ScorecardWorth It?HistoryDatabaseCompareDistress Signals
QSRFull DisclosureItem 19: ✓ DisclosedHigh Confidence · 95/100FDD data: 2025 · Fresh

Sauce on the Side Franchise Cost and Profit

FDD-based startup cost, franchise fee, revenue, profit, SBA default rate, and investment risk signals for Sauce on the Side.

Based on 2025 FDD · 1 filing in corpus

FranchiseIQ Score
59
C
Moderate Risk
Composite score from 3 risk dimensions. Click for breakdown ↓
Health Score
B
71/100
4/7 metrics · Medium confidence
Full analysis unlocks:
✓ Cash-on-Cash return
✓ Payback period
✓ SBA default rate
✓ Red flags assessment
✓ Comparable franchises
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Cost and profit at a glance

How much does a Sauce on the Side franchise cost and make?

Based on FDDIQ's FDD corpus, a Sauce on the Side franchise shows an estimated initial investment of $494K – $794K. Reported owner economics show $66K. Use the links below to compare the cost, revenue, SBA loan history, and ROI against other franchises before you request the full FDD.

Startup Cost
$494K – $794K
Total initial investment
Profit / Revenue
$66K
FDD Item 19 signal
Payback Signal
9.7 years
Modeled return metric
SBA Default Rate
No matched SBA history
Loan repayment history
Compare franchise costs →Estimate franchise ROI →Check SBA default rates →Browse QSR franchises →Compare similar franchises →

Quick fee read: $35K franchise fee · 6% royalty/ad burden. These figures are directional screening data, not a substitute for reading the current FDD and speaking with existing operators.

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Before you talk to Sauce on the Side, check the numbers buyers usually miss.

The unlocked report ties this brand's FDD disclosures to SBA outcomes, Item 20 movement, fee load, missing-data labels, and buyer assumptions — so you can decide whether this is worth deeper diligence.

FDD disclosure qualitySBA default outcomesItem 20 unit movementFee/cost stressComparable brands
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Sauce on the Side Franchise Analysis

Sauce on the Side requires a total initial investment of $494K to $794K (midpoint approximately $644K), with an initial franchise fee of $35K. The ongoing fee burden is 6% (5% royalty plus 1% advertising fund). This is below the industry average of approximately 14.2%, leaving more margin for the operator.

According to Item 19 of the 2025 FDD, the median revenue for Sauce on the Side locations is $946K. The implied franchisee EBITDA is approximately $66K, based on the margin assumptions disclosed in the FDD. The estimated cash-on-cash return is 10.3% with a payback period of approximately 9.7 years.

Sauce on the Side operates approximately 5 franchised units.

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 2025 FDD filing. FDDIQ Editorial Team · Methodology

Total Investment Range$494K – $794K
MinMid: $644KMax

Key Metrics

Franchise Fee
$35K
Royalty Rate
5%
Ad Fund Rate
1%
Total Burden
6.0%
Royalty + ad fund
Units (2023)
5
Net Unit Growth
→ -
Year over year
Cash-on-Cash Return
10.3%
Annual estimated return
Payback Period
9.7 yrs
Break-even timeline
SBA Default Rate
~3–8%
Fewer than 50 loans on record
Median Revenue
$946K
Item 19 disclosed
Red Flags Assessment
LOW: Single-year corpus
LOW ×1
Premium Data

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CoC ReturnPayback PeriodSBA Default RateMedian RevenueEbitda MarginRisk Score
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Estimated using sector-average margins. Actual franchise economics vary by location, operator, and market conditions.

Sauce on the Side vs. QSR Average

MetricSauce on the SideQSR Avg
SBA Default Rate - 9.4%
Cash-on-Cash Return10.3%▼14.2%
Total Investment$644K$380K

Industry averages based on FranchiseIQ corpus benchmarks. ▲ = better than avg, ▼ = worse.

Compare

Sauce on the Side vs Chick-fil-A, Inc.Sauce on the Side vs McDonald'sSauce on the Side vs Get Fried

Similar Franchises · QSR

Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Revenue Only
$427K–$2.3M
McDonald's
Revenue Only
$1.5M–$2.7M
Get Fried
Revenue Only
$102K–$505K
Chick-fil-A, Inc.
$427K – $2.3M
McDonald's
$1.5M – $2.7M
Get Fried
$102K – $505K
MAGNOLIA BAKERY
$422K – $1.2M

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Questions to Ask Before You Sign

5 data-driven questions every Sauce on the Side franchise buyer should ask.

  1. 1.What is Sauce on the Side's SBA default rate compared to its competitors?Learn more →
  2. 2.Does Sauce on the Side disclose Item 19 financial performance representations?Learn more →
  3. 3.What is the net unit growth trend over the past 3 years?Learn more →
  4. 4.What is the franchisee termination and transfer rate per Item 20?Learn more →
  5. 5.What do the FDD litigation disclosures (Item 3) reveal about franchisor legal history?Learn more →
Generate attorney questions for Sauce on the Side →Validation call guide →
Data sourced from publicly filed Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) submitted to state franchise regulators. SBA loan data from public SBA 7(a) records. Information reflects the most recent FDD filing in our database and may not reflect current terms. Always verify with the franchisor's current FDD before making any investment decision. Not legal or financial advice.

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