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QSRItem 19: ✓ DisclosedHigh Confidence · 90/100FDD data: 2025 · Fresh

Waters Edge Wineries, Inc. Franchise Cost and Profit

FDD-based startup cost, franchise fee, revenue, profit, SBA default rate, and investment risk signals for Waters Edge Wineries, Inc..

Based on 2025 FDD · 5 filings in corpus

FranchiseIQ Score
46
D
High Risk
Composite score from 3 risk dimensions. Click for breakdown ↓
Health Score
F
36/100
6/7 metrics · High 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 Waters Edge Wineries, Inc. franchise cost and make?

Based on FDDIQ's FDD corpus, a Waters Edge Wineries, Inc. franchise shows an estimated initial investment of $577K – $1.3M. Reported owner economics show $29K. 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
$577K – $1.3M
Total initial investment
Profit / Revenue
$29K
FDD Item 19 signal
Payback Signal
32.7 years
Modeled return metric
SBA Default Rate
50.0%
Loan repayment history
Compare franchise costs →Estimate franchise ROI →Check SBA default rates →Browse QSR franchises →Compare similar franchises →

Quick fee read: $55K franchise fee · 8% 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 Waters Edge Wineries, Inc., 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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Waters Edge Wineries, Inc. Franchise Analysis

Waters Edge Wineries, Inc. requires a total initial investment of $577K to $1.3M (midpoint approximately $957K), with an initial franchise fee of $55K. The ongoing fee burden is 8% (6% royalty plus 2% 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 Waters Edge Wineries, Inc. locations is $585K. The implied franchisee EBITDA is approximately $29K, based on the margin assumptions disclosed in the FDD. The estimated cash-on-cash return is 3.1% with a payback period of approximately 32.7 years.

The SBA 7(a) loan default rate of 50.0% is above the franchise industry average of approximately 9.4%, suggesting elevated financial risk for franchisees relying on debt financing.

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$577K – $1.3M
MinMid: $957KMax

Key Metrics

Franchise Fee
$55K
Royalty Rate
6%
Ad Fund Rate
2%
Total Burden
8.0%
Royalty + ad fund
Units (2023)
-
-2 vs prior yr
Net Unit Growth
↓ -100.0%
Year over year
Cash-on-Cash Return
3.1%
Annual estimated return
Payback Period
32.7 yrs
Break-even timeline
SBA Default Rate
50.0%
vs ~7.2% industry avg
Median Revenue
$585K
Item 19 disclosed
Red Flags Assessment
HIGH: SBA default rate 50% · MEDIUM: Significant unit decline
HIGH ×1MED ×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.

Waters Edge Wineries, Inc. vs. QSR Average

MetricWaters Edge Wineries, Inc.QSR Avg
SBA Default Rate50.0%▼9.4%
Cash-on-Cash Return3.1%▼14.2%
Total Investment$957K$380K

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

SBA Loan Performance

Real lending data from SBA 7(a) loans (2018-2025). 8 loans across 6 states.

Default Rate
50.0%
High Risk
Total SBA Loans
8
6 states
Total Loan Volume
$7.0M
SBA 7(a) approved
Avg Loan Size
$873K
Per franchisee
Loan Status Breakdown
1
Paid in Full (13%)
6
Currently Active
1
Charged Off (2.7% by $)
$190K
Total Charged Off ($)
● Paid● Active● Charged Off

Source: SBA 7(a) loan data via FOIA. Default rate = charged-off loans / total originated. Industry avg default rate ~7.2%.

Compare

Waters Edge Wineries, Inc. vs Chick-fil-A, Inc.Waters Edge Wineries, Inc. vs McDonald'sWaters Edge Wineries, Inc. 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 Waters Edge Wineries, Inc. franchise buyer should ask.

  1. 1.What is Waters Edge Wineries, Inc.'s SBA default rate compared to its competitors?Learn more →
  2. 2.Does Waters Edge Wineries, Inc. 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 Waters Edge Wineries, Inc. →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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