FDD-based startup cost, franchise fee, revenue, profit, SBA default rate, and investment risk signals for Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas.
Based on 2020 FDD · 4 filings in corpus
This page is using 2020 FDD source data. Verify the franchisor's current FDD before relying on costs, fees, or Item 19. It is excluded from search indexing until refreshed.
Cost and profit at a glance
Based on FDDIQ's FDD corpus, a Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas franchise shows an estimated initial investment of $5.1M – $16.1M. Reported owner economics show $165K. Use the links below to compare the cost, revenue, SBA loan history, and ROI against other franchises before you request the full FDD.
Quick fee read: $125K franchise fee · 5.5% royalty/ad burden. These figures are directional screening data, not a substitute for reading the current FDD and speaking with existing operators.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas requires a total initial investment of $5.1M to $16.1M (midpoint approximately $10.6M), with an initial franchise fee of $125K. The ongoing fee burden is 5.5% . This is below the industry average of approximately 28.4%, leaving more margin for the operator.
According to Item 19 of the 2020 FDD, the median revenue for Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas locations is $1.1M. The implied franchisee EBITDA is approximately $165K, based on the margin assumptions disclosed in the FDD. The estimated cash-on-cash return is 1.6% with a payback period of approximately 64.1 years. Note: Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas does not include a full Item 19 Financial Performance Representation in their FDD, limiting the ability to verify revenue claims independently.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas operates approximately 3 franchised units. The SBA 7(a) loan default rate of 0.0% is in line with industry norms of approximately 1.8%.
Prospective franchisees should verify all figures against the most recent FDD, conduct validation calls with multiple existing franchisees, and consult with a franchise attorney before signing any agreement.
Analysis based on 2020 FDD filing. FDDIQ Editorial Team · Methodology
Estimated using sector-average margins. Actual franchise economics vary by location, operator, and market conditions.
Industry averages based on FranchiseIQ corpus benchmarks. ▲ = better than avg, ▼ = worse.
Real lending data from SBA 7(a) loans (2013-2013). 1 loans across 1 states.
Source: SBA 7(a) loan data via FOIA. Default rate = charged-off loans / total originated. Industry avg default rate ~7.2%.
Common questions buyers ask about Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, answered from FDD and SBA data.
The total initial investment for a Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas franchise ranges from $5.1M to $16.1M, according to their Franchise Disclosure Document.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas charges a 5% royalty fee on gross sales.
The initial franchise fee for Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas is $125,000.
There are approximately 3 Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas franchise locations as of 2023.
The median revenue for a Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas franchise is $1.1M, with a cash-on-cash return of 1.6%, according to FDD Item 19 data.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas has an SBA loan default rate of 0.0% based on SBA 7(a) loan data.
Whether a Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas franchise is worth it depends on total startup cost, royalty burden, FDD Item 19 economics, SBA loan performance, and local operator execution. FDDIQ compares these signals against similar franchises so buyers can screen the opportunity before paying for diligence.
FDD Item 7 breaks down every cost to open a franchise. Read all 23 line items, stress-test the ra...
SBA 7(a) franchise loan approval rates by brand, default rates by sector, and what lenders want i...
Compare franchise financing options: SBA 7(a), SBA 504, ROBS 401(k) rollovers, bank loans, franch...
SBA 7(a) franchise loans explained, including the October 2026 SOP 50 10 8.1 update, eligibility,...
SBA 7(a) and 504 loans for franchise buyers: rates, down payments, timelines, approval requiremen...
5 data-driven questions every Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas franchise buyer should ask.