Start Up Investment
What it takes to open, and the training and support that comes with it.
Investment at a Glance
This chart outlines some key areas of the initial and ongoing investment. We help Cool Hand Luke's owners open quickly. (Per the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document.)
| Item | Initial Fees / Investment Terms | Notes on Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Startup Investment | $413,000 to $1,910,000 | For one restaurant |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $50,000 | 2 units: $75,000 · 3 units: $100,000 |
| On-going Royalty | 6% of Gross Sales | Paid monthly |
| Brand Development Fund | 1% of Gross Sales | Local marketing and advertising, minimum $1,000/month |
| Grand Opening | $2,000 to $5,000 | Included in startup range, to help open the business |
Training & Support
Here is an overview of the support provided to franchise owners, from onboarding to operations and management training. All of this prepares you to find and build out your restaurant, celebrate your grand opening, and begin operations.
After onboarding, initial business set-up, site selection, and your build-out, all franchise owners join us for 6 weeks of initial owner training. This takes place in person in one of our affiliate-operated stores located in Santa Maria, CA. There, we train franchise owners on our business model — how to run a Cool Hand Luke's steakhouse and saloon. We focus on back of house and front of house, covering technology, inventory management, scheduling, and staffing. Daily operations include prepping prior to service and setting up each day for success. From a management perspective, we train you on the essentials of local marketing, how to promote the brand to generate loyalty, and how to apply our financial tools to run an efficient restaurant business.
We will be onsite in your restaurant prior to and through your Friends & Family Night ahead of Grand Opening, spending 14 days in your Cool Hand Luke's. As a franchise owner, our ongoing guidance is designed so you can develop, grow, and become an active part of your local community.