Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ is one of the fastest growing Hot Dog and BBQ franchises in the United States. The brand not only has brick and mortar locations, but a fleet of food trucks as well. The brand features mouthwatering BBQ, Hot Dogs and tons of local crafts on self-serve tap! The brand prides themselves on food and technology innovation to keep up with the market trends.
Crave Co-Founder and CEO, Samantha Rincione, discusses the brand’s growth and future.
What is the latest on growth
Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ has had a banner year with expansion. With 26 locations open and 20 more slated for early next year, they are very excited for the future. The food trucks have become increasingly popular throughout the Midwest and southern states too. We as a brand are very passionate about what e do. From our founders, staff and franchisees, we all share the drive and motivation to make the brand the best that it can be. We innovate, discuss and grow together as a team.
What makes your menu unique?
Our Menu features not only classic BBQ dishes, but also fun plays on traditional BBQ. Some examples are taco trio featuring smoked brisket, pulled chicken, and pulled pork, or our Mac n’ Brisket bowl in a skillet! We have classic hot dog combos like slaw dogs and chili cheese dogs but also some specialties like Memphis dogs and Nacho dogs. Of course, we have salads and grilled chicken and kids’ meals too, so there’s something for the whole family. Crave also has Limited Time offers as well, which keeps it fun and exciting not to mention a shhhh…. Secret menu available exclusively through the app. Crave also has multiple revenue streams to include:
- Dine in
- Take Out
- Curbside Pickup
- Delivery
- Self order kiosks
- QR Code Ordering
- Catering
- Meal packages
What are Craves Plans for the future?
Crave plans to continue expansion across the United States regionally. The food truck program will probably continue throughout the Midwest and south. Crave pans to have over 100 units in the next 4 years open.
What makes Crave Different?
Crave is very different from other franchises. Crave has Real estate personnel to assist with site selection if needed, a 24/7 operations and training team, and dedicated architects and General contractors to help in opening the locations efficiently. The training and operations team fully dedicates themselves to the franchisees needs in terms of marketing, training, and operations. Crave prides itself in its ability to always be available to its franchisees.
What is most exciting about Crave?
I’ve already told you about the incredible menu, Crave also features a self-pour beer wall. The locations have anywhere from 18-32 taps of local craft beer. It’s a great pay for what you pour system, giving endless possibilities to beer drinkers. Many of the locations also come equipped with ax lanes. The axes are real, the targets are wooden, but also digital. Duck hunt, zombie hunt, tic tac toe and more are available to play. The locations also have tons of games for the kids and really a warm welcoming family atmosphere. Most locations have bingo, trivia or karaoke routinely too!
Crave is always looking to expand throughout the United States with the right franchise partners. In order to qualify for a Crave franchise brick and mortar unit, you’ll need 150k liquid capital and 200k Net. You will also need to have some business experience and believe in the brand. If your someone that’s looking to own their own business you can be in business for yourself, but not by yourself, with Crave. For more information, please visit https://iwantcrave.com/franchising/.
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