Barbeque Nation is one of India’s leading casual dining restaurant brands, famous for its live-grill buffet concept and strong customer appeal. Over the years, it has expanded across major cities and continues growing through franchise partnerships (often called FOFO — Franchise Owned, Franchise Operated). This guide covers everything you need to know about the Barbeque Nation franchise cost, fees & royalty, profit & ROI, space & manpower, franchisor support, pros & cons, eligibility, application process, risks, FAQs, and conclusion.
☕ Barbeque Nation in India
Barbeque Nation began in 2006 and has since become a favourite choice for family dining, parties, and celebrations due to its buffet + live grill experience. It now operates 200+ outlets in India and internationally. Franchising with Barbeque Nation lets you tap into a premium restaurant segment with a proven model and strong brand presence.
💰 Investment Cost (INR)
Starting a Barbeque Nation franchise requires a significant investment due to its scale, infrastructure, and dining format. The following table summarises typical costs:
| Cost Component | Estimated Range (INR) |
| Franchise Fee / License | ₹23 – ₹40 Lakh |
| Infrastructure & Interiors | ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 Crore |
| Kitchen Equipment | ₹20 – ₹80 Lakh |
| Initial Inventory | ₹10 – ₹20 Lakh |
| Working Capital (3-6 months) | ₹20 – ₹30 Lakh |
| Total Estimated Investment | ₹2.5 – ₹3.5 Crore+ |
| Required Space | 4,000 – 5,000+ sq.ft |
📌 Investments vary by city, location, and outlet size — premium locations generally cost more.
💼 Franchise Fee & Royalty
Franchise / License Fee
Franchise partners pay a one-time fee of approx. ₹23 – ₹40 Lakh to use the Barbeque Nation brand, systems, and support.
Royalty / Commission
Most sources indicate an ongoing royalty of around 6 % – 8 % of monthly sales. Some operators also contribute around 2 % for marketing and promotions (varies by agreement).
📊 Profit Margin & ROI
Profitability depends on location, footfall, pricing, and cost management. Typical financial figures seen in the casual dining industry and reported estimates include:
| Metric | Typical Value |
| Net Profit Margin | ~15 % – 25 % (dependent on costs) |
| Monthly Revenue | ₹20 – ₹50 Lakh+ (est.) |
| Payback / Break-Even | ~24 – 36 months (varies) |
💡 In very high-traffic locations, outlets might reach break-even faster; in smaller markets profit timelines may extend.
🏢 Space & Manpower Needs
📍 Space Requirements
Barbeque Nation outlets are large casual dining restaurants requiring ample space:
| Outlet Type | Approx. Space Needed |
| Full Dining Restaurant | 4,000 – 5,000+ sq.ft |
| Express / Compact Model | ~2,000 – 2,500 sq.ft (smaller formats) |
Ideal locations include malls, commercial streets, and high-footfall urban centres.
👥 Manpower Needs
A full Barbeque Nation outlet typically requires 40–50 employees, including managers, chefs (especially grill specialists), service staff, kitchen helpers, and support staff.
🤝 Franchisor Support
Barbeque Nation provides comprehensive support to franchise partners to help them succeed:
✔ Site selection guidance & layout planning
✔ Interior design and branding support
✔ Training & SOP manuals for operations and service
✔ Marketing & promotional campaigns
✔ Technology support (POS, billing, CRM systems)
✔ Ongoing field assistance and menu innovation
👍 Pros & 👎 Cons of a Barbeque Nation Franchise
✅ Pros
✔ Well-known brand with strong consumer trust.
✔ High customer loyalty for buffet and live grill experience.
✔ Supportive franchisor systems for operations and marketing.
✔ Large revenue potential with premium pricing and events demand.
❌ Cons
❗ High initial investment requirement.
❗ Operational complexity — requires quality control and staff management.
❗ Location‐dependence: sales heavily tied to footfall.
❗ Ongoing costs: rent, utilities, and large team payroll.
📋 Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Barbeque Nation franchise, aspirants typically need:
✔ Investment capability: ₹2.5 – ₹4 Cr+ for setup and working capital.
✔ Suitable commercial space: 4,000 – 5,000 sq.ft.
✔ Hospitality/retail experience: preferred but not mandatory.
✔ Strong financial and professional reputation.
✔ Commitment to brand SOPs and quality standards.
✍️ Application Process
Here’s a typical process to start your Barbeque Nation franchise:
- Initial Enquiry: Visit the official Barbeque Nation franchise page.
- Submit Franchise Form: Provide business profile and proposed location.
- Site Evaluation: Brand team assesses location viability.
- Agreement & Fees: Sign the franchise agreement and pay the franchise/licence fee.
- Setup & Training: Complete outlet setup and attend training.
- Launch: Open with support from the Barbeque Nation team.
⚠️ Risks to Consider
✔ High fixed costs for rent, staff wages, and utilities.
✔ Workforce training challenges in service consistency.
✔ Economic slowdowns can affect discretionary dining.
✔ Competitive local market with other buffet/restaurant brands.
❓ FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. How much does a Barbeque Nation franchise cost in India?
A: Typically ₹2.5 – ₹3.5 Crore+ depending on space and city.
Q2. What space do I need?
A: 4,000 – 5,000 sq.ft (larger dining restaurant).
Q3. Is prior restaurant experience required?
A: Not mandatory, but hospitality experience is helpful.
Q4. What is the royalty fee?
A: Typically around 6 %–8 % of monthly sales.
Q5. How long is the franchise period?
A: Usually around 9–10 years, renewable.
🏁 Conclusion
A Barbeque Nation franchise in India can offer significant opportunities in the premium casual dining segment with a strong brand and loyal customer base. The investment is substantial, and success hinges on location, operational discipline, and team management. With structured support from the franchisor and careful financial planning, franchisees can build a steady business with healthy margins and a well-known market presence