Complete Outdoor Living is expanding on their current outdoor kitchen distribution mode by launching a franchise system. Initially, the franchise program is only available in Florida but there are future plans to expand into other geographies.
Our goal is to grow in a way that maintains the quality and reputation we’ve built. By launching a franchise model, we’re able to partner with individuals who share our standards and want to build something meaningful in their local markets, while leveraging a system that’s already been proven.
David Walker, Complete Outdoor Living VP of Operations
Despite overall economic headwinds, there are some tailwinds in outdoor kitchens. Homeowners have record levels of equity and they’re building larger and more complex outdoor kitchens.
The traditional distribution model for outdoor kitchens has been to sell through existing dealers, contractors, builders and direct. The franchise model is a different idea because it gives the owner a dedicated territory with additional business support from the franchisor.
The established geographies that Complete Outdoor Living is looking to franchise include the following, with other options available.
- Lake Nona · Lake Mary
- The Villages · Ocala · Palm Coast
- Tampa Bay · Sarasota · Naples
- Palm Beach · Treasure Coast
- Fort Lauderdale · Coral Gables
This is an exciting next step for our business. We’ve built a model that resonates with homeowners and performs consistently, and we’re looking forward to working with partners who want to bring that same experience to their communities.
Grant Hughes, General Manager
According to the materials available on joining the franchise program, Complete Outdoor Living boasts an average ticket size of $16k and four to seven months from joining the system to opening a store. They will help with site selection through opening the store, then once the store is open, provide back office support and strategy.
They don’t offer up the capital requirements to open join the franchise or any asset requirements from the franchisee. They say that will be detailed in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
I can’t think of other outdoor kitchens companies that offer a franchise model. The closest in the outdoor living space is Archadeck which focuses on outdoor structures.
It’s an interesting path towards opening an outdoor kitchen dealer without having to figure it out as much along the way. One risk though is it locks you into a singular brand. Some of that may be offset with business support but that would have to be weighed against the overall franchise cost structure.