Own one of the fastest growing better-for-you restaurant franchises
Protein Bar & Kitchen is America's leading healthy food franchise. We're on a mission to provide delicious, nutritious, and protein-packed options for every body.
- Estimated initial investment
- $369,500 – $685,000
- Average annual Gross Sales
- $1,388,405
Average annual Gross Sales for the fiscal year 2025 (December 30, 2024 – December 27, 2025) of the 5 Protein Bar & Kitchen Businesses in the Data Set disclosed in Item 19 of our 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. All 5 are Traditional Locations owned and operated by our affiliate in and around Chicago, Illinois; no franchised locations are included because all 3 franchised locations operating at the end of the period were Non-Traditional Locations. 3 of the 5 attained or exceeded this figure. Adjusted EBITDAR is stated after deducting an additional 8% (6% royalty and 2% Brand Fund) that these locations would have paid if franchised. Some Protein Bar & Kitchen Businesses have earned this amount. Your individual results may differ. There is no assurance you will earn as much.
The short version
America's leading protein-focused fast casual brand
Protein Bar & Kitchen was founded in 2009 to provide a new way to bring a better-for-you menu to every body. And we're still going strong
$1,388,405
Average annual Gross Sales
Across the 5 locations in our Item 19 Data Set. 3 of 5 met or exceeded it.
All dayparts covered
Breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner
Menu offerings that can be enjoyed all day
1,250 – 1,700 sq ft
Traditional footprint
Flexible configurations well suited to second generation sites. Drive-thru options available as well.
Multi-brand platform support
Operating infrastructure
Real estate, supply chain, technology, and marketing systems that already run at scale.
Average annual Gross Sales for the fiscal year 2025 (December 30, 2024 – December 27, 2025) of the 5 Protein Bar & Kitchen Businesses in the Data Set disclosed in Item 19 of our 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. All 5 are Traditional Locations owned and operated by our affiliate in and around Chicago, Illinois; no franchised locations are included because all 3 franchised locations operating at the end of the period were Non-Traditional Locations. 3 of the 5 attained or exceeded this figure. Adjusted EBITDAR is stated after deducting an additional 8% (6% royalty and 2% Brand Fund) that these locations would have paid if franchised. Some Protein Bar & Kitchen Businesses have earned this amount. Your individual results may differ. There is no assurance you will earn as much.
The category
Protein for Every Body
70% of Americans say they are actively trying to consume protein — and a "high protein" diet is the most-followed eating pattern in America for the third consecutive year per the IFIC's Food and Health Survey
PBK was built around our Protein Promise to meet the needs of these consumers. PBK commits to at least 15 grams of protein in every shake or entrée on our menu. Whether through a protein shake, a bowl, a salad, or a wrap -- PBK delivers a set of food and blended drinks that are always delicious, nutritious, and protein-packed!
Our comprehensive offerings distinguish us from more limited brands. We provide great options for just about every consumer use occasion and are oriented for speed to keep our active customers going.
Simple operations
Operational simplicity
A lean kitchen model designed to make running the business easier for operators and their teams.
Minimal equipment package
A compact kitchen buildout that keeps startup costs down and the floor plan flexible.
No open flame or type 2 hood
No open-flame cooking and no type 2 hood required, simplifying permitting, ventilation, and site selection.
No black iron required
The menu is built for assembly, not heavy back-of-house equipment, so buildout stays lean.
Assembled in under 180 seconds
Every menu item is designed to be made in less than three minutes, keeping throughput high and labor efficient.
This provides a simple operating model that means an easier experience for our operators and their teams.
Investment
Disclosed costs and financial performance
Per Protein Bar 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document
- Total initial investment
- $369,500 – $685,000
- Initial franchise fee
- $40,000
- Royalty
- 6% of Gross Sales
- Brand Fund
- 2% of Gross Sales
- Median Gross Sales
- $1,410,659
- Average EBITDAR
- 28.6% of Gross Sales
Average annual Gross Sales for the fiscal year 2025 (December 30, 2024 – December 27, 2025) of the 5 Protein Bar & Kitchen Businesses in the Data Set disclosed in Item 19 of our 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. All 5 are Traditional Locations owned and operated by our affiliate in and around Chicago, Illinois; no franchised locations are included because all 3 franchised locations operating at the end of the period were Non-Traditional Locations. 3 of the 5 attained or exceeded this figure. Adjusted EBITDAR is stated after deducting an additional 8% (6% royalty and 2% Brand Fund) that these locations would have paid if franchised. Some Protein Bar & Kitchen Businesses have earned this amount. Your individual results may differ. There is no assurance you will earn as much.
Start the conversation
Tell us about yourself and your background
A member of our franchise development team reviews every submission personally and responds within two business days.
- 1Introductory call to discuss your application and interest
- 2Franchise Disclosure Document review, with a 14-day waiting period
- 3Financial and background validation
- 4Discovery Day in Chicago
- 5Award, site selection, and build