How Much Does a The James Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$3.2M
Franchise Fee
$125K
Royalty
5.0%
Ad Fund
3.5%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for The James is $125K. This one-time payment covers the right to operate under the brand, access to proprietary systems, and initial training programs.
Total Investment Range
Total investment data for The James is not currently available. 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 $526K to $1.8M.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, The James franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty fee is 5.0% of gross sales (Gross Rooms Revenue). The advertising or brand fund contribution is 3.5% of gross sales. There is also a technology fee of $9.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
The James requires working capital of $526K – $1.8M 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?
The James does not disclose earnings data in Item 19 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. Not all franchisors choose to publish financial performance representations, though this is a data point many prospective franchisees consider important.
How Do Banks View The James?
SBA Loans Issued
13
Default Rate
0.0%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. The James has 13 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
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