GYU-KAKU
Gyu-Kaku offers franchises for Japanese-style yakiniku restaurants where customers grill their own assortment of meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, and desserts on state-of-the-art in-table charcoal roasters, paired with proprietary dipping sauces, marinades, and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The business model centers on franchising owner-developed and operated full-service casual dining establishments in formats from 2,000 to 5,000 square feet, emphasizing efficient operations with minimal kitchen prep as customers act as their own chefs. The target market includes adults and families seeking interactive, high-quality Japanese barbecue dining experiences.
Franchise Costs
Tiered royalty (5% on first $1.5M gross sales, 4.5% to $2M, 4% above) + 1.5% ad fund
How GYU-KAKU Compares
Key Insights
- One of the lowest investment costs in Full-Service Casual Dining (ranked #3 of 3)
- #2 largest franchise system in Full-Service Casual Dining
| Franchise | Investment | Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
GYU-KAKU Current | $2.3M – $4.3M | $50K | 5.0% | 28 |
| Twin Peaks | $2.3M – $6.9M | $50K | 5.0% | 70 |
| Cowboy Jack's | $1.5M – $6.1M | $45K | N/A | 5 |
Full-Service Casual Dining Average 3 franchises | $2.0M – $5.8M | $48K | 5.0% | – |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+1 more states
Franchisee Contacts
27 franchisee contacts on file from official FDD filings.
| Name | SBA Loan |
|---|---|
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
27 Contacts Available
Unlock all GYU-KAKU franchisee contacts with verified contact information
Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
Chief Financial Officer Motoo Noda's prior employer, Jamgle Jam USA, Inc., filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy on October 24, 2023 (Case No. 8:23-bk-12188-TA); case closed March 28, 2024 with no assets.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
The total initial investment to open a GYU-KAKU franchise ranges from $2,268,261 to $4,273,772. This includes a franchise fee of $50,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 5.0% of gross sales.
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