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.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
Tiered royalty (5% on first $1.5M gross sales, 4.5% to $2M, 4% above) + 1.5% ad fund
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
How GYU-KAKU Compares to Other Full-Service Casual Dining Franchises
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 Range | Franchise 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
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
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
How much does it cost to open a GYU-KAKU franchise?
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.
How many GYU-KAKU franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, GYU-KAKU has 28 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 2008.
Is GYU-KAKU a good franchise to buy?
Whether GYU-KAKU is a good franchise investment depends on your personal goals, available capital, and local market conditions. We recommend reviewing the full FDD, speaking with existing franchisees listed in Item 20, and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in GYU-KAKU?
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