bd's Mongolian Grill

bd's Mongolian Grill

Information based on 2021 FDD

Food & Beverage · Fast Casual

Investment min
$881K
Total: $881K–$2M
Avg gross revenue
N/A
Unit-level, 2021
Franchise fee
$45K
Per current disclosure
Royalty
4.5%
of gross revenue
Locations
11
Franchising since 1995

Description

What is bd's Mongolian Grill?

bd's Mongolian Grill is an innovative fast-casual dining concept that has been delighting customers since 1992 with its unique interactive dining experience. This create-your-own stir-fry restaurant puts guests in control of their culinary adventure, offering an exciting departure from traditional dining establishments.

At bd's, guests become the architect of their perfect meal by selecting from an extensive array of fresh ingredients, including premium meats, seafood, fresh vegetables, noodles, and signature sauces. The real magic happens at the restaurant's centerpiece – a massive, round Mongolian-style grill where skilled grill masters cook each custom creation with theatrical flair, using their signature long grilling sticks in an entertaining display of culinary showmanship.

What sets bd's apart is its commitment to customization and entertainment value. Whether guests are health-conscious diners, adventurous foodies, or families looking for a fun dining experience, the concept caters to all preferences and dietary requirements. The restaurant's atmosphere is energetic and welcoming, with attentive staff who guide first-time visitors through the create-your-own-bowl process.

Beyond just being a restaurant, bd's Mongolian Grill has cultivated a loyal following through its engaging dining concept, generous portions, and ability to accommodate diverse dietary preferences. The franchise has successfully maintained its position in the competitive fast-casual sector by delivering consistent quality while providing a memorable, interactive dining experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
  • Original create-your-own stir-fry restaurant concept
  • Interactive Asian-fusion dining experience
  • Full bar with craft cocktail offerings
  • Multiple revenue streams including dine-in, delivery, and catering
  • Over 32 years of operational experience since 1992
  • Chef-curated premium stir-fry bowls with elevated ingredients

Location Analysis

Where bd's Mongolian Grill wins

bd's Mongolian Grill maintains a concentrated Midwestern presence across multiple states, showing strongest penetration in Michigan. The franchise's geographic footprint reveals a strategic focus on populous Midwestern markets, particularly along the I-75 corridor from Michigan through Ohio. This regional clustering suggests successful market validation in areas with strong consumer spending power and appreciation for interactive dining experiences.

The brand's notable concentration in college towns and suburban areas with higher disposable income indicates a target demographic of young professionals and families seeking experiential dining. Key success factors appear to include locations in retail corridors with high foot traffic and proximity to entertainment districts or shopping centers, as demonstrated by their successful presence near major universities and commercial centers.

Market expansion opportunities exist in underserved Midwestern states like Indiana and Wisconsin, which share similar demographic profiles to current successful markets. The concept's interactive dining model and moderate price point position it well against both traditional casual dining and fast-casual competitors, particularly in markets with diverse dining preferences.

For prospective franchisees, ideal locations should target areas with median household incomes above $65,000, daytime population density exceeding 25,000 within a 3-mile radius, and proximity to retail centers or entertainment districts. Secondary markets in existing states offer particularly attractive expansion opportunities, leveraging established brand recognition while avoiding market saturation.
Total US locations
20
Franchise units
11
Corporate locations
9
Avg. sq. footage
N/A

Loading map...

Territory check

Is your territory available?

Let's find out.

try

We'll take you through a few quick questions, then bd's Mongolian Grill confirms availability directly.

Availability

Financial Analysis

The numbers behind bd's Mongolian Grill

Avg gross revenueN/A
Investment range$881,000 – $2,276,500
Investment midpoint$1,578,750
Brand fund3%
Royalty4.5%
Franchise fee$45,000
Min. net worth
Min. liquid capital
BD's Mongolian Grill requires a substantial investment of $881,000 to $2,276,500, positioning it in the premium tier of fast-casual franchises. This investment significantly exceeds the sub-sector average range of $406,514 to $894,151, reflecting the brand's full-service restaurant model with interactive dining experiences, full bar capabilities, and extensive kitchen equipment requirements. The elevated capital requirements typically include specialized grill equipment, build-out costs for the interactive cooking stations, and comprehensive restaurant infrastructure.

The Asian fusion segment benefits from growing consumer demand for customizable dining experiences and healthier fast-casual options. However, BD's 20-unit system represents a relatively small footprint among the 141 fast-casual franchises in the sub-sector, which may impact brand recognition and operational leverage. Established in 1992, the franchise demonstrates over 32 years of operational longevity but limited expansion velocity, suggesting either selective growth strategies or market challenges.

Notably, revenue data is not available for this franchise, which limits comprehensive financial performance evaluation compared to the sub-sector average of $696,569. The investment level requires substantial liquid capital and net worth, making this opportunity suitable for experienced restaurant operators or well-capitalized investors. The interactive dining concept and full-service elements increase operational complexity compared to traditional fast-casual models, requiring hands-on management and skilled staff training.
Did you know? Starting a bd's Mongolian Grill franchise, where guests create their own stir-fry masterpieces on a massive circular grill, requires a total investment between $881,000 and $2,276,500 (which includes the $45,000 franchise fee), with costs varying significantly based on your restaurant's size, location, and local market conditions.

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$881K–$2M
Most common
$881,000
Minimum
$1,578,750
Midpoint
$2,276,500
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $881,000 to $2,276,500. The midpoint $1,578,750 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

Growth over time

Franchise footprint

+5% YoY
2520151050
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
20 units open as of 2021 FDD+1 in last 12 mo

2021 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for bd's Mongolian Grill's 2021 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2021 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a bd's Mongolian Grill franchise typically ranges between $881,000.00 and $2,276,500.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2021. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

bd's Mongolian Grill
bd's Mongolian Grill
N/A avg revenue · 11+ US franchises

Franchises for you

Other brands in the same vertical and investment band — recommendations based on what you've explored.

Spotlight

Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$2,172,042
Min Investment$850,000
Founded1966
Franchise Units94+

Spotlight

Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Frios Gourmet Pops

Food & Beverage

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$64,584
Founded2018
Franchise Units115+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$274,576
Min Investment$170,800
Founded2017
Franchise Units5+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Tea Bar - Mobile Unit

Food & Beverage

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$95,000
Founded2014
Franchise UnitsN/A
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Tea Bar

Food & Beverage

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$266,037
Founded2014
Franchise UnitsN/A
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

3Natives Acai Cafe

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$947,071
Min Investment$310,000
Founded2013
Franchise Units42+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Goodness Bowls

Food & Beverage

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$325,119
Founded2019
Franchise Units5+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Breadless

Food & Beverage

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$439,202
Founded2025
Franchise UnitsN/A