Native Grill & Wings is one of Arizona's most beloved casual dining franchises, known for its award-winning wings, family-friendly atmosphere, and community-focused brand. If you're thinking about opening a Native Grill & Wings franchise, understanding the full cost and your financing options is the most critical first step. This guide breaks down everything you need to know - from franchise fees to SBA loans - so you can move forward with confidence.
In This Article
Native Grill & Wings was founded in 1977 in Phoenix, Arizona, making it one of the oldest and most established wing-focused restaurant chains in the United States. The brand built its reputation on delivering freshly prepared, never-frozen chicken wings in a wide range of house-made sauces - a concept that long predated the national wing-craze that swept the country. With more than four decades of operation, Native Grill & Wings has perfected its menu, its service model, and its franchise support structure.
The chain operates primarily across the southwestern United States, with a strong concentration in Arizona. Locations are designed as full-service, family-friendly restaurants that combine a sports bar atmosphere with a welcoming environment for families and groups. The menu features dozens of wing sauce flavors ranging from mild to extreme heat, along with burgers, salads, appetizers, and a full beverage program. This diverse menu allows Native Grill & Wings to attract a broad customer base throughout the day and evening.
What sets Native Grill & Wings apart from competitors like Buffalo Wild Wings or Wingstop is its deeply regional identity and community integration. The brand has built loyalties across generations of Arizona families who grew up eating there. For franchisees, this means entering a market with significant brand recognition and a proven, repeatable operating system. The company provides comprehensive training, ongoing operational support, and marketing assistance to help franchisees succeed from day one.
Native Grill & Wings has expanded its franchise program to offer qualified operators the opportunity to open new locations in both proven and emerging markets. With Americans consuming over 1.4 billion servings of chicken wings annually, the timing for entering this category has never been stronger. The brand's established supply chain, tested recipes, and brand loyalty give franchisees a meaningful head start compared to launching an independent restaurant concept.
The chicken wing restaurant segment is one of the most resilient and fast-growing categories in the restaurant industry. Chicken wings consistently rank among the top-ordered menu items in the United States, driven by sports viewing culture, social dining occasions, and the explosion of delivery and takeout. Unlike fine dining or fast-casual concepts that can be highly sensitive to economic cycles, casual wing restaurants tend to hold up well during economic downturns because they occupy the value sweet spot - fun, flavorful, and affordable for most households.
Investing in a Native Grill & Wings franchise means joining a brand with over 45 years of operating history and a loyal customer base in a high-demand market. The brand's proven systems and recipes reduce the uncertainty that typically comes with opening a new restaurant. You won't be figuring out supply chains, training programs, or marketing from scratch - the franchise model provides you with a playbook that has already been tested and refined across multiple locations and market cycles.
From a financial perspective, wing-focused casual dining restaurants can generate strong unit economics when positioned in the right market with the right operator. Repeat visits are high because the social nature of the dining experience - watching sports, celebrating occasions, enjoying wings with friends and family - naturally drives loyalty. Franchisees who invest in the local community and staff their location well can build a business that generates sustainable cash flow for years to come.
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Apply NowUnderstanding the full investment required to open a Native Grill & Wings franchise is essential for financial planning and loan sizing. Like most full-service casual dining franchises, the total investment covers a wide range of startup expenses beyond just the franchise fee. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect to invest when opening a new Native Grill & Wings location.
Initial Franchise Fee: The initial franchise fee for a Native Grill & Wings franchise is typically in the range of $35,000 to $50,000. This fee grants you the right to operate under the Native Grill & Wings brand, access to proprietary recipes and systems, and participation in the franchisor's training program. The franchise fee is paid upfront and is generally non-refundable.
Total Initial Investment: The total investment required to open a Native Grill & Wings franchise typically ranges from $600,000 to $1,500,000 depending on the size of the location, whether you are building new construction or converting an existing space, and the specific market you are entering. This range reflects the capital-intensive nature of full-service restaurant franchises, which require significant investment in kitchen equipment, seating, bar infrastructure, signage, and build-out.
Real Estate and Build-Out Costs: One of the largest cost components is the physical space. Native Grill & Wings restaurants typically operate in spaces ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 square feet. Leasehold improvements, construction, and build-out can range from $200,000 to $600,000 or more depending on the condition of the space and local construction costs. Many franchisees negotiate tenant improvement allowances with landlords to offset some of these costs.
Equipment and Fixtures: Restaurant equipment for a full-service wing concept includes commercial fryers, refrigeration units, point-of-sale systems, kitchen prep equipment, bar fixtures, audio-visual systems for sports viewing, and furniture. Equipment and fixture costs typically range from $150,000 to $350,000.
Royalty Fees: Ongoing royalty fees are typically calculated as a percentage of gross sales. For Native Grill & Wings, royalties are generally in the range of 4% to 6% of gross revenues. These fees are paid monthly and fund the franchisor's ongoing support services, including field operations support, training resources, and brand development.
Marketing and Advertising Fees: Franchisees contribute to a national or regional marketing fund, typically around 1% to 3% of gross revenues. Some franchise agreements also require franchisees to spend a minimum amount on local marketing - often 1% to 2% of revenues - to drive awareness in their specific market.
Working Capital: Adequate working capital is essential for surviving the ramp-up period after opening. Most franchise advisors recommend having 3 to 6 months of operating expenses in reserve. For a Native Grill & Wings location, this typically means setting aside $75,000 to $150,000 in working capital beyond the initial build-out investment.
Key Stat: The total investment to open a Native Grill & Wings franchise typically ranges from $600,000 to $1,500,000, making access to flexible business financing a critical part of any franchisee's launch strategy.
By the Numbers
Native Grill & Wings Franchise - Key Statistics
$35K-$50K
Initial Franchise Fee
$600K-$1.5M
Total Investment Range
45+
Years in Operation
4%-6%
Ongoing Royalty Rate
Very few franchisees pay for their entire investment out of pocket. The majority of successful franchise owners use a combination of personal capital and business financing to fund their launch. Here are the primary financing options available to Native Grill & Wings prospective franchisees.
Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are one of the most popular financing tools for franchise investors, and for good reason. The SBA 7(a) loan program allows eligible borrowers to finance up to $5 million with repayment terms of up to 10 years for working capital and up to 25 years for real estate. The SBA guarantees a portion of the loan, which allows lenders to offer more favorable interest rates and lower down payment requirements than conventional commercial loans. Many Native Grill & Wings franchisees use SBA 7(a) loans to finance their build-out, equipment, and working capital. The SBA 504 loan program is another option particularly well-suited for financing owner-occupied real estate or large equipment purchases at below-market fixed interest rates. Learn more about SBA loan options at Crestmont Capital.
Traditional business term loans provide a lump sum of capital that is repaid over a set period with fixed or variable interest rates. For franchise financing, term loans are often used to supplement SBA financing or as a standalone solution for borrowers with strong financials who want faster funding with fewer requirements than SBA programs. Repayment terms typically range from 1 to 10 years, and loan amounts can range from $50,000 to several million dollars depending on the lender and borrower profile. Crestmont Capital's small business loans offer competitive rates with flexible structures suited for franchise launches.
A business line of credit provides revolving access to funds up to a set credit limit, making it an ideal tool for managing working capital during the ramp-up phase of a new franchise. Unlike a term loan, you only pay interest on what you draw, giving you flexibility to handle unexpected costs - such as additional inventory, staffing needs, or marketing campaigns - without taking on more debt than necessary. Many franchisees use a line of credit alongside their primary financing package as an operational safety net.
Restaurant franchises are equipment-intensive businesses. Fryers, refrigeration units, POS systems, audio-visual equipment, and furniture represent a major portion of startup costs. Equipment financing allows you to purchase or lease this equipment with the equipment itself serving as collateral. This structure typically allows for higher approval rates and competitive rates compared to unsecured loans, since the lender has a tangible asset backing the loan. Equipment loans can preserve your cash for working capital while still getting you the kitchen infrastructure you need to open.
Some franchisors offer in-house financing programs or have preferred lender relationships that can help franchisees access capital more easily. It is worth asking Native Grill & Wings directly whether they offer any financial assistance programs, deferred fee arrangements, or referrals to preferred lenders who specialize in their franchise system.
If you have a 401(k) or other qualifying retirement account, a Rollover for Business Startups (ROBS) arrangement allows you to use those funds to invest in your franchise without incurring early withdrawal penalties or income taxes. This strategy requires working with a qualified ROBS provider and must be structured carefully to comply with IRS regulations, but it can be a powerful tool for funding a franchise investment with self-directed retirement savings.
For borrowers who need larger loan amounts with extended repayment periods, long-term business loans provide the capital to cover substantial startup investments while keeping monthly payments manageable. Long-term structures are particularly valuable for restaurant franchise investors who expect a ramp-up period of 12 to 24 months before hitting full revenue potential.
Crestmont Capital is one of the most trusted business lenders in the United States, with a deep track record of helping franchise investors secure the capital they need to launch and grow. Unlike banks that apply rigid one-size-fits-all underwriting criteria, Crestmont Capital takes a consultative approach - working to understand your specific business plan, franchise model, and financial profile before recommending the best financing structure for your situation.
Whether you are a first-time franchise owner with strong personal credit and savings, or an experienced multi-unit operator looking to expand your Native Grill & Wings portfolio, Crestmont Capital has financing solutions designed to fit your needs. The team specializes in franchise financing and understands the unique capital requirements, royalty structures, and ramp-up timelines associated with restaurant franchise businesses. This expertise means faster approvals, more relevant product recommendations, and better outcomes for borrowers.
Crestmont Capital offers access to SBA loans, term loans, lines of credit, equipment financing, and more - all under one roof. Rather than shopping multiple lenders yourself, you can work with a single Crestmont advisor who will match you with the right product mix. Funding can often be arranged in days rather than weeks, which matters when you are trying to secure a lease, begin construction, or close on a purchase. Visit Crestmont Capital's small business financing page to learn more about what is available for franchise investors like you.
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Apply NowTo qualify for business financing for a Native Grill & Wings franchise, lenders will evaluate a range of factors related to your personal financial profile and your business plan. Here is what you generally need to know about typical requirements:
Personal Credit Score: Most traditional lenders and SBA programs prefer borrowers with a personal credit score of 650 or higher. However, Crestmont Capital works with a broader range of credit profiles. If your credit score is below 650, bad credit business loan options may still be available to help you access capital.
Down Payment / Equity Injection: SBA loans typically require a down payment of 10% to 30% of the total project cost. For a $1,000,000 franchise build-out, that means you would need between $100,000 and $300,000 in liquid capital to contribute. This equity injection demonstrates financial commitment to the project and reduces lender risk.
Net Worth: Most SBA lenders and conventional lenders will assess your overall net worth as part of the underwriting process. A healthy net worth relative to the loan amount improves your approval odds and can help you qualify for better interest rates.
Business Plan: A detailed business plan is essential for most franchise financing applications. Your plan should include projected revenue, expense assumptions, break-even analysis, market research, and a description of your management experience. Franchise disclosure documents (FDD) provided by Native Grill & Wings can support many of these projections.
Industry Experience: While not always required, lenders prefer borrowers with relevant business or restaurant management experience. If you have experience managing teams, running operations, or working in the restaurant industry, highlight this in your application materials.
Collateral: Lenders may require collateral to secure the loan, which can include real estate, equipment, or other business assets. SBA loans have specific collateral requirements based on loan size and the nature of the assets being financed.
Time in Business (Existing Operators): If you are an existing business owner seeking expansion financing, most lenders prefer to see at least 1 to 2 years of operating history with consistent revenues. For new franchise startups, lenders will rely more heavily on your personal financial profile and the strength of the franchise brand.
To help illustrate how Native Grill & Wings franchise financing might work in practice, here are four real-world scenarios representing different types of potential franchisees.
Maria is a 38-year-old marketing executive in Phoenix with a 720 credit score, $200,000 in savings, and no restaurant experience but strong management credentials. She wants to open a single Native Grill & Wings location with a projected total investment of $950,000. Maria applies for an SBA 7(a) loan through Crestmont Capital. With her strong credit and ability to inject 20% equity ($190,000), she qualifies for a $760,000 SBA loan at a competitive rate with a 10-year repayment term. Her monthly loan payment is approximately $8,100, well within the projections supported by her business plan. She also secures a $75,000 business line of credit for working capital flexibility during her first year of operations.
James has operated a successful independent pizza restaurant for 7 years and is ready to diversify into a proven franchise concept. He targets a Native Grill & Wings conversion of an existing restaurant space, bringing his total estimated investment down to $680,000. With 2 years of tax returns showing $850,000 in annual revenue and a 690 credit score, James qualifies for a combination of a traditional term loan and equipment financing through Crestmont Capital. His experience in restaurant operations strengthens his application significantly, and he secures funding within 10 business days.
Linda already operates two successful franchise locations in another brand and wants to add a Native Grill & Wings territory to her portfolio. She is seeking $1,200,000 to fund a new build-out in a suburban market. Linda's existing cash flow from her other units, combined with her strong credit profile (740 score) and proven franchise operations experience, allows her to qualify for long-term business financing with favorable terms. Crestmont Capital structures a loan package that accounts for her existing debt obligations while providing the capital needed for expansion.
David is a passionate entrepreneur with strong local community ties and restaurant industry experience, but his credit score is 610 due to a medical debt situation that has since been resolved. David has $120,000 in savings and a clear business plan for a Native Grill & Wings in his hometown. While traditional SBA lenders decline his application, Crestmont Capital works with alternative lending partners to structure a financing solution that combines a smaller initial loan with a higher equity injection requirement. David opens his location and, after 18 months of strong performance, refinances into more favorable long-term terms.
The total investment to open a Native Grill & Wings franchise typically ranges from $600,000 to $1,500,000, depending on location, space size, and whether you are doing new construction or a conversion. The initial franchise fee is generally $35,000 to $50,000.
Yes. SBA 7(a) loans are one of the most popular financing tools for franchise investors, including for Native Grill & Wings. These loans offer repayment terms of up to 10 years for working capital and up to 25 years for real estate, with competitive interest rates and lower down payment requirements than conventional loans.
Most traditional lenders and SBA programs prefer a personal credit score of 650 or higher. However, Crestmont Capital works with borrowers across a wide range of credit profiles, including those with scores below 650, through alternative lending products designed for borrowers with credit challenges.
For SBA loans, a typical equity injection of 10% to 30% of the total project cost is required. For a $1,000,000 project, that means you would need $100,000 to $300,000 in liquid capital. Conventional lenders may require more, while some alternative financing products require less.
Ongoing royalty fees for Native Grill & Wings are typically in the range of 4% to 6% of gross revenues, paid monthly. There are also marketing fund contributions of approximately 1% to 3% of gross revenues to support brand-level advertising.
Approval timelines vary by loan type. Alternative and conventional loans through Crestmont Capital can sometimes be approved in as few as 24 to 72 hours. SBA loans typically take 30 to 90 days due to the additional documentation and government guarantee process. Starting your financing application early - ideally before you sign a lease - gives you the best outcome.
Yes. A business line of credit is an excellent tool for managing cash flow during your franchise's ramp-up period. It provides revolving access to funds that you can draw on as needed for payroll, inventory, marketing, or unexpected expenses - and you only pay interest on what you use.
Absolutely. Equipment financing is one of the most efficient ways to fund kitchen equipment, refrigeration, POS systems, and audio-visual infrastructure for your Native Grill & Wings location. The equipment serves as collateral, which often results in better rates and higher approval rates compared to unsecured financing.
Yes. Crestmont Capital has extensive experience financing franchise investments across a wide range of restaurant and service franchise brands. The team understands the specific capital requirements, timelines, and financial structures associated with franchise businesses, which enables faster and more accurate financing recommendations.
Yes, through a strategy called Rollover for Business Startups (ROBS), you can use qualifying retirement accounts such as a 401(k) to fund your franchise investment without incurring early withdrawal penalties or taxes. This strategy requires working with a qualified ROBS provider and must be structured in compliance with IRS regulations.
Typical documentation required includes your personal tax returns (2-3 years), business tax returns if applicable, a business plan with financial projections, the franchise disclosure document (FDD), bank statements, a personal financial statement, and information about the proposed lease or property. Crestmont Capital's advisors will guide you through the specific documentation needed for your loan type.
Yes. Crestmont Capital works with lenders who specialize in financing for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit. While rates and terms may differ from those available to borrowers with excellent credit, there are often solutions available including secured loan products, equipment financing, and alternative lending options designed for credit-challenged borrowers.
Franchise agreements for full-service restaurant concepts like Native Grill & Wings are typically structured for an initial term of 10 to 20 years with renewal options. The specific terms of the agreement are detailed in the Franchise Disclosure Document, which you will receive and review during the discovery process with the franchisor.
The best financing structure depends on your personal financial situation, the size of your investment, and your growth plans. Many franchisees benefit from a combination approach: an SBA loan or term loan for the primary capital need, equipment financing to cover kitchen and technology investments, and a business line of credit for working capital. Crestmont Capital can help you design the right combination for your specific situation.
Crestmont Capital is known for fast funding. Depending on the loan product and your documentation readiness, many borrowers can receive approval within 24 to 72 hours for certain products, with funding in as little as a few days. SBA loans take longer due to government processing requirements, but Crestmont Capital's experienced team streamlines the process to minimize delays.
Ready to Finance Your Franchise?
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Apply NowIf you are ready to pursue a Native Grill & Wings franchise, here is a clear path forward to secure your financing and get your business off the ground.
In parallel with your financing application, you should also contact Native Grill & Wings directly to request their Franchise Disclosure Document and begin the franchisor qualification process. Having your financing pre-approved or at least pre-qualified gives you a significant advantage when negotiating with the franchisor and landlords, demonstrating that you are a serious and financially capable operator.
You should also begin working with a franchise attorney who can review the FDD and franchise agreement on your behalf, and a CPA with franchise experience who can help you model out your financial projections and tax structure before you sign anything. Building the right advisory team early in the process sets you up for a much smoother and more informed launch.
Native Grill & Wings represents a compelling franchise opportunity for investors who are passionate about the restaurant industry and want to align themselves with a brand that has more than four decades of proven success. The wing-focused casual dining segment continues to grow, and Native Grill & Wings' loyal regional following and established operating system give franchisees a meaningful head start in a competitive market.
The key to turning this opportunity into a successful business is securing the right financing from the start. Whether you need SBA loan access, equipment financing, a working capital line of credit, or a combination of all three, Crestmont Capital has the products, the expertise, and the speed to help you fund your franchise dream. Do not let financing uncertainty hold you back - the tools and support you need are available right now.
Take the first step today. Apply online at Crestmont Capital, speak with a specialist who understands franchise financing, and get the capital you need to open your Native Grill & Wings location. Your future as a franchise owner starts with a single application.
Disclaimer: 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.