Miami Grill

Miami Grill Franchising Corporation is a fast casual restaurant franchise operating in the Limited Service Restaurant market. That market is projected to grow from USD 737.31 billion in 2024 to USD 1214.93 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.71% from 2025 to 2035. The brand began in 1983 in Key West, Florida, as Mr. Submarine. It later became Miami Subs during the 1990s, a period of rapid growth and expansion. In 2012, the company partnered with international music sensation Armando Christian "Pitbull" Pérez, who became an equity owner, and the brand adopted its current Miami Grill identity. The official founding year as Miami Subs Grill is often cited as 1988. Miami Grill Franchising Corporation currently operates 6 total units, all franchised. Locations are concentrated in Florida counties including Miami Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach, with a verified presence in South Carolina and Nevada. More recent data from March 2026 shows 4 units in Florida, or 66.7%, 1 in California, or 16.7%, and 1 in South Carolina, or 16.7%. The brand uses an Everything Goes menu intended to reflect the taste and sensations of South Beach. This overview presents independent information for buyers assessing the Miami Grill Franchising Corporation franchise and its fit with their financial resources and operating plans.

The Limited Service Restaurant market is being shaped by changing consumer preferences and technology. Its projected growth is from USD 737.31 billion in 2024 to USD 1214.93 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.71% between 2025 and 2035. Demand for convenience, affordability, and menu variety supports fast casual concepts that provide a more refined experience than traditional quick service restaurants. Delivery sales in the limited service sector increased by over 20% during the past year. Mobile ordering and third party delivery platforms have changed how restaurants reach customers and have expanded off premise dining. Miami Grill’s Everything Goes concept and broad menu address demand for variety and convenience. Additional growth opportunities include expanded mobile ordering and delivery, AI driven customer service, and health focused menu options. Competition includes fragmented local operators and consolidated national chains. Shifting work life balances, urbanization, and customers seeking value without giving up quality or experience also create opportunities for franchise models in this market. Miami Grill’s brand heritage and menu give it a basis for serving a distinct customer segment.

The domestic initial franchise fee for Miami Grill Franchising Corporation is $45,000. Historical information has also reported fees of $30,000 or $15,000, along with an older range of $45,000 to $55,000. The total initial investment for a Miami Grill franchise ranges from $250,000 to $1,000,000. The amount can vary with the location, market conditions, and restaurant format. The company prefers second generation sites because renovation can produce what it describes as phenomenal results. For these locations, the estimated investment for renovations, furniture, fixtures, and equipment is between $250,000 and $500,000. Other reported investment ranges are $267,000 to $488,000 and $238,623 to $536,745. Buyers should review the specific site plan and current disclosure information before relying on any estimate. Franchisees are required to have $250,000 in liquid capital. Older sources reported liquid capital of $150,000 to $200,000. The minimum stated net worth requirement is $750,000, while other data lists $500,000. Ongoing fees include a royalty of 6% of gross sales and an advertising fund contribution of 3%. The parent company, Miami Subs Capital Partners 1, Inc., acquired the chain from Nathan's Famous in 2007 for $3.3 million. Miami Grill Franchising Corporation is an approved entity on the SBA National Registry, which can support financing access for qualified franchisees through SBA Guarantee Loan Programs. PeerSense introduces franchise buyers to SBA and conventional lenders but is not a lender and does not approve or provide loans.

The operating model centers on the Everything Goes concept and a broad menu. Offerings include authentic Greek style gyros, four varieties of chicken wings, fresh Angus steak burgers, grilled mahi mahi, shrimp, wraps, salads, beer, wine, Dom Perignon champagne, and Philly cheesesteaks made with imported shaved steak. Food is presented as fresh, authentic, and made to order, so the model requires a trained staff. Each franchise requires a minimum of three managers. They complete immersive training and become certified in one of the South Florida training restaurants. Training is intended for people with or without prior restaurant experience. The corporate team also provides on site staff training at the franchised location before, during, and after the grand opening. Miami Grill prefers second generation fast food locations generally ranging from 2,400 to 3,000 square feet, with renovation used to adapt the site. Franchise support includes real estate and site selection guidance, financing assistance, construction and design oversight, operating and training systems, marketing, point of sale decisions, purchasing, and distribution channels. Ongoing operational guidance is part of the franchise relationship. Marketing support includes national advertising campaigns and localized efforts from a team focused on franchise growth. The system permits multi unit operators and area developers. An area developer may obtain protected development rights for a defined geographic area by paying a predetermined territory fee and agreeing to develop a set number of units according to an agreed timetable. The training and support structure point to an owner operator model in which active involvement is expected.

Historical FDDs and public information still provide unit level data and information about past growth. Franchisee owned Miami Grill restaurants that operated throughout both 2019 and 2020 recorded a 12.0% increase in comparative sales. The high was $2,592,117, the low was $1,826,037, and the median was $2,072,786. These figures come from historical information rather than the current FDD. Miami Grill separately reported a 12% sales increase for franchisee owned locations between 2019 and 2020. In 2018, revenue increased by 14.2% in the first quarter and 10.2% in the second quarter, compared with restaurant industry growth of 0.1% and 0.8%. Transactions increased by 12.5% in the first quarter and 7.4% in the second quarter, while the industry declined by 2.7% and 2%. Transaction increases for those months were 14.6% and 17%. These historical results should be considered with the current FDD disclosure limitations and the operating costs of a particular location.

Miami Grill’s unit history includes periods of expansion, contraction, and renewed growth plans. During the Miami Subs era, the system had approximately 175 outlets in 1999. Nathan's Famous acquired the chain that year for $14.4 million. By October 2017, a reported 40 Miami Grills were operating systemwide. The most recent data lists 6 franchised units. Management instability contributed to difficulties between 1999 and 2007, when Nathan's Famous sold Miami Subs to Miami Subs Capital Partner 1 Inc for $3.3 million. The 2012 rebranding as Miami Grill and the partnership with Pitbull preceded an aggressive domestic and international expansion plan. The headquarters moved from the Fort Lauderdale Miami Subs Office Building to Boca Raton, Florida, in October 2018. Richard Chwatt was identified as CEO in October 2018, Jonathan H. Vogel as COO in March 2018, Robert Haar as Vice President of Franchise Development, and Evan Friedman as Executive Vice President. The brand’s market position is tied to its heritage dating to 1983, its Everything Goes concept, and a menu that includes Philly cheesesteaks with imported shaved steak, authentic Greek style gyros, fresh Angus steak burgers, and grilled mahi mahi. Co branding agreements with Arthur Treacher's and Nathan's Famous hot dogs add further menu coverage. Miami Grill continues to introduce products and menu items while emphasizing fresh, authentic, made to order food. Its expansion plans target major Florida markets, including Central and North Florida cities such as Orlando, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, and Gainesville. International Food Chains, LLC committed to five locations in Ecuador. The EB 5 program offers immigrants a path to US citizenship through franchising and supports the brand’s international development plans.

The intended franchisee is an individual or group willing to take an active role in operations. Prior restaurant experience can help, but the training program is designed for people who do not have extensive industry experience. At least three managers complete immersive training and certification at South Florida training restaurants, followed by corporate staff training at the franchised location before, during, and after opening. Franchisees need management ability and must be prepared to maintain the Everything Goes concept and its standards for fresh, authentic, made to order food. Miami Grill encourages multi unit operators and area developers. An area developer receives protected rights in a geographic area by paying a predetermined territory fee, committing to a set number of units, and following an opening timetable. The company is seeking franchisees in major Florida markets, with particular attention to Central and North Florida cities such as Orlando, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, and Gainesville. International plans include five committed locations in Ecuador. The preferred real estate is a second generation fast food site generally between 2,400 and 3,000 square feet, since these locations may produce phenomenal results after renovation. The model therefore favors established commercial areas with existing infrastructure. The available information does not specify the franchise agreement term or the details for transfer and resale. The support structure and development options indicate a long term franchise relationship.

A buyer reviewing the Miami Grill Franchising Corporation franchise should examine the brand’s history, current unit count, market conditions, costs, and historical sales data. The brand traces its heritage to Mr. Submarine in Key West, Florida, in 1983 and operates with an Everything Goes menu that includes a broad range of fast casual offerings. The current system has 6 franchised units, while past counts reached approximately 175 outlets in 1999 and 40 Miami Grills as of October 2017. Corporate support covers real estate, financing assistance, construction and design, operations, training, marketing, purchasing, and distribution. Development activity has focused on Central and North Florida, including Orlando, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, and Gainesville, with international plans for five locations in Ecuador. The $250,000 liquid capital requirement, $750,000 minimum net worth requirement, and $45,000 domestic franchise fee place the investment within a mid tier range for buyers with sufficient capital and an interest in active operations. PeerSense provides franchise due diligence data that includes SBA lending history, Loan Activity Score, location maps with Google ratings, FDD financial data, and side by side comparison tools. Buyers can review the complete Miami Grill Franchising Corporation franchise profile on PeerSense for additional independent franchise information.