Hickory River Smokehouse®
What Is Hickory River Smokehouse?
Hickory River Smokehouse is a family-oriented, Texas-style barbecue restaurant franchise focused on ribs, pork and beef brisket, chicken, sandwiches and related menu items. The primary service channels are on-premises (dine-in) dining and carry-out; delivery may be offered only with the franchisor's prior written approval. Significant revenue streams include the sale of beverages, including beer and wine, and catering services, and the franchisor may permit or require a full-service liquor bar in the future.
Hickory River Smokehouse Franchise: Pros and Cons
Exceptional training and support — a perfect Training and Support score of 100 and 240 hours of initial hands-on training (top 10%) — is a major strength, but the franchise requires high startup cash: estimated training costs of $24,500–$37,000 plus minimum reserves of $60,000, which raises risk.
Pros
Cons
Lawsuits & Legal Risk
The franchise reported no material legal proceedings.
Territory Protection
Grants a protected operating area where the franchisor will not place other physical units. The franchisor may sell via e-commerce, use alternate trademarks and venue formats (including retail), and develop nearby units; the franchisee may relocate under site-specific rights and faces no performance contingencies to retain protection.
Training & Support
The brand provides a comprehensive 240-hour training curriculum designed to prepare four managerial staff members for launch through classroom and on-site components. The program includes on-site launch assistance for operational readiness, with travel and lodging expenses managed by the franchisee, and the on-site support is provided without an additional fee.
Unit Growth Analysis
This franchise was flat at 6 units from 2023 to 2024 and then dropped to 5 units in 2025, representing a -16.7% year-over-year decline. The shift from 0% growth to a -16.7% contraction indicates a move from stability to decline, suggesting potential franchisee attrition or closures that investors should investigate before considering new investment.
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Hickory River Smokehouse Franchise?
Opening a Hickory River Smokehouse franchise requires a total initial investment of $315,000 to $674,500, according to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. This range covers the franchise fee, real estate, equipment, training, and initial working capital needed to launch and operate through the early months.
Minimum Investment
Maximum Investment
Minimum Investment Breakdown
Maximum Investment Breakdown
Investment Analysis
This investment analysis is coming soon. Have ideas for other analyses you'd like us to add? Get in touch.
The initial investment amounts shown are estimates only. Actual costs may vary based on location size, business model, and multi-unit ownership arrangements. We recommend reviewing the full Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.
How Much Do Hickory River Smokehouse Franchise Owners Make?
Hickory River Smokehouse franchise locations reported average gross sales of $1,778,293 and median gross sales of $1,515,349 in 2025, based on financial performance data disclosed in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Hickory River Smokehouse franchise?
The total initial investment for a Hickory River Smokehouse franchise ranges from $315,000 to $674,500, according to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. This includes the franchise fee, real estate, equipment, training, and working capital.
What is the Hickory River Smokehouse initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for Hickory River Smokehouse is $30,000, as stated in the 2025 FDD. This fee is paid upon signing the Franchise Agreement.
How much do Hickory River Smokehouse franchise owners make?
Hickory River Smokehouse franchise locations reported average gross sales of $1,778,293 and median gross sales of $1,515,349 in 2025, based on Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document. Actual earnings vary by location, market, and operator experience.
Does Hickory River Smokehouse have any franchise lawsuits or legal issues?
Hickory River Smokehouse received a legal risk score of 100 out of 100 in the 2025 FDD analysis. The franchise reported no material legal proceedings.
Does Hickory River Smokehouse offer exclusive franchise territories?
Hickory River Smokehouse received a territory protection score of 60 out of 100. Grants a protected operating area where the franchisor will not place other physical units.
What training does Hickory River Smokehouse provide to new franchisees?
Hickory River Smokehouse received a training and support score of 100 out of 100. The brand provides a comprehensive 240-hour training curriculum designed to prepare four managerial staff members for launch through classroom and on-site components.
How many Hickory River Smokehouse franchise locations are there?
Hickory River Smokehouse had 5 total locations as of the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document.
What type of business is Hickory River Smokehouse?
Hickory River Smokehouse is a family-oriented, Texas-style barbecue restaurant franchise focused on ribs, pork and beef brisket, chicken, sandwiches and related menu items.
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