How Much Does a DQ Grill & Chill Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2022 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$1.5M – $2.4M
Franchise Fee
$45K
Royalty
4.0%
Ad Fund
5.0%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for DQ Grill & Chill is $45K. This one-time payment covers the right to operate under the brand, access to proprietary systems, and initial training programs.
Total Investment Range
Opening a DQ Grill & Chill franchise requires a total investment of $1.5M – $2.4M. This range typically includes real estate or leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, initial inventory, signage, insurance, and working capital to sustain operations during the ramp-up period.
Working capital alone ranges from $51K to $198K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, DQ Grill & Chill franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty fee is 4.0% of gross sales (Gross Sales). The advertising or brand fund contribution is 5.0% of gross sales.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
DQ Grill & Chill requires working capital of $51K – $198K to cover initial operating expenses. This is the liquid cash you should have available beyond the franchise fee and buildout costs.
What Can You Earn?
According to DQ Grill & Chill's Item 19 financial performance representation:
Median gross sales: $1.4M
This figure comes from Item 19 of the FDD. Gross sales are not the same as take-home profit. After deducting royalties, ad fund fees, rent, labor, and COGS, net income is typically a fraction of gross revenue.
How Do Banks View DQ Grill & Chill?
SBA Loans Issued
1,750
Default Rate
0.0%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. DQ Grill & Chill has 1,750 SBA-backed loans on record. The default rate is 0.0%, which is below the franchise industry average, indicating relatively lower lending risk. A lower default rate generally indicates that lenders view the franchise as a safer investment, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Next Steps
Talk to current DQ Grill & Chill franchise owners
Get verified franchisee phone numbers for due diligence
See full DQ Grill & Chill research
Risk analysis, unit growth, contract terms, and more
Compare DQ Grill & Chill to similar franchises
Side-by-side investment, revenue, and risk comparison