Waba Grill Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Fast-casual restaurant franchise offering teriyaki bowls, plates, and salads with a focus on fresh, healthy, and flavorful meals.

Established in 2006 in Southern California, WaBa Grill was founded on the principle that healthy food made with quality fresh ingredients should be accessible to all. The company is headquartered in Anaheim Hills, California.

WaBa Grill began franchising in 2008, expanding its presence throughout California and neighboring states. The franchise offers a menu centered around rice bowls, plates, and salads, featuring proteins such as fresh, never frozen chicken, marinated ribeye steak, wild-caught salmon, jumbo shrimp, and organic tofu.

All items are prepared to order on an open-fire grill, emphasizing a commitment to healthy, low-calorie, low-carb, and high-protein options.

What sets WaBa Grill apart from competitors is its dedication to serving nutritious meals without compromising on flavor or speed. By avoiding microwaves, fryers, and artificial additives, and by cooking without oil, WaBa Grill ensures that customers enjoy fresh and wholesome meals served at "on the go" speed.

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 ($30,000 for 2nd and any additional store)
Real Estate Security / Utility Deposits, Licenses and Prepaid Fees $7,000-$20,000
Equipment & Furniture $25,000-$35,000
Leasehold Improvements, including architectural and design fees $225,000-$400,000
Opening Inventory $5,500-$7,000
Insurance $2,000-$5,000
Signage, Menu Board $8,000-$20,000
Grand Opening Promotion $5,000-$10,000
Cash Registers/Other Office Equipment $8,500-$15,000
Additional Funds – 3 months $20,000-$30,000
TOTAL BASIC PACKAGE (excluding real estate) $341,000-$577,000
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $35,000 ($30,000 for 2nd and any additional store)
Real Estate Security / Utility Deposits, Licenses and Prepaid Fees $7,000-$20,000
Equipment & Furniture $25,000-$35,000
Leasehold Improvements, including architectural and design fees $225,000-$400,000
Opening Inventory $5,500-$7,000
Insurance $2,000-$5,000
Signage, Menu Board $8,000-$20,000
Grand Opening Promotion $5,000-$10,000
Cash Registers/Other Office Equipment $8,500-$15,000
Additional Funds – 3 months $20,000-$30,000
TOTAL BASIC PACKAGE (excluding real estate) $341,000-$577,000

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

Waba Grill provides a comprehensive training program to its franchisees to ensure operational success.

The training includes a two-week program at the franchisor's headquarters, covering core aspects of the business such as operational procedures, food preparation, customer service, and inventory management.

Additionally, on-site training at the franchisee’s location is provided for further hands-on learning and support. This combination equips franchisees with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to run a Waba Grill restaurant efficiently.

Territory Protection

Waba Grill provides territory protection to its franchisees as part of its franchise agreement. This protection ensures that each franchisee operates within an exclusive or defined geographic area, preventing other Waba Grill franchises from being established within the protected zone.

The goal is to help franchisees maximize market potential and minimize competition within their assigned territory.

The exact details of territory protection, such as the size and boundaries of the territory, are typically based on factors like population density and market demand. Waba Grill outlines these terms clearly in the franchise agreement, ensuring transparency and fairness.

Competitors

Below are some of

Waba Grill

key competitors in the

Asian

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

186

New
+
1%
1%

$35,000

$341,000

$577,000

n.a.

$849,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Yoshinoya

Yoshinoya is a quick-service restaurant franchise offering Japanese-style beef bowls, chicken, and sides, serving value-minded diners, and known for speedy service, signature gyudon, and consistent, satisfying rice-bowl meals.

Franchisees

?

23
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$456,000 - $2,154,000

Inchins Bamboo Garden

Inchin's Bamboo Garden is an Asian restaurant franchise offering Indo-Chinese cuisine, noodles, fried rice, and small plates, serving families and group diners, and known for bold flavors, shareable dishes, and vibrant, contemporary interiors.

Franchisees

?

20
+
-13%
-13%
Investment

?

$635,000 - $867,000

Yeung's Lotus Express

Yeung’s Lotus Express is a quick-service Asian franchise offering Chinese and Pan-Asian cuisine via fast casual outlets, serving lunch and dinner crowds, and known for combining restaurant quality with fast-service convenience. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Franchisees

?

12
+
20%
20%
Investment

?

$295,000 - $1,404,000

Paik's Noodle

Paik’s Noodle is an Asian fast-casual franchise offering rice bowls, noodle dishes, and Asian fusion flavors, serving quick-lunch and dinner customers, and known for fresh customizable bowls, clean layout, and modern brand identity.

Franchisees

?

28
+
87%
87%
Investment

?

$349,000 - $474,000

Fluffy Fluffy

Fluffy Fluffy is a dessert café franchise offering Japanese soufflé pancakes with fresh toppings and beverages, serving dessert lovers and social café guests, and known for visually appealing dishes, Instagram-friendly atmosphere, and innovative menu options.

Franchisees

?

8
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$319,000 - $609,000

Dae Gee Korean BBQ

Dae Gee Korean BBQ is a restaurant franchise offering Korean barbecue with a do-it-yourself grilling experience. Customers cook their own meats at the table, enjoying a communal and interactive dining atmosphere.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$480,000 - $949,000