Franchise FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About a Voodoo BBQ Franchise

Q: What makes a VooDoo BBQ & Grill different from another BBQ restaurant that might already operate in my city?

A: We are able to offer our guests a unique New Orleans experience with every visit.  From our great tasting “New Orleans Style BBQ” to our attention to detail and guest service, VooDoo BBQ & Grill is changing the perception of the BBQ experience.  In the restaurant industry you are only as good as the food you serve.  At VooDoo BBQ & Grill we strongly stand behind the quality and taste of our food, and it is evident in our name.  Come “Taste Our Magic!”

Q: Why not just start a restaurant on my own?

A: The value of partnering with a franchise is the ability to instantly obtain the experience and knowledge from the franchise regarding past experiences.  We are able to provide our franchisees with a proven business model because of our years of franchising experience.  The knowledge and experience that we have obtained will become priceless as you transition through each phase of development and growth.  Becoming a VooDoo BBQ & Grill franchisee will allow you to be in business for yourself but not by yourself.

Q: What are the minimum financial qualifications to become a VooDoo BBQ & Grill franchisee?

A: Financially, a potential VooDoo BBQ & Grill franchisee must have a net worth of at least $600,000.00 and be (or be able to become) liquid for a minimum of $150,000.00.  If a prospective franchisee meets these qualifications along with having an adequate secondary source of income and a good credit score and history, VooDoo BBQ & Grill can assist in the process of securing financing.

Q: Can I be an absentee owner of a VooDoo BBQ & Grill franchise?

A: No, we require our franchisees to be owner operators or semi absentee owner operators.  Franchisees who wish to be semi absentee will be required to have either an operating partner or certified general manager dedicated full time to the development of the restaurant.  We believe having our franchisees involved in the day to day activities is vital to our franchisees success.  A “semi-absentee” owner means that the owner might be working full time “On” the business” but has limited involvement working “In” the business.

Q: How much does a franchise cost?

A: The total investment inclusive of franchise fee, equipment, construction and working capital, etc. will range between: $340,500 to $625,000.  None of these investments include Tenant Improvements (T.I.) which is given to the franchisees by the landlords.  For detailed information about the investment, please complete the Franchise Application in order to receive a Franchise Disclosure Document, which contains details on every element of VooDoo BBQ & Grill’s initial investment.

Q: How much are royalties and advertising contributions?

A: VooDoo BBQ & Grill’s royalty is 5% of the gross sales of the business.  The Advertising Fee is 2% of gross sales, which is used for the design and production of system-wide advertising materials and targeted marketing campaigns.

Q: How much money can I make as a VooDoo BBQ & Grill franchisee?

A: VooDoo BBQ & Grill does show this data to candidates who have filled out our Franchise Application.  It is part of our Franchise Disclosure Document in Item 19 – “Financial Performance Representation.” As you go through our awarding process you will have an opportunity to analyze our disclosed earnings data.

Q: What about location?  Do I have to find the location on my own?

A: VooDoo BBQ & Grill is with you every step of the way, starting with location and finishing with the opening of your business.  We have a full-service approach and it starts with our Real Estate team working with you and local real estate professionals to identify every location in your market that meets VooDoo BBQ & Grill’s criteria.  This includes physical attributes of the locations, such as access, visibility, signage, tenant mix and traffic patterns.  It also includes a demographic review looking at the population and makeup of the trade area around the proposed location.  Ultimately, the location is selected by the franchisee with VooDoo BBQ & Grill’s assistance, and then it is up to VooDoo BBQ & Grill to approve your site.  Once the location is identified, VooDoo BBQ & Grill offers assistance through the lease negotiation and culminating in the execution of a lease for your new business location.

Q: How big is the typical VooDoo BBQ & Grill?

A: Our locations can range from 2,400 sq. ft. to 3,000 sq. ft.  Our ideal location would be 2,800 sq. ft.  The size of your restaurant will depend not only on your plans, but also on the availability in your local market.

Q: Does VooDoo BBQ & Grill help with financing?

A: VooDoo BBQ & Grill does not offer lending options in-house but we do assist our franchisees in working with third party lenders.  We prefer for our candidates to have financing in place.  Due to FTC restrictions, VooDoo BBQ & Grill will be unable to provide a candidate with a Business Plans and Performa.  Candidates are asked to speak with franchisees and banking officials for assistance.

Q: How many employees will I need?

A: A typical restaurant will have 3 managers (1 General Manager and 2 Assistant Managers) and 20 – 25 employees

Q: What are the hours of operation?

A: Our Restaurants are open 7 days a week. Typically they are open between 11 am – 9 pm Monday – Thursday and 11 am – 10:30 pm Friday and Saturday.

Q: What about marketing?  Does VooDoo BBQ & Grill help?

A: VooDoo BBQ & Grill Marketing programs include-

• Local programs, which the franchisees utilize to build and develop awareness and loyalty with current customer base.
• Regional and cooperative advertising, where VooDoo BBQ & Grill franchisees get together with other franchisees and leverage their strength in numbers.

Q: How long does it take to get a VooDoo BBQ & Grill open?

A: Once a franchise agreement is signed, the typical time needed to get a restaurant open is approximately 6-7 months.  The actual build out process happens fairly quickly most of the time. Much of the timeframe that it takes is for real estate to be identified.  In the case of a newly constructed shopping center, the timeframe could be longer and in some cases it could be much sooner.  To get started, complete VooDoo BBQ & Grill’s Franchise Application today.

Q: How can I get a copy of VooDoo BBQ & Grill’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)?

A: In order to receive a copy of the VooDoo BBQ & Grill Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), please complete the initial application and fax it to our corporate office at (225) 924-6553.  Once we have received your completed application, we will forward you our Franchise Information Kit which includes the VooDoo BBQ & Grill FDD and much more information about VooDoo BBQ & Grill and the process.

Q: What is the VooDoo BBQ & Grill franchise investigation process?  How long does it take?

A: When you receive our Franchise Information Kit and FDD, you will also be directed to walk through our VooDoo BBQ & Grill awarding process with one of our development executives.  This process will explain our franchise system in great detail.  Should you decide to enter the process, you will participate in a series of informative discussions and receive materials along the way that will illustrate the strength and value of the VooDoo BBQ & Grill organization, brand and franchise opportunity.  During this 3 – 5 week process, we will invite you to come spend a day or two with us in New Orleans, LA for a “Discovery Day” event.  It’s called “Discovery Day” because this visit will give you an opportunity to meet our executive team, tour restaurants and, best of all, sample our amazing food!  Typically after the 3 – 5 week process our franchise candidates and executive team will come to a mutual conclusion whether or not VooDoo BBQ & Grill is the right fit to meet your personal and financial goals.  If you like what you see so far and would like to enter the process, please fill-out the Franchise Application and we will be in touch with you shortly.

If you would like to speak with a representative now, call Chad Tramuta at 1-877-902-4BBQ (4227) or complete the request information form.

We are looking forward to hearing from you and getting started in your exploration of VooDoo BBQ & Grill’s opportunity.