Is PF Chang’s a Franchise?

If you’ve ever enjoyed a meal at PF Chang’s, you might have wondered if this popular Asian-inspired restaurant is a franchise, and if so, how you could open one in your city. PF Chang’s is known for its dynamic blend of Chinese and other Asian flavors and contemporary ambiance, drawing fans worldwide. But franchise opportunities are only open to a small number of investors, and there are even more enticing options on the menu. Learn more.

First Things First

Technically, PF Chang’s is not available for franchising in the United States. The brand operates primarily through company-owned locations domestically. Internationally, however, the story is different. PF Chang’s has partnered with franchise operators in select global markets, allowing the brand to expand its presence overseas while maintaining its core operations in the U.S.

For American entrepreneurs eager to get involved with PF Chang’s, this limitation can be a disappointment. While you cannot open a PF Chang’s location in your city through franchising, this doesn’t mean you’re out of options for popular and growing Japanese franchises.

Can I Open a PF Chang’s Location in My City?

As mentioned, PF Chang’s locations in the United States are corporate-owned, meaning the company retains full control over its operations and growth strategy. If you’re determined to open a PF Chang’s, you’d need to be in an international market where franchising agreements exist. Even then, such opportunities are typically offered to experienced restaurant operators or large-scale developers with significant capital and experience in multi-unit restaurant operations.

If you live in the U.S. and are interested in bringing an Asian-inspired dining concept to your community, there are other exciting franchise options worth considering.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a PF Chang’s Franchise?

Since PF Chang’s does not offer domestic franchising opportunities, it’s difficult to estimate the exact costs of opening a location. However, we can make educated guesses based on the costs of similar upscale casual dining restaurants.

For a high-end restaurant like PF Chang’s, startup costs would likely range from to $2 million or more. These costs include real estate, construction, equipment, inventory, and initial marketing. Additionally, international franchise agreements usually come with significant upfront fees and royalty structures.

If these costs sound prohibitive—or if PF Chang’s is simply not an option for you—don’t worry. There are other Asian food franchises that offer more accessible entry points for aspiring business owners.

Alternatives to PF Chang’s: Asian Food Franchises to Consider

If PF Chang’s isn’t available, you can still bring delicious Asian-inspired cuisine to your city by investing in an alternative franchise. Asian food franchises have proven to be profitable and scalable while offering lower startup costs and robust franchise support systems. Here are a few to consider:

1. Genghis Grill

Genghis Grill offers a unique, interactive dining experience where customers create their own stir-fry bowls. This franchise stands out for its emphasis on customization and fresh ingredients.

  • Initial Investment: $346,000 to $865,000
  • Franchise Fee: $35,000
  • Why It’s a Good Choice: Genghis Grill offers a mid-sized footprint and appeals to customers looking for an engaging and healthy dining option.

2. Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi

If sushi and Asian fusion are more your style, Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi could be a great fit. This fast casual chain features a diverse menu of bowls, sushi, and Asian-inspired dishes.

  • Initial Investment: $500,000 to $1,000,000+
  • Franchise Fee: $35,000
  • Why It’s a Good Choice: Bento appeals to diners who want a mix of traditional and modern Asian flavors in a casual setting.

3. Teriyaki Madness

One of the fastest-growing Asian food franchises, Teriyaki Madness specializes in fresh, made-to-order teriyaki bowls. The menu is simple, healthy, and customizable, appealing to today’s health-conscious consumers. Unlike the upscale casual model of PF Chang’s, Teriyaki Madness operates as a fast casual restaurant, which means lower startup costs and greater accessibility for franchisees.

  • Initial Investment: $350,500 – $976,860*
  • Franchise Fee: $45,000
  • Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales
  • Why It’s a Good Choice: Teriyaki Madness is known for its strong franchisee support, efficient operations, and high-profit potential. Its smaller footprint makes it easier to establish urban and suburban areas alike.

What Makes Teriyaki Madness Your Best Option?

While opening a PF Chang’s franchise in the U.S. is not possible, you have other options to explore in the Asian food franchise space. Teriyaki Madness’s combination of affordability, simplicity, and growth potential is hard to beat. The fast casual model aligns with current consumer preferences for fresh, healthy, and customizable meals, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of markets.

Moreover, Teriyaki Madness offers exceptional franchisor support, from site selection and marketing to operations training, ensuring franchisees have the tools they need to succeed. With its proven record of strong unit-level economics and a relatively low initial investment, Teriyaki Madness offers aspiring entrepreneurs an unmatched opportunity to own a thriving business in the booming Asian food industry.

To learn more, download our franchise report.

* Refer to the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document

Are you ready to

Join the Madness?

The people have spoken, and they want Teriyaki. Asian and Fast Casual are the two fastest growing segments in the restaurant industry. Join the Japanese franchise revolution and give people what they want: HUGE BOWLS OF AWESOMENESS!

DOWNLOAD OUR FRANCHISE REPORT BELOW!











    *Indicates Required