1851

Since opening their first restaurant in the late 1990s, Milwaukee locals Dave and Melanie Sobelman have built a successful brand engrained in the communities they serve. This led to a fan following that sings the praises of its crave-able burgers, Bloody Mary&rsquo;s piled high with toppings ranging from pickles to fried chicken and various flavored cheeseballs to friends and family across the country.

When he decided to franchise, Dave Sobelman knew he couldn&rsquo;t sacrifice the character he established at existing restaurants as the brand grew. He needed to maintain the quality of the product, neighborhood feel and high caliber of service of the brand he built. Therefore, <a href="http://ownasobelmans.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=sobelmans-pub-grill-the-anti-franchise-franchise-2703157" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sobelmans</a><a href="http://ownasobelmans.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=sobelmans-pub-grill-the-anti-franchise-franchise-2703157" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Pub &amp; Grill</a> is more &ldquo;anti-franchise&rdquo; than franchise.

&ldquo;As we look to expand, we want to build restaurants in historic buildings with character,&rdquo; Sobelman said. &ldquo;If you think of restaurants in malls or strip malls, it feels a little cold and impersonal. We want to be part of the neighborhood and I would be disconnecting myself from our loyal guests if we opened in a strip mall.&rdquo;

For some, limiting site selection for restaurants to landmark buildings may seem intimidating, but for Sobelman, it is worth the extra effort. As an emerging franchisor, he has the ability to spend extra time and attention on new franchisees and locations that will be a perfect fit for the brand.

&ldquo;I have a mental list of places in the area that would be great for a Sobelmans Pub &amp; Grill location,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We have proven the longevity of the brand with our existing restaurants, so real estate representatives see the value in working with us, unlike many other restaurant concepts that often don&rsquo;t last more than five years.&rdquo;

Sobelman turned to franchising as a way to scale the business because of the proven model and opportunity it provides for individuals looking to add to their business portfolio or those looking to pursue business ownership for the first time. With leaders who are passionate about their products and their people, <a href="https://sobelmanspubgrill.1851franchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=sobelmans-pub-grill-the-anti-franchise-franchise-2703157" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sobelmans</a><a href="https://sobelmanspubgrill.1851franchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=sobelmans-pub-grill-the-anti-franchise-franchise-2703157" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Pub &amp; Grill</a> wants to take its unique flavors to more communities across the country with the help of enthusiastic food lovers and entrepreneurs.

Sobelmans Pub &amp; Grill opened its first franchise location in early 2017 in Waukesha, Wisconsin and the second franchise location opened in Richfield, Wisconsin soon after. According to Sobelman, plans for growth continue to build momentum.

Prospective owners can expect their initial investment to range from $276,500 to $849,000 including a franchisee fee of $45,000. With enormous potential for growth, Sobelmans Pub &amp; Grill is an ideal opportunity entrepreneurs looking to dive into business ownership. Sobelmans provides all franchisees with comprehensive training, ongoing assistance, marketing materials, site selection and construction support.

&ldquo;Everything about our brand is simple and down-to-earth,&rdquo; Sobelman said. &ldquo;We got where we are through ambition, drive and determination and I truly believe that the quality of owners trickles down to the quality of everyone in the organization including our current and future franchisees.&rdquo;

Sobelmans Pub & Grill: The Anti-Franchise Franchise

1851 Franchise

How the growing Milwaukee-based brand has committed to differentiating itself in the franchise industry through strong local character and community involvement.

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

sobelmans-pub-grill-the-anti-franchise-franchise

TruBlue Home Service Ally

Why TruBlue is the Ideal Franchise for Multi-Unit Owners: Scalable Growth With a Purpose

why-trublue-is-the-ideal-franchise-for-multi-unit-owners-scalable-growth-with-a-purpose

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Koji Kanematsu Turned a 2,000-Year-Old Japanese Staple Into One of the Most Scalable Restaurant Franchise Models

koji-kanematsu-turned-a-2000-year-old-japanese-staple-into-one-of-the-most-scalable-restaurant-franchise-models

Lindora

Celebrating the Nurse Behind the Mission: How Melinda Endricks Is Powering Lindora’s Growth and Impact Nationwide

celebrating-the-nurse-behind-the-mission-how-melinda-endricks-is-powering-lindoras-growth-and-impact-nationwide

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Targets Chicago for Strategic Franchise Growth

sola-salons-targets-chicago-for-strategic-franchise-growth

Melting Pot

Photo of Melting Pot white chocolate fondue

How Melting Pot Franchisees Drive Year-Round Success Through Strategic Promotions and Local Marketing

melting-pot-franchise-year-round-success

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands - 1851 Franchise

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands

doordash-acquistions-deliveroo-sevenrooms

Crumbl Franchise Investment - TSG Consumer Partners -  1851 Franchise

TSG Consumer Partners Takes Minority Stake in Crumbl, Signaling Franchise Growth Potential

crumbl-franchise-investment-tsg-consumer

Yum Brands Reports Strong Q1 Results with Big Boost from Taco Bell

yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell

QSR: McDonald’s Gains Momentum With Chicken Innovation, Value Deals and Franchisee Support

mcdonalds-franchise-recovery-chicken-strategy-value-deals-2025

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

District Taco Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-district-tacos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

HTeaO Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-hteaos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Lumin Lash Franchise Deep Dive - Costs, Fees, Profit and Data - 1851 Franchise

Lumin Lash Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

lumin-lash-franchise-deep-dive

Photo of Happinest Brands vans and teams standing together

Happinest Brands Closes Strong Q1 With Strategic Growth, System-Wide Enhancements

happinest-brands-q1-2025-growth

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Amy Lepke and family and Papa Murphy's logo

After 14 Years as a Stay-At-Home Mom, Amy Lepke Returned to Papa Murphy’s — This Time as an Owner

papa-murphys-franchise-amy-lepke

Franchisee Spotlight with Micki Waters and Papa Murphy's Logo

Work Mom: How Micki Waters Became a Mother Figure to Her Entire Papa Murphy’s Team

work-mom-how-micki-waters-became-a-mother-figure-to-her-entire-papa-murphys-team

Franchisee spotlight image with photo of Robert Trujillo and UWRG logo on blue background

How Robert Trujillo Expanded His Construction Business With UWRG

how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg

Sobelmans Pub & Grill: The Anti-Franchise Franchise

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS