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How Much Can I Make as an Urban Bird Hot Chicken Franchisee?

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Urban Bird Hot Chicken Is What Happens When Real Franchise Operators Build the Brand They Always Wanted to Buy

10 Reasons to Buy an Urban Bird Hot Chicken Franchise

Why Urban Bird's Commitment to Quality is Fueling its Rise in the Craveworthy World of Hot Chicken

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<a href="https://urbanbirdfranchise.com/">Urban Bird Hot Chicken</a> grew its model through nearly 30 company-operated restaurants before franchising. That operating history gives prospective franchisees a clearer look at the brand’s startup costs, systems, product standards and reported unit-level performance. For operators comparing restaurant opportunities, the investment range is one of the first numbers to understand.So, how much does it cost to get started with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/urban-bird-hot-chicken/info">Urban Bird</a>?<h2>Initial Investment Breakdown</h2>The initial investment required for an Urban Bird franchise ranges from $431,300 to $837,800 for a first-generation buildout, where the restaurant is built from scratch. The investment for a second-generation restaurant that converts an existing space ranges from $236,300 to $587,800.This real estate flexibility gives operators more options when entering new markets and can help improve overall return on investment, depending on site selection.Urban Bird’s 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Expenditure</td><td>First-GenerationBuildout</td><td>Second-Generation Buildout</td></tr><tr><td>Initial Franchise Fee</td><td>$35,000</td><td>$35,000</td></tr><tr><td>Construction &amp; Leasehold Improvements</td><td>$220,000 - $400,000</td><td>$25,000 - $150,000</td></tr><tr><td>Lease Deposits &amp; Rent (3 Months)</td><td>$15,000 - $36,000</td><td>$15,000 - $36,000</td></tr><tr><td>Furniture, Fixtures &amp; Equipment</td><td>$44,000 - $144,000</td><td>$44,000 - $144,000</td></tr><tr><td>Signage</td><td>$7,000 - $20,000</td><td>$7,000 - $20,000</td></tr><tr><td>Technology &amp; POS Systems</td><td>$7,000 - $17,000</td><td>$7,000 - $17,000</td></tr><tr><td>Grand Opening Marketing</td><td>$5,000 - $15,000</td><td>$5,000 - $15,000</td></tr><tr><td>Opening Inventory</td><td>$12,000 - $16,000</td><td>$12,000 - $16,000</td></tr><tr><td>Utility Deposits</td><td>$2,500 - $12,000</td><td>$2,500 - $12,000</td></tr><tr><td>Insurance (3 Months)</td><td>$1,800 - $3,800</td><td>$1,800 - $3,800</td></tr><tr><td>Training Travel Expenses</td><td>$3,000 - $10,000</td><td>$3,000 - $10,000</td></tr><tr><td>Professional Fees</td><td>$4,500 - $20,500</td><td>$4,500 - $20,500</td></tr><tr><td>Licenses &amp; Permits</td><td>$4,500 - $8,500</td><td>$4,500 - $8,500</td></tr><tr><td>Additional Funds (3 Months)</td><td>$70,000 - $100,000</td><td>$70,000 - $100,000</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><h2>Built From Real Operator Experience</h2>One defining aspect of Urban Bird’s cost structure is that it has been shaped by founders who have spent decades in the franchisee seat.“We spent years growing restaurants inside another franchise system, and that experience shapes everything we do today,” said co-founder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-gawthorp-00170523a">Brandon Gawthorp</a>. “When you’re responsible for the rent, payroll and performance of every store, you develop a very practical perspective about what a franchisor should be doing for its operators.”Rather than franchising early, the brand built nearly 30 corporate locations, allowing the team to refine construction costs, operational workflows and equipment needs through real-world experience.“When someone joins the Urban Bird system, they’re benefiting from everything we’ve learned along the way,” said co-founder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantel-antoinette-fiaschetti-a15620a9">Chantel Fiaschetti</a>.<h2>How Much Can You Make?</h2>While startup costs are lower than many fast-casual concepts, Urban Bird still boasts strong revenue potential. According to the 2026 FDD, company-owned restaurants operating for the full year in 2025 reported average gross sales of $1,803,101, with a high of $3,784,619 and a low of $1,130,904.Additionally, average direct gross profit reached $552,628, reflecting the impact of operational discipline and cost control at the store level.“When you’ve operated restaurants for as long as we have, you know the numbers matter just as much as the food,” Fiaschetti said. “We’ve spent years studying the business from every angle — food costs, labor, vendors and real estate strategy — and making changes that make the model stronger.”<h2>A Cost Structure Designed for Scalability</h2>Urban Bird’s investment range is in line with many restaurant franchise opportunities while still supporting a full fast-casual buildout. The numbers are also grounded in a system the team has tested and adjusted through its own restaurants.From construction efficiencies to menu design and throughput, the brand has focused on building a model that can perform consistently across locations.Combined with strong unit-level sales, flexible real estate options and a disciplined approach to growth, Urban Bird positions itself as a franchise opportunity designed for operators looking to scale within the fast-growing chicken category.To learn more about the Urban Bird Hot Chicken franchise opportunity, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/urban-bird-hot-chicken">https://1851franchise.com/urban-bird-hot-chicken</a>.

The total investment to open an Urban Bird franchise ranges from $431,300 to $837,800 for a first-generation buildout and $236,300 to $587,800 for a second-generation buildout.

How Much Does It Cost to Open an Urban Bird Hot Chicken Franchise?

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<a href="https://www.urbanbirdhotchicken.com/franchise/">Urban Bird Hot Chicken</a> has expanded quickly across Texas, but the brand’s growth did not come from chasing the latest restaurant trend or rushing to sell franchise agreements. The hot chicken concept was developed by operators who spent years building restaurants inside an existing franchise system before launching their own brand.Co-founders&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-gawthorp-00170523a/">Brandon Gawthorp</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantel-fiaschetti-gawthorp-a15620a9/">Chantel Fiaschetti</a> scaled Wingstop to 32 locations before turning their attention to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/urban-bird-hot-chicken/info">Urban Bird</a>. That experience, along with the lessons that came from both success and setbacks along the way, shaped a concept designed with franchise operators in mind. After opening nearly 30 company-owned locations across the Lone Star State and refining the model through real-world operations, Urban Bird has begun franchising selectively, offering operators the opportunity to join a system that has already been tested at scale.For entrepreneurs evaluating restaurant investments, here are 10 reasons Urban Bird Hot Chicken stands out as a franchise opportunity.<h2>1. Built by Franchisees Who Understand the Operator Seat</h2>Urban Bird’s founders spent decades operating in the franchisee seat before launching their own brand. That background gives them a clear understanding of the challenges franchise owners face — from managing labor and food costs to navigating real estate and maintaining profitability.“We spent years growing restaurants inside another franchise system, and that experience shapes everything we do today,” Gawthorp said. “When you’re responsible for the rent, payroll and performance of every store, you develop a very practical perspective about what a franchisor should be doing for its operators. Urban Bird was built with that mindset from the beginning. We want franchisees to walk into a model that has already been refined and strengthened through real-world operations.”<h2>2. Nearly 30 Corporate Locations Refined the Model</h2>Rather than franchising early, Urban Bird’s leadership team focused first on building a significant corporate footprint. That approach allowed them to test different restaurant sizes, real estate formats and operational systems while gathering meaningful data across multiple locations.By the time franchising began, the model had already been refined through years of hands-on experience. Franchisees benefit from a system that has been developed through actual restaurant operations rather than theoretical projections.<h2>3. Strong Unit-Level Performance</h2>Urban Bird’s corporate restaurants demonstrate the strength of the concept’s financial performance. In 2025, the brand reported average gross sales of approximately $1.7 million across company-owned locations (that were open for at least 12 months), with the highest-performing restaurant exceeding $3.7 million in annual sales.These numbers provide prospective franchisees with a clear picture of how the model performs in the real world and offer confidence that the concept has already proven its ability to generate strong revenue.<h2>4. Operational Discipline That Supports Profitability</h2>As Urban Bird expanded its corporate footprint, the founders continually refined the operating model to improve efficiency. Through supply chain negotiations, operational improvements and careful cost management, the company reduced average store-level expenses by nearly 7 percent in 2025.For franchise operators, those improvements translate directly into stronger margins and a more efficient restaurant model. According to Fiaschetti, the focus on economics was intentional from the start.“When you’ve operated restaurants for as long as we have, you know the numbers matter just as much as the food,” she said. “We’ve spent years studying the business from every angle — food costs, labor, vendors, real estate strategy — and making changes that make the model stronger. When someone joins the Urban Bird system, they’re benefiting from everything we’ve learned along the way.”<h2>5. A Quality-First Approach to the Food</h2>Urban Bird distinguishes itself in the crowded chicken category through&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/urban-bird-hot-chicken/urban-bird-hot-chicken-franchise-consumer-positioning-2731454">a strong commitment to product quality</a>. The brand’s chicken is brined, breaded to order and cooked fresh, creating a distinctive flavor and texture that keeps guests coming back.That quality focus reflects the founders’ belief that a strong product is the foundation of a successful restaurant.“We’ve always believed the food has to be exceptional if you want to build a lasting brand,” Fiaschetti said. “Our team takes pride in doing things the right way, from the way the chicken is prepared to the way each restaurant operates. When guests experience that consistency, it builds trust and loyalty over time.”<h2>6. Designed for the Delivery Era</h2>Urban Bird’s menu and operational systems were built with off-premises dining in mind. Delivery and takeout have become essential revenue streams for modern restaurants, and the brand engineered its menu to maintain quality even after travel.Details such as fry preparation and packaging were developed specifically to ensure food holds up well during delivery, helping franchisees maximize digital sales opportunities.<h2>7. Innovation That Supports Restaurant Economics</h2>Urban Bird also explores innovation through additional revenue streams designed to complement its core operations. Virtual concepts such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eatbunslut.com/">Bun Slut</a> (in testing) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chronicfries.fun/">Big Back Fries</a> allow restaurants to generate incremental sales while utilizing existing kitchen capacity.Because these concepts operate within the same infrastructure, they can increase revenue potential without significantly increasing operational complexity.<h2>8. Significant White Space for Expansion</h2>Although Urban Bird has established a strong presence in Texas, the concept remains early in its broader expansion. The founders see strong potential in suburban and secondary markets where population growth and favorable demographics support fast-casual dining.“The exciting part of where we are right now is that the brand has already been proven in our own system, but there is still a lot of runway ahead,” Gawthorp said. “We have the ability to be intentional about who we bring in and where we grow, and that matters because the right early partners can help define the future of the brand.”<h2>9. A Disciplined Approach to Franchise Growth</h2>Urban Bird plans to expand its franchise network carefully, awarding a limited number of franchise agreements each year. This deliberate strategy allows the company to maintain strong training programs, operational support and brand culture as the system grows.“Our goal is to build something sustainable,” Gawthorp said. “We’re focused on working with operators who share our values and want to build great restaurants. Growing the right way takes time, but it’s the best way to protect the brand and support the people investing in it.”<h2>10. A Culture Built on Experience and Resilience</h2>Urban Bird’s culture&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/urban-bird-hot-chicken/urban-bird-hot-chicken-franchise-opportunity-2731453">reflects the founders’ own journey through the restaurant industry</a>. After years of growth, challenges and learning experiences, Gawthorp and Fiaschetti built the brand around discipline, teamwork and a commitment to doing things the right way.Those values continue to guide the company as it expands into new markets and welcomes new franchise partners.“We’ve experienced both the successes and the setbacks that come with building restaurants,” Fiaschetti said. “That journey shaped the way we approach this brand. Our focus is on strong systems, strong partnerships and creating opportunities for operators who want to build something meaningful.”As Urban Bird Hot Chicken begins expanding beyond Texas, the brand offers a franchise opportunity supported by years of operational experience, proven unit economics and a leadership team that understands the franchisee journey firsthand.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/urban-bird-hot-chicken">https://1851franchise.com/urban-bird-hot-chicken</a>.

10 Reasons to Buy an Urban Bird Hot Chicken Franchise - 1851 Franchise

After building nearly 30 corporate restaurants, founders Brandon Gawthorp and Chantel Fiaschetti are expanding Urban Bird with a model shaped by real-world franchise experience.

10-reasons-to-buy-an-urban-bird-hot-chicken-franchise

<a href="https://urbanbirdfranchise.com/">Urban Bird Hot Chicken</a>, the nearly 30-unit hot chicken franchise, gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to earn a piece of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/fast-food-chicken-restaurants/4027/">$63.7 billion chicken restaurant segment</a> while owning their own business. The franchise was built by experienced restaurant operators&nbsp;<a href="http://linkedin.com/in/brandon-gawthorp-00170523a">Brandon Gawthorp&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantel-antoinette-fiaschetti-a15620a9/">Chantel Fiaschetti</a>, who previously scaled Wingstop to 32 locations and then launched&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/urban-bird-hot-chicken/info">Urban Bird</a>.“When you’ve operated restaurants for as long as we have, you know the numbers matter just as much as the food,” Fiaschetti said. “We’ve spent years studying the business from every angle — food costs, labor, vendors, real estate strategy — and making changes that make the model stronger. When someone joins the Urban Bird system, they’re benefiting from everything we’ve learned along the way.”Instead of rushing into franchising, the founders spent years perfecting the concept through company-owned restaurants in Texas. This has allowed franchisees to go into a system that has been tested over time and focuses on strong unit-level economics.&nbsp;<h2>How Much Can I Make?</h2>According to the 2026 FDD, the 12 company-owned outlets that operated for all of 2025 reported average gross sales of $1,803,101. Below are the gross sales and gross profit for each of the 12 locations.&nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Location</td><td>Gross Sales</td><td>Direct Gross Profit</td></tr><tr><td>Round Rock</td><td>$3,784,619</td><td>$1,181,782</td></tr><tr><td>East Sam Houston Parkway</td><td>$2,777,203</td><td>$968,149</td></tr><tr><td>Spring Stuebner Road</td><td>$2,198,550</td><td>$767,353</td></tr><tr><td>Eldridge</td><td>$1,679,873</td><td>$503,920</td></tr><tr><td>Cypress</td><td>$1,329,035</td><td>$418,201</td></tr><tr><td>W Grand Parkway</td><td>$1,427,728</td><td>$421,435</td></tr><tr><td>Webster</td><td>$1,736,072</td><td>$502,392</td></tr><tr><td>Baytown</td><td>$1,370,798</td><td>$421,382</td></tr><tr><td>Katy Freeway</td><td>$1,658,034</td><td>$454,004</td></tr><tr><td>Fulshear</td><td>$1,238,784</td><td>$369,688</td></tr><tr><td>Richmond</td><td>$1,305,613</td><td>$341,602</td></tr><tr><td>College Station</td><td>$1,130,904</td><td>$281,631</td></tr><tr><td>Average of All 12 Locations</td><td>$1,803,101</td><td>$552,628</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><h2>An Approachable Investment</h2>The sales figures tell only part of the investment story. Startup costs vary by site and buildout type, with Urban Bird Hot Chicken estimating $431,300 to $837,800 for a first-generation buildout and $236,300 to $587,800 for a second-generation buildout.When a franchisee signs a franchise agreement, there is a non-refundable $35,000 initial franchise fee, which is fully earned upon payment and calculated uniformly across the franchise system. Qualified veterans who were honorably discharged from the U.S. military may receive a $15,000 discount on their first franchise fee through the VetFran program.&nbsp;The biggest part of the initial investment is construction and leasehold improvements. For a first-generation Urban Bird Hot Chicken location, the cost ranges from $220,000 to $400,000, while a second-generation buildout ranges from $25,000 to $150,000. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are another major expense at $44,000 to $144,000, followed by additional funds for the first three months of operation, which are estimated between $70,000 and $100,000.Beyond buildout costs and the franchise fee, franchisees should also plan for expenses like lease deposits and rent, point-of-sale technology, signage and opening marketing expenses. Overall, the investment varies widely based on whether the restaurant is built from the ground up or converted from a second-generation restaurant space.<h2>Operational Systems That Drive Profitability</h2>Urban Bird’s operating model was shaped through years of running company-owned restaurants before franchising began. Instead of building the concept around projections or theoretical assumptions, the founders gathered operational data across nearly 30 restaurants while testing different layouts, workflows and restaurant sizes.That hands-on approach allowed the company to identify ways to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs before franchisees entered the system. Those efforts helped reduce average store-level expenses by nearly 7% in 2025. Improvements like that can create a more efficient operating structure while helping franchisees better manage labor, food and occupancy costs over time.Urban Bird’s leadership believes that operational discipline is one of the biggest factors behind sustainable restaurant performance. Rather than focusing only on top-line sales, the founders built the model around creating systems that support both revenue generation and long-term profitability.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/urban-bird-hot-chicken">https://1851franchise.com/urban-bird-hot-chicken</a>.&nbsp;

With company-owned locations averaging more than $1.8 million in gross sales in 2025, Urban Bird Hot Chicken is ready to expand through franchising. 