JL Beers franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The JL Beers franchise fee is $50,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $1,223,000 to $1,883,000, with about $280,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the JL Beers FDD.
What are the JL Beers franchise fees and investment?
The JL Beers franchise requires a franchise fee of $50,000 and a total initial investment of $1,223,000 to $1,883,000. 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) | $50,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $1,223,000 to $1,883,000 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $280,000 |
| US locations | 10 |
| Industry | Food & Restaurant (Fast Casual) |
| Headquarters | Fargo, North Dakota |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Franchising since | 2013 |
How does the JL Beers investment compare with other food & restaurant franchises?
JL Beers's minimum investment of $1,223,000 is above the median minimum investment of $297,082 across the 1213 food & restaurant franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 92 of the other 1211 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $50,000 compares with an industry median of $35,000.
By minimum investment, JL Beers belongs with franchises over $500,000.
What should you verify in the JL Beers FDD?
Verify six parts of the JL Beers 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 JL Beers 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 JL Beers?
These food & restaurant franchises have the closest minimum investment to JL Beers:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen | $50,000 | $1,222,045 to $3,923,245 |
| Slim Chickens | $30,000 | $1,228,900 to $4,466,000 |
| La Madeleine | $40,000 | $1,230,360 to $2,254,160 |
| Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant | $50,000 | $1,215,444 to $2,606,540 |
| Hooters | $50,000 | $1,233,300 to $4,075,000 |
See every brand in food & restaurant franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a JL Beers franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a JL Beers franchise ranges from $1,223,000 to $1,883,000, including a franchise fee of $50,000, 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 JL Beers franchise?
JL Beers lists a minimum of about $280,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many JL Beers locations are there?
JL Beers reported 10 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 JL Beers been franchising?
JL Beers started offering franchises in 2013 after the company was founded in 2009.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. JL Beers and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by JL Beers. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.