Flame Broiler

Flame Broiler

Information based on 2022 FDD

Food & Beverage · Fast Casual

Investment min
$390K
Total: $390K–$639K
Avg gross revenue
N/A
Unit-level, 2022
Franchise fee
$35K
Per current disclosure
Royalty
5%
of gross revenue
Locations
151
Franchising since 1999

Description

What is Flame Broiler?

Flame Broiler has established itself as a leading health-focused fast-casual restaurant concept, offering a simple yet powerful menu of Korean-inspired rice bowls that perfectly balance nutrition and taste. Founded in 1995, this franchise has grown steadily by staying true to its core mission of serving 'simple, healthy food' to busy Americans.

What sets Flame Broiler apart is its commitment to clean eating and transparency in food preparation. Their signature bowls feature grilled meats (chicken, beef) or tofu served over white or brown rice, accompanied by fresh vegetables and their famous 'Magic Sauce.' All proteins are marinated and grilled to perfection, with no skin, trans-fats, or dairy products used in any dishes.

The restaurant's streamlined operations model focuses on efficiency without compromising food quality. Their minimalist menu reduces complexity while maintaining high standards of food preparation and customer service. The concept particularly resonates with health-conscious consumers seeking quick, nutritious meals that don't sacrifice flavor.

Flame Broiler's success is evidenced by its loyal customer base, who consistently praise the fresh ingredients, quick service, and clean restaurant environments. The brand has particularly strong appeal in urban and suburban areas with health-conscious demographics and busy professionals looking for reliable, nutritious meal options.

For potential franchisees, Flame Broiler offers a proven business model with strong operational support and a concept that aligns with growing consumer demand for healthy, convenient dining options. The brand's commitment to quality and simplicity has created a sustainable business model that continues to attract both customers and entrepreneurs.
  • 28 years proven restaurant concept since 1995
  • Below sub-sector average investment requirements
  • Simple menu drives operational efficiency
  • Korean Wave cultural momentum advantage
  • No dairy, trans-fat, or frying - health-focused menu
  • 158 active units demonstrating system stability

Location Analysis

Where Flame Broiler wins

Flame Broiler, established in 1995, maintains a notable presence across multiple states, demonstrating a focused regional presence primarily in the Western United States. The brand shows strong market penetration in California, with additional locations established in Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona, reflecting their strategic expansion across their operating territory.

The franchise maintains a strong average rating of 4.15 across numerous customer reviews, indicating consistent service quality. This is exemplified by their strong performance in select California locations, demonstrating the potential for high performance in strategically selected markets.

Ideal locations for Flame Broiler typically include areas with high daytime population density, health-conscious demographics, and proximity to office complexes or educational institutions. The brand's success in California markets suggests particular strength in communities with strong Asian-American populations and preferences for healthy quick-service options.

Significant expansion opportunities exist in untapped Western markets and high-growth Sunbelt states, particularly in Arizona and Texas, where demographics align with the brand's healthy fast-casual positioning. While the brand has established a strong foundation in California over its 27-year history, its measured expansion into Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona indicates a strategic approach to market development with careful attention to operational excellence and market validation.
Total US locations
158
Franchise units
151
Corporate locations
7
Avg. sq. footage
N/A

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Financial Analysis

The numbers behind Flame Broiler

Avg gross revenueN/A
Investment range$390,439 – $638,502
Investment midpoint$514,471
Brand fund3%
Royalty5%
Franchise fee$35,000
Min. net worth
Min. liquid capital
Flame Broiler requires an initial investment of $390,439-$638,502, positioning it competitively within the fast-casual segment. Investment levels fall below sub-sector averages ($406,514-$894,151), offering attractive positioning for emerging franchisees seeking market entry opportunities.

The Korean fast-casual market benefits from growing consumer demand for healthy, customizable dining options and the global Korean cultural wave. Fast-casual concepts continue expanding as consumers seek quality alternatives to traditional quick-service restaurants, with Korean cuisine gaining mainstream acceptance across diverse demographics.

With 158 units and 28 years of operation since 1995, Flame Broiler demonstrates established system maturity and operational stability. The moderate unit count suggests controlled growth with potential market expansion opportunities, though brand recognition may vary by region compared to larger fast-casual chains.

Important Note: Revenue data is not currently available for this franchise, which represents a significant limitation for comprehensive investment evaluation. Prospective franchisees should request detailed financial performance representations during the discovery process.

The concept's simple menu structure and efficient operations reduce complexity for owner-operators. Ideal candidates possess restaurant industry experience, strong operational backgrounds, and commitment to active management. Market entry timing benefits from Korean cuisine's rising popularity, though competitive fast-casual landscapes require careful market analysis and thorough due diligence review.
Did you know? Starting your own Flame Broiler franchise - known for their fresh, healthy "build your own bowl" concept with grilled chicken, beef, and vegetables over rice - requires a total investment between $390,439 and $638,502, which includes the $35,000 franchise fee plus all equipment, build-out costs, and working capital needed to bring this popular California-born fast-casual restaurant to your community.

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

$390K–$639K
Most common
$390,439
Minimum
$514,471
Midpoint
$638,502
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $390,439 to $638,502. The midpoint $514,471 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
250200150100500
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
158 units open as of 2022 FDD-9 in last 12 mo

2022 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Flame Broiler's 2022 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 2022 FDD

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

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a Flame Broiler franchise typically ranges between $390,439.00 and $638,502.00. 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 2022. 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.

Flame Broiler
Flame Broiler
N/A avg revenue · 151+ US franchises

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