Frequently Asked Questions
Joining the PBK Community is a huge commitment -- we've outlined some of the questions we typically receive from potential franchisees
The FDD includes support detail on the requirements for operating a Protein Bar & Kitchen franchise, and is provided after we complete an initial introduction call
How much does it cost to open a Protein Bar & Kitchen franchise?
The estimated initial investment for one Protein Bar & Kitchen restaurant is $369,500 – $685,000, including a $40,000 initial franchise fee. That range covers leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, architectural design, signage, technology, opening inventory, grand opening marketing, training expenses, and three months of additional funds. Figures are as disclosed in Item 7 of our 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document.
How much can a Protein Bar & Kitchen franchise make?
The 5 Protein Bar & Kitchen Businesses in our Item 19 Data Set averaged $1,388,405 in annual Gross Sales, with a median of $1,410,659 and a range of $1,048,860 to $1,815,774. Average EBITDAR was 28.6% of Gross Sales, or 20.6% after deducting the 8% royalty and Brand Fund a franchised location would pay.
What are the financial requirements to qualify?
We look for candidates with at least $200,000 in liquid capital and $750,000 in net worth for a single unit, with higher thresholds for multi-unit development. Restaurant operating experience — particularly multi-unit franchise experience — is the strongest signal in an application, though it is not an absolute requirement.
What are the ongoing royalty and marketing fees?
Franchisees pay a 6% royalty on Gross Sales and a 2% Brand Fund contribution, for a combined 6% + 2% = 8% of Gross Sales. A monthly technology fee also applies and is described in Item 5 and Item 6 of the Franchise Disclosure Document.
What does Protein Bar & Kitchen look for in a location?
We target Traditional Locations of 1,250 – 1,700 sq ft with a mix of office and residential customers, standard weekday hours of 7am to 7pm, and weekend hours of 9am to 5pm. The best trade areas combine dense daytime employment with a residential base that carries evenings and weekends. Site characteristics will vary based on the nature of the trade area -- but factors including accessibility, visibility, parking availability, co-tenancy, and occupancy costs are all key factors to be evaluated
How does Protein Bar & Kitchen support franchisees?
Support starts before a lease is signed and continues after opening. Pre-opening: site selection and trade-area analysis, lease negotiation support, prototype design and architectural coordination, equipment specification and vendor setup, and an initial training program in Chicago. For your grand opening and beyond: on-site opening team, a robust cloud-based infrastructure of operations materials and reference guides, support in configuration of all key systems, supply chain and vendor program access, marketing calendar and local store marketing support, and ongoing operations coaching.
What makes Protein Bar & Kitchen different from other fast casual franchises?
Three things. First, the PBK brand has the most comprehensive protein-rich menu offerings in the industry including our protein shakes but extending across all dayparts, meal occasions, and modalities like catering. Second, our brand has been firmly focused on protein and better-for-you cuisine since 2009 with a senior leadership team averaging over a decade with the brand. Third, our minimally complex operating model allows PBK to be executed at a high level with no open flame cooking, no fryers, no black iron -- which translates into easier site selection and buildout processes.
How long does it take to open a Protein Bar & Kitchen?
From signed franchise agreement to opening typically runs 9 to 14 months, driven mostly by site selection and permitting. Qualification and FDD review usually take 60 to 90 days before that, including the federally required 14-day waiting period between receiving the Franchise Disclosure Document and signing anything.
What size space does a Protein Bar & Kitchen require?
A suitable space is 1,250 – 1,700 sq ft. Due to its minimal equipment footprint and lack of complexity, Protein Bar & Kitchen has many flexible configurations. PBK does not require black iron or ventilation, making it an ideal fit for compact spaces.
Who is behind Protein Bar & Kitchen?
Protein Bar & Kitchen is a part of Founders Table Restaurant Group, LLC. Founders Table operates nearly 200 corporate locations across the U.S. made up of four leading fast casual brands including Chopt Creative Salad, Dos Toros Taqueria, and Hopdoddy in addition to Protein Bar & Kitchen.
Can I open multiple Protein Bar & Kitchen locations?
Yes. Multi-unit development agreements for qualified operators are our preferred structure -- but are only awarded to those with the right set of experience. Development schedules, territory, and fees are set in a Development Agreement alongside the individual Franchise Agreements.
What markets are available for a Protein Bar & Kitchen franchise?
We are currently registered and franchising in most U.S. states -- markets are available contingent on experience and fit with the PBK brand
Average annual Gross Sales for the fiscal year 2025 (December 30, 2024 – December 27, 2025) of the 5 Protein Bar & Kitchen Businesses in the Data Set disclosed in Item 19 of our 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. All 5 are Traditional Locations owned and operated by our affiliate in and around Chicago, Illinois; no franchised locations are included because all 3 franchised locations operating at the end of the period were Non-Traditional Locations. 3 of the 5 attained or exceeded this figure. Adjusted EBITDAR is stated after deducting an additional 8% (6% royalty and 2% Brand Fund) that these locations would have paid if franchised. Some Protein Bar & Kitchen Businesses have earned this amount. Your individual results may differ. There is no assurance you will earn as much.