it stand out in the quick-service market. Its health-forward approach attracts customers who want satisfying food without the heaviness of traditional fast-food offerings.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a The Flame Broiler franchise is $411,000 - $715,000. 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
$35,000
Rent Deposit & 3 Months Rent
$10,535 to $48,000
Utility Security Deposits
$0 to $1,771
Leasehold Improvements
$224,911 to $326,722
Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment
$42,605 to $52,943
Initial Inventory
$4,913 to $7,234
Insurance
$6,262 to $14,175
Training Expenses
$262 to $26,968
Grand Opening Advertising
$2,000 to $4,133
Signage
$4,633 to $11,807
Office Equipment/Supplies
$1,158 to $2,952
Professional Fees, License & Permits
$10,918 to $46,000
Software License and Support and Related Fees
$1,266 to $1,881
Additional Funds (3 Months)
$66,815 to $135,188
Total
$411,278 to $714,774
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$35,000
Rent Deposit & 3 Months Rent
$10,535 to $48,000
Utility Security Deposits
$0 to $1,771
Leasehold Improvements
$224,911 to $326,722
Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment
$42,605 to $52,943
Initial Inventory
$4,913 to $7,234
Insurance
$6,262 to $14,175
Training Expenses
$262 to $26,968
Grand Opening Advertising
$2,000 to $4,133
Signage
$4,633 to $11,807
Office Equipment/Supplies
$1,158 to $2,952
Professional Fees, License & Permits
$10,918 to $46,000
Software License and Support and Related Fees
$1,266 to $1,881
Additional Funds (3 Months)
$66,815 to $135,188
Total
$411,278 to $714,774
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is The Flame Broiler's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
The Flame Broiler had 132 total units in 2024, of which 120 were franchised-owned and 12 company-owned.
The Flame Broiler provides a structured and multi-tiered training program for its franchisees to ensure consistent operations across all locations. Here's a breakdown of the training programs offered by the franchisor:
Initial Training Program The franchisor offers an initial training program for up to two representatives of the franchisee—typically the principal owner and one designated manager. This program may last up to twelve weeks and must be completed at least two weeks prior to opening the franchised restaurant. It includes classroom and on-the-job training at a Flame Broiler location and covers operational areas such as food preparation, financial controls, marketing, sanitation, and customer service standards.
Opening Assistance Training For up to one week during the restaurant's opening, the franchisor provides an on-site representative to help with operational setup and staff training. This is at no cost to the franchisee unless additional support is requested beyond the one-week period.
Ongoing (Refresher) Training The franchisee and their staff must attend ongoing refresher training programs totaling 40 hours (5 business days) per year. These are conducted in person and online, and the franchisee bears all associated costs. Attendance is mandatory and may also include franchise-wide conferences.
Territory Protection
The Flame Broiler does not grant exclusive territory rights to individual franchisees. Franchisees may face competition from other Flame Broiler outlets, including those owned by the franchisor, as well as other distribution channels or competitive brands under the franchisor’s control.
The franchised restaurant must operate at a location approved by the franchisor, and relocation costs fall solely on the franchisee.
However, franchisees who sign an Area Development Agreement may receive a defined Development Territory where no other Flame Broiler locations will be established—until the agreement expires or all restaurants are developed as per schedule.
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