If you are looking for information on the Bandana's Bar-B-Q franchise business opportunity, Bandana's BBQ franchises or Bandana's franchising, then you have come to the right place.
A Tradition of fine food and family recipes over generations.
At the heart of the Bandana's story is a dedicated family of restaurateurs who developed the southern style smoking process in Florida, dating back four generations. That's where the blend of that slow smoking process and the family's recipe of unique flavor enhancing dry rubs was perfected.
This combination requires 11 to 14 hours in the smoker, to produce our signature, Bandana's Bar-B-Q taste. Only American hardwoods are used in this unique process because the smoke compliments the ultimate taste of the barbeque. Bandana's introduced southern style barbeque to St. Louis, MO, in 1996. The reception was overwhelming. Today, Bandana's has grown to a force of 23 stores in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas.
We really know how to slow cook great tasting barbecue just the way barbecue lovers like it. And we serve it in a fun and friendly environment that appeals to both business people at lunch, and families anytime. Kids love our clean and casual interiors but parents appreciate our fast service. We experience more table turns per day than restaurant industry standards. We can provide a pleasant dining experience for a table of four and have them back on the road within 30 minutes. Faster table turns translate into more sales per mealtime period. Our servers realize more income from these fast turns, and that makes them more loyal. Bandana's has a lower turnover rate than industry averages.
Carry out means Big Profits at Bandana's. That's a nice business to have. Without tables to serve and bus, each meal represents an easier profit. Customers can call ahead or just stop by on their way home to pick up our delicious food. Our barbecue is the ideal Carry Out meal. Our "To Go" orders are packed in insulated Styrofoam containers that keep them warm on the trip home. Our restaurants have reserved parking, so Carry Out patrons are in and out in a flash.
Bandana's catering sales in excess of 10% of total revenues. So you can imagine how seriously we take this service. For this reason, each Bandana's Bar-B-Q Restaurant has a staff of employees that work specifically for the catering side of the business. We've catered office parties and social gatherings for Boeing, Edward Jones, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Energizer Battery Company, Monsanto and the University of Missouri. Everybody enjoys barbecued food, but they really love Bandana's. We like to think of our catering business as our primary sampling device. Invariably, some questions about Bandana's and our great tasting food will come up at these events and we want our people to tell the appropriate brand stories that support the award-winning Bandana's brand.
The information presented may have changed since first published. We recommend that you always verify fees, investment amounts and offers with the business opportunity directly prior to making a decision to invest.
1. What training and ongoing support do you provide?
You want to know what happens after you pay the initial fee. A strong franchisor provides comprehensive pre-opening training, site-selection help, operational playbooks, and continuous assistance with marketing, technology, and supply chains.
2. What is the total initial investment, and did actual startup costs match the estimates in Item 7 of the FDD?
The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) lists estimated startup costs in Item 7, but real-world expenses can run higher. Asking how closely current owners tracked to these estimates reveals if you need extra working capital or if hidden fees exist.
3. How do royalties and local/national marketing fees impact profitability?
You need to understand ongoing financial obligations-such as monthly royalty percentages and ad fund contributions-and evaluate whether the brand value and support justify cutting into your profit margins.
4. What are the common challenges new franchisees face, and how do you help them overcome them?
Transparent franchisors will openly discuss real hurdles like local competition, tight labor markets, or supply chain bottlenecks, and show you the exact playbook or field support they offer to solve them as well as allowing you to speak with other franchisees.
5. How many franchise locations have closed or left the system in the past few years, and why?
High turnover, store closures, or quiet franchise exits are major red flags. This question measures system stability, territory health, and whether the corporate team addresses struggling owners or lets them fail.
Food and Beverage Franchises