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Crumbl Cookies Franchise Cost: Investment Breakdown & What to Expect in 2025

June 13, 2025

Crumbl Cookies is a delicious treat in the ever-evolving world of dessert franchises. With its massive, toasty cookies and active weekly menu, Crumbl has exploded from a one-bakery Utah shop to more than 950 stores in the United States in a matter of years. Entrepreneurs and dessert enthusiasts are attracted to its contemporary branding, colossal social media following, and viral marketing strategies. But beneath the sweet success is a question many have: What is the Crumbl Cookies franchise cost, and is it worth it in 2025?

This blog dissects the investment cost, franchise process, profitability, and all you need to know before getting started with the Crumbl franchise opportunity.

Why Crumbl Cookies?

Crumbl Cookies was founded in 2017 by cousins Jason McGowan and Sawyer Hemsley, and in just a few short years, it has become a national cookie powerhouse. Its unique rotating menu, pink box, and premium ingredients, Crumbl brought in more than $1.1 billion in sales in 2023, per Franchise Times. The brand remains on top of TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms, with a common occurrence of amassing millions of views on cookie drops alone.

This level of brand momentum is uncommon in the food franchise market, so Crumbl is an attractive company for investors seeking quick returns on investment in the quick-service dessert arena.

The Entire Cost of Starting a Franchise for Crumbl Cookies

It’s not inexpensive to open a Crumbl Cookies store, but it is decently priced when contrasted with other high-performing franchises. An outline of the main expenses is provided below:

1. Initial Franchise Fee

Crumbl asks for a single upfront initial franchise fee of $50,000. This licenses you to do business as Crumbl and comes with the right to use the brand name, training, branding, and support services.

2. Startup Costs

Starting a Crumbl shop is expected to require an initial investment of $367,666 to $1,404,333. This includes the cost of:

Leasehold improvements
Equipment and technology
Construction
Furniture and fixtures
Initial inventory
Training costs
Signage and décor
POS systems

The broad cost range depends on factors such as location, store size, build-out complexity, and market conditions.

3. Recurring Fees

Royalty Fee: 8% of gross sales
Marketing Fee: 2% of gross sales
Technology Fee: Approximately $300/month (for proprietary systems)

These are typical in the world of franchising, but with such enormous brand name recognition as Crumbl’s, returns come to franchisees faster than the norm within the industry.

Explore more franchise business:

Smoothie King Franchise Cost

Little Caesars Franchise Cost

Financial Requirements for Franchisees

To become a Crumbl Cookies franchisee, you’ll require:

Minimum Liquid Capital: $150,000
Minimum Net Worth: $500,000

These capital levels allow you to absorb initial investment and operational capital until your shop is generating profit.

Crumbl’s Franchise Process: Step-by-Step

Here is a basic overview of becoming an applicant to a Crumbl franchisee:

Step 1: Apply

Begin by completing the franchise interest form on the website of Official Crumbl. You will be required to submit financial and personal data.

Step 2: Review Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)

If your application is successful, you’ll be sent the FDD, which explains everything from fees to obligations. Read this thoroughly with the assistance of a franchise attorney.

Step 3: Initial Interview & Background Check

You’ll have interviews with Crumbl’s development team and pass a background check.

Step 4: Discovery Day

You’ll be invited to “Discovery Day” at Crumbl HQ in Utah, where you’ll receive information about store operations, marketing, and take a tour of facilities.

Step 5: Sign the Franchise Agreement

You will sign the contract and pay the $50,000 franchise fee after everything is in order.

Step 6: Site Selection and Build-Out

Crumbl helps you select a site by demographics and commercial feasibility. Construction and setup start once approved.

Step 7: Training

You and your appointed managers are required to undergo a multi-week training session in Utah or at an appointed venue.

Step 8: Grand Opening

With employees hired, inventory loaded, and marketing campaigns live, you’ll open the doors with Crumbl’s support for promotions.

How Much Money Can You Make?

Franchise profitability will be driven by location, management effectiveness, local demand, and overhead. But information in Crumbl’s 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document is as follows:

Highest-performing shops reported more than $2 million in gross sales per year
Average unit volume (AUV) was approximately $1.68 million
Numerous stores achieved profitability in their first 6–12 months

While not every location performs at the highest level, a well-operated Crumbl store at a high-traffic location can generate substantial returns. But those figures do not include net profit — which, after royalties, COGS, rent, labor, and other costs, can range around 15%–20% of gross sales.

Pros and Cons of Opening a Crumbl Franchise

Pros:

Strong brand equity and nationwide recognition
tested business model with high growth rate
Innovative marketing that generates organic traffic
Support operations and training of franchisees
Weekly menu builds buzz and customer retention

Cons:

High initial cost due to smaller size compared to other bakery franchises
Dense competition in high markets
Strict control over menus and restricted product flexibility
Labor-intensive operations due to fresh baking

Location Matters: What Crumbl Looks For

Crumbl doesn’t accept locations at random. The company prefers:

High traffic locations (shopping malls, within a mile of colleges, city centers)
Between 1,000–1,400 sq. ft. spaces
Those with adequate parking and visibility
Trade areas with desirable household income and demographics
The success of your franchise depends on your choice of real estate.

Is Crumbl Right for You?

Crumbl is suited for franchisees who are:

Dessert and hospitality lovers
Clever about adhering to strict brand standards
Able to manage 15–30 staff
Okay with retail and long hours
Financially capable of investing in high initial and ongoing fees

You don’t have to have previous experience in food, but business and interpersonal skills are essential.

Final Thoughts

Crumbl Cookies differentiates itself in the franchise landscape not only with its cookies, but with its brand power, marketing ingenuity, and consumer fixation. If you’re prepared for a high-reward opportunity and have the money to spend, Crumbl has a strong business model in a fast-growing niche. It’s important to consider the Crumbl Cookies franchise cost, which can be significant, but reflects the value of entering a well-established and rapidly expanding brand.

But franchising success is never a given. The best results go to those who roll up their sleeves, are thoroughly prepared, and strategic in implementation. If that is you, then Crumbl may be your most delicious business decision yet.

FAQs About Opening a Crumbl Cookies Franchise

1. How long does it take to open a Crumbl Franchise?

Typically, it takes 6–12 months from application to grand opening, depending on site availability and build-out timelines.

2. Can I open more than one location?

Yes. Crumbl offers multi-unit agreements to successful franchisees who prove operational excellence and strong financials.

3. Is Crumbl Open to International Franchising?

As of 2025, Crumbl is focused on U.S. expansion only. International franchises are not yet available.

4. Do I need to be an Owner-Operator?

Crumbl prefers active involvement but does not require franchisees to be onsite daily. However, hiring a capable general manager is crucial for absentee ownership.