In This Article
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $55,000 | A one-time fee for the rights to operate under the Islands brand. |
| Real Estate & Leasehold Improvements | $750,000 - $1,500,000 | The largest expense; includes construction, build-out, and architectural fees. Varies greatly by location. |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) | $450,000 - $650,000 | Includes all kitchen equipment, dining room seating, decor, and POS systems. |
| Signage & Decor | $40,000 - $90,000 | Interior and exterior branding elements crucial to the Islands atmosphere. |
| Initial Inventory | $25,000 - $40,000 | Food, beverages, paper goods, and cleaning supplies needed to open. |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $25,000 - $50,000 | Funds for pre-opening and grand opening advertising and promotional events. |
| Training Expenses | $10,000 - $25,000 | Covers travel, lodging, and fees for the comprehensive training program. |
| Licenses, Permits & Professional Fees | $30,000 - $70,000 | Includes liquor license, health permits, legal fees, and accounting setup. |
| Additional Funds (3 months) | $100,000 - $200,000 | Working capital to cover operating expenses for the first three months. |
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By the Numbers
Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks - Key Statistics
1982
Year Founded
$55,000
Initial Franchise Fee
$1.6M - $2.8M
Total Initial Investment
5%
Royalty Fee
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Did You Know? The casual dining sector, where Islands competes, is a massive part of the U.S. economy. As reported by CNBC, the National Restaurant Association projected that industry sales would reach nearly $1 trillion in 2023, indicating strong consumer demand for dining out experiences.
The total estimated initial investment for an Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks franchise typically ranges from $1,655,000 to $2,821,000. This includes the franchise fee, real estate build-out, equipment, initial inventory, and working capital.
Islands generally requires prospective franchisees to have a minimum of $500,000 in liquid capital. This ensures you have sufficient funds for the down payment and a cash reserve for the initial operating phase.
No, 100% financing is not available. Lenders require a down payment, or equity injection, from the borrower. This typically ranges from 10% to 30% of the total project cost, depending on the loan type and your financial strength.
For many first-time franchisees, an SBA 7(a) loan is often the best option due to its lower down payment requirements and longer repayment terms. However, the best loan depends on your specific financial profile. Conventional loans, equipment financing, and SBA 504 loans are also excellent options.
Lenders typically look for a personal credit score of 680 or higher. A score above 720 will significantly improve your chances of approval and help you secure the most favorable terms.
While direct restaurant experience is highly beneficial, it is not always a strict requirement. Strong, transferable management skills, a solid business plan, and hiring an experienced general manager can compensate for a lack of direct industry experience.
The timeline can vary depending on the loan type and the completeness of your application. SBA loans can take 60-90 days, while other loan types might be faster. Working with an experienced lender like Crestmont Capital can help expedite the process.
Yes, absolutely. Business acquisition loans are a common use of funds for both SBA and conventional loans. Financing the purchase of an existing, operational restaurant can sometimes be easier as there is a history of financial performance to evaluate.
The initial franchise fee for an Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks location is typically $55,000. This fee is included in the total initial investment estimate and can be covered by your franchise loan.
Islands franchisees typically pay a royalty fee of 5% of gross sales and an advertising fee of 2% of gross sales. These fees should be factored into your long-term financial projections.
No, while we are experts in SBA financing, Crestmont Capital offers a wide range of business funding solutions. This includes conventional term loans, equipment financing, business lines of credit, and more. We work to find the best product for your specific needs.
Yes. We specialize in helping successful franchisees expand their portfolios. Once your first location is stable and profitable, we can help you structure financing for your second, third, and subsequent units, often with more streamlined processes.
The primary collateral for the loan will be the business assets you are financing, such as the restaurant's equipment, fixtures, and leasehold improvements. Depending on the loan size and your financial profile, lenders may also require a lien on personal assets, such as your home.
Applying with a partner is very common. Lenders will evaluate the credit and financial strength of all partners who own 20% or more of the business. A strong partnership that combines financial resources with operational experience can be very appealing to lenders.
The easiest way to start is by filling out our simple online application for pre-qualification. It is fast, free, and carries no obligation. A member of our franchise financing team will then contact you to discuss your project in detail.
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Apply NowDisclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Funding terms, qualifications, and product availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Crestmont Capital does not guarantee approval, rates, or specific outcomes. For personalized information about your business funding options, contact our team directly.