Sports Bar & Grill Franchising Fees
Below is the essential investment information for purchasing a
Hotshots Sports Bar & Grill franchise.
This overview outlines the typical costs associated with opening a full-scale sports bar and provides clarity for prospective owners evaluating the opportunity.
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Sports Bar?
The total investment to open a Hotshots Sports Bar & Grill typically ranges from
$969,000 to $2,156,000, depending on location, square footage, and market conditions.
This range reflects the cost of building a fully equipped, high-volume sports bar — including construction, equipment, training, and launch — not a stripped-down concept.
For additional insight, view our detailed guide on
how much it costs to open a bar.
| Expense / Fee | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Lease Deposit & Rent | $10,000 | $60,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $500,000 | $1,400,000 |
| Signage | $7,000 | $15,000 |
| Furniture & Fixtures | $30,000 | $55,000 |
| Kitchen & Bar Equipment | $100,000 | $180,000 |
| Audio / Visual Systems | $65,000 | $125,000 |
| Smallwares | $12,000 | $25,000 |
| Office Equipment | $26,000 | $35,000 |
| Licenses, Deposits & Fees | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| Professional Fees | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Insurance | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Training Travel & Expenses | $22,000 | $35,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $47,000 | $65,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $10,000 | $30,000 |
| Additional Working Capital (3 months) | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Total Estimated Investment | $969,000 | $2,156,000 |
Investment Summary
Opening a Hotshots Sports Bar & Grill franchise requires an estimated investment of
$969,000 to $2,156,000, with an average build-out landing near
$1.56 million.
Major cost drivers include leasehold improvements, kitchen and bar equipment, and audio-visual systems — all essential components of a high-performing sports bar designed for volume, speed, and guest experience.
This investment range allows flexibility based on market size and location while ensuring franchisees open with a fully operational, competitive venue.
Additional reading:
Finding the Best Bar Franchise Financing Options
Franchise Ownership Qualifications
No prior restaurant or bar ownership experience is required to open a Hotshots Sports Bar & Grill.
We look for franchise partners who are:
- Ambitious and motivated operators
- Committed to customer service excellence
- Strong leaders focused on team building and culture
- Willing to follow proven systems and processes
Marketing or business experience is a plus — but not a requirement.
If you’re willing to learn, we’ll teach you.
Key Profitability Drivers
Understanding the initial investment is only the first step. Long-term success comes from execution.
The Hotshots model focuses on three core profitability drivers:
- Average Ticket Value – Strategic upselling, food pairings, and premium beverage programs
- Operational Efficiency – Labor controls, inventory management, and speed-of-service systems
- Local Market Dominance – Hyper-local marketing and community-driven promotions
We work directly with franchisees to implement systems that reduce waste, optimize staffing, and maximize every revenue opportunity — a strategy consistently proven across the sports bar industry.
The ROI Advantage
Investing in a Hotshots Sports Bar & Grill means investing in a business built for strong cash flow and long-term return.
The sports bar category benefits from recurring demand, multiple high-margin revenue streams (food, draft beer, cocktails, events), and built-in traffic driven by live sports.
Our advantage lies in accelerating the ramp-up phase — through site selection support, structured training, and hands-on operational guidance — allowing franchisees to reach profitability faster while avoiding common startup pitfalls.
Invest in a Sports Bar & Grill Franchise — No Experience Required
Our franchise team provides guidance on franchising fees, capital requirements, financing options, and ongoing operational support. From training and staffing to marketing and execution, we’re with you at every stage of ownership.