16 Handles franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The 16 Handles franchise fee is $30,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $249,500 to $656,500, with about $70,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the 16 Handles FDD.
What are the 16 Handles franchise fees and investment?
The 16 Handles franchise requires a franchise fee of $30,000 and a total initial investment of $249,500 to $656,500. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $30,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $249,500 to $656,500 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $70,000 |
| US locations | 31 |
| Industry | Food & Restaurant (Desserts) |
| Headquarters | New York |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Franchising since | 2011 |
How does the 16 Handles investment compare with other food & restaurant franchises?
16 Handles's minimum investment of $249,500 is at or below the median minimum investment of $297,082 across the 1213 food & restaurant franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 711 of the other 1211 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $30,000 compares with an industry median of $35,000.
By minimum investment, 16 Handles belongs with franchises from $100,000 to $250,000.
What should you verify in the 16 Handles FDD?
Verify six parts of the 16 Handles Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether 16 Handles discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to 16 Handles?
These food & restaurant franchises have the closest minimum investment to 16 Handles:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Fiiz Drinks | $40,000 | $249,500 to $774,500 |
| The Lost Cajun | $40,000 | $250,152 to $667,500 |
| SweetDuet | $10,000 | $250,300 to $352,800 |
| Nautical Bowls | $39,500 | $250,750 to $474,750 |
| Pizza Pit | $25,000 | $248,080 to $443,640 |
See every brand in food & restaurant franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 16 Handles franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a 16 Handles franchise ranges from $249,500 to $656,500, including a franchise fee of $30,000, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a 16 Handles franchise?
16 Handles lists a minimum of about $70,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many 16 Handles locations are there?
16 Handles reported 31 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has 16 Handles been franchising?
16 Handles started offering franchises in 2011 after the company was founded in 2011.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. 16 Handles and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by 16 Handles. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.