First Watch vs Hotshots Sports Bar and Grill
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both First Watch and Hotshots Sports Bar and Grill are full-service restaurants franchises. First Watch requires an investment of $1.2M – $2.0M while Hotshots Sports Bar and Grill requires $969K – $2.2M. Hotshots Sports Bar and Grill discloses average revenue of $1.5M; First Watch makes no financial performance representation in its Item 19, which is voluntary under the FTC Franchise Rule. FranchiseVerdict rates First Watch A (Strongest tier) and Hotshots Sports Bar and Grill B (Above average).
| Metric | First Watch | Hotshots Sports Bar and Grill |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tier | BAbove average |
| Investment Range | $1.2M – $2.0M | $969K – $2.2M |
| Franchise Fee | $40K | $50K |
| Royalty Rate | 4.0% | 6.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | N/ANo Item 19 representation | $1.5M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | Limited data | Limited data |
| Total Units | 474 | 14 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | +14 units | +1 units |
| Year Began Franchising | 2008 | 2010 |
| FDD Year | 2023 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$1.2M – $2.0M
$969K – $2.2M
Franchise Fee
$40K
$50K
Royalty Rate
4.0%
6.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
N/ANo Item 19 representation
$1.5M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
Limited data
Limited data
Total Units
474
14
Unit Growth (YoY)
+14 units
+1 units
Year Began Franchising
2008
2010
FDD Year
2023
2025