How Much Does a Story Time Chess Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$56K – $76K
Franchise Fee
$45K
Royalty
Greater of $200 per week or 7% of Gross Revenues
Ad Fund
1.0%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for Story Time Chess 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 Story Time Chess franchise requires a total investment of $56K – $76K. 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 $4K to $11K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, Story Time Chess franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty structure is: Greater of $200 per week or 7% of Gross Revenues. The advertising or brand fund contribution is 1.0% of gross sales.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
Story Time Chess requires working capital of $4K – $11K 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 Story Time Chess's Item 19 financial performance representation:
Median gross sales: $644K
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.
Next Steps
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