CityBird®
What Is CityBird?
CityBird is an upscale, sophisticated fast-casual franchise specializing in freshly prepared chicken tenders, chicken tender sandwiches, salads, sides, and non-alcoholic beverages made with proprietary, chef-created marinades and sauces. CityBird Restaurants are operated for on-premises and off-premises consumption. With prior approval, franchisees may be permitted to serve craft beer and wine, providing potential alcohol sales as an additional revenue stream.
CityBird Franchise: Pros and Cons
The franchise's biggest strength is its perfect 100 training and support score plus a spotless record-zero disclosed lawsuits, zero government penalties, and zero outlet terminations or non‑renewals-giving unusually strong onboarding and operational stability. The main risk is that with no disclosed negatives, there may be limited visibility into potential future legal, financial, or market setbacks.
Pros
Cons
Lawsuits & Legal Risk
CityBird reported no material legal proceedings,
Territory Protection
CityBird grants a protected territory-typically a 1 to 3 mile radius (smaller in Central Business Districts)-with boundaries fixed during the initial term. The franchisor retains the right to develop additional units in the surrounding market, reserves site-specific rights, may sell via alternative channels/e‑commerce, and conditions exclusivity on performance contingencies.
Training & Support
The brand provides a comprehensive 200-hour training curriculum designed to prepare three managerial staff members for launch. The program includes on-site launch assistance to support operational readiness; travel and lodging expenses are the franchisee's responsibility, and certain on-site support services carry additional costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Open a CityBird Franchise?
Opening a CityBird franchise requires a total initial investment of $292,500 to $957,000, according to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. This range covers the franchise fee, real estate, equipment, training, and initial working capital needed to launch and operate through the early months.
Minimum Investment
Maximum Investment
Minimum Investment Breakdown
Maximum Investment Breakdown
Investment Analysis
This investment analysis is coming soon. Have ideas for other analyses you'd like us to add? Get in touch.
The initial investment amounts shown are estimates only. Actual costs may vary based on location size, business model, and multi-unit ownership arrangements. We recommend reviewing the full Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CityBird a good franchise to own?
Whether CityBird is a good franchise depends on your goals, experience, and local market. Key factors from the 2025 FDD: CityBird operates 8 locations, received a legal risk score of 100/100, a training and support score of 100/100. Financial performance data is disclosed in Item 19. Prospective franchisees should review the full Franchise Disclosure Document and consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decision.
Is a CityBird franchise worth the investment?
The value of a CityBird franchise investment depends on factors such as location, operator experience, and market demand. The initial investment ranges from $292,500 to $957,000. CityBird disclosed average gross sales of $605,024 in 2025. Franchise investments carry inherent risk, and prospective buyers should conduct thorough due diligence before committing capital.
How long does it take to break even with a CityBird franchise?
Break-even timelines for CityBird franchises are not disclosed in the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Break-even periods vary significantly based on initial investment level, local market conditions, operating costs, and revenue ramp-up speed. Prospective franchisees should build a pro forma financial model using Item 7 cost estimates and, where available, Item 19 financial performance data from the FDD.
Is CityBird a franchise or a corporate-owned business?
As of the 2025 FDD, CityBird operates 2 franchised locations and 6 company-owned locations. Franchise opportunities are available through the franchisor's disclosure process.
Interested in CityBird?
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