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![]() | Virginia Barbeque |

Business Type
FranchiseMin Liquid Capital
$30,000Total Investment
$41,700 to $207,000Required Net Worth
$100,000Number of Units
5In Business Since
2000* For Current Info See:
Franchise Disclosure Document

Overview
Richard Ivey, the founder of Virginia
Barbeque, has been a Certified Executive Chef for the past 10 years,
with over 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry.
Richard’s goal was to create a business that would not only create his success, but create a business that he could share to help others do the same. His desire for “success larger than life” compelled him to create the Virginia Barbeque franchise system.
Richard also wanted to create a lifestyle that worked for owners, staff and customers. Operational hours are generally from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Richard’s goal was to create a business that would not only create his success, but create a business that he could share to help others do the same. His desire for “success larger than life” compelled him to create the Virginia Barbeque franchise system.
Richard also wanted to create a lifestyle that worked for owners, staff and customers. Operational hours are generally from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Products & Services

After 6 months in our first location we received a “Raving Fan”
write-up in the Richmond Times Dispatch! What a motivator that was. We
were being recognized as the new favorite BBQ for the newspaper’s food
writer, Jody Rathgeb, in a town of famous barbeques. With only a very
small takeout and a difficult location to enter, our little place
started generating major publicity and sales!
Our idea was simple. We would create an authentic quick service barbeque chain using the skills I have accumulated as a Certified Executive Chef. With a desire for success that is larger than life, there was not a question in my mind that we would prosper. If I could share the recipes and the authentic pulled pork barbeque with others willing to also work hard to get ahead we could grow Virginia Barbeque into the finest southern quick serve barbeque around.
We decided from the beginning that we would “keep it simple.” Only authentic freshly made side items and true wood-smoked meats would be served. Our operators would keep the atmosphere at each location “down home” feeling. By making the systems and store easy to operate (so that you didn’t need chefs and lots of managers to run the place) we would keep the quality consistently at its best and the operating costs low. By giving the locations the benefit of buying their meats fully smoked and hand-pulled to my quality specifications we would all serve the finest barbeque around on a daily basis. Our system ensures the quality and keeps it simple for the owner everyday.
Our idea was simple. We would create an authentic quick service barbeque chain using the skills I have accumulated as a Certified Executive Chef. With a desire for success that is larger than life, there was not a question in my mind that we would prosper. If I could share the recipes and the authentic pulled pork barbeque with others willing to also work hard to get ahead we could grow Virginia Barbeque into the finest southern quick serve barbeque around.
We decided from the beginning that we would “keep it simple.” Only authentic freshly made side items and true wood-smoked meats would be served. Our operators would keep the atmosphere at each location “down home” feeling. By making the systems and store easy to operate (so that you didn’t need chefs and lots of managers to run the place) we would keep the quality consistently at its best and the operating costs low. By giving the locations the benefit of buying their meats fully smoked and hand-pulled to my quality specifications we would all serve the finest barbeque around on a daily basis. Our system ensures the quality and keeps it simple for the owner everyday.
Training & Support

- Use of the Virginia Barbeque brand, logo, name, signage, store design and most importantly the use of our systems all contribute to the fee schedule.
- A comprehensive 2 weeks of training, including one week at your new location, designed to prepare you for daily operation of your restaurant.
- Franchise development support and guidance through the build-out process. This includes store layout, ordering of equipment, furniture and fixtures.
- Construction and design support and floor plan design. Site selection support and aid in the negotiations process with the developer\landlord.
- Ongoing support from Virginia Barbeque Franchise Company consultants including research and development, purchasing and distribution support and marketing support and assistance.
- Aid in the securing of financing.
Why Virginia Barbeque?
- Our food. Our authentic southern comfort food is the finest real barbeque, not just in our franchise segment but, we believe the finest barbeque anywhere! Mom and Pop operations included! Our unmistakable wood smoked barbeque will quickly become known as some of the best barbeque in your town. Our side items are loaded with true southern flavor and always freshly made.
- Our casual atmosphere and apparel make it clear to all we are a relaxed, take it easy kind of place. There is a great pleasure in working in jeans or shorts and a short sleeve everyday!
- Our simple systems that create amazing quality control and ease of daily operation for the owner create the lifestyle change your searching for.
- Lots of large dollar pick up catering sales create many raving return customers that enjoy sharing our food with friends at their picnics and events.
- With the franchise owner running the location daily there is no need for high paid skilled labor. Simple systems require basis cashiers and order fillers that need minimal initial training.
- Our inexpensive combo meals bring in the daily customer who can afford to eat with us many times a week.
Are You a Good Fit for Virginia Barbeque?

Virginia Barbeque’s initial franchise
fee is $20,000 currently. We believe in keeping it easy on the
pocketbook. Our fees are low to make sure you control your destiny! We
expect you to spend 2% locally on advertising. Get involved and give
back to your local community to maximize grassroots marketing. Our UFOC
states we may charge a 2% advertising fee but currently this is not
assessed.
Any prior experience in food service management is helpful. Business management experience is also very helpful. We can teach you the Virginia Barbeque Restaurant business. Most importantly to your success is a burning desire to succeed along with a mindset of self motivation and the ability to make your own decisions.
Financial qualifications are the first step to determine the viability and success of your goals. You will need:
A high-quality location incorporating either:
Completion of a McQuaig Word Survey which determines if the Virginia Barbeque franchise is right for you. We are committed to creating a great lifestyle and business opportunity for all involved in our company.
Resources for Financial Requirements:
Any prior experience in food service management is helpful. Business management experience is also very helpful. We can teach you the Virginia Barbeque Restaurant business. Most importantly to your success is a burning desire to succeed along with a mindset of self motivation and the ability to make your own decisions.
Financial qualifications are the first step to determine the viability and success of your goals. You will need:
- A net worth of $100,000
- Approximately $35,000 in liquid assets
- (A typical restaurant will cost between $36,000 and $202,000 to open)
A high-quality location incorporating either:
- 1,500 to 2,000 square feet for full size restaurants
- Restaurant seating capacity for 36 to 50 guests
- 1,000 to 1,200 square feet for smaller operations
- Restaurant seating for 10 to 15 guests
Completion of a McQuaig Word Survey which determines if the Virginia Barbeque franchise is right for you. We are committed to creating a great lifestyle and business opportunity for all involved in our company.
Resources for Financial Requirements:
- Your local bank
- The Small Business Administration