Joshua Weissman: The Business Behind Opening a Fried Chicken Restaurant

With around 10 million YouTube subscribers, chef and content creator Joshua Weissman has built a successful online brand. Now he's taking a major risk by opening his own restaurant.

On The Iced Coffee Hour, Weissman explains the costs, challenges, and business strategy behind launching his fried chicken sandwich restaurant.

Why Joshua Weissman Opened a Restaurant

Despite his online success, Weissman wanted to serve customers his food in person.

His goal was simple: offer restaurant-quality fried chicken sandwiches at fast-food prices.

Instead of opening an expensive fine-dining restaurant, he chose an affordable concept built around quality ingredients, homemade sauces, and consistent food.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Restaurant?

Weissman spent three years searching for the right location.

He eventually found a second-generation restaurant space — a property that already had a commercial kitchen.

According to Weissman:

• Buildout investment: More than $250,000.

• Commercial ovens: Can cost around $20,000.

• Ventilation systems: Can cost $60,000–$70,000.

• Outside investors: None.

Using an existing restaurant space helped him avoid some of the expenses and delays associated with building a kitchen from scratch.

How Will the Restaurant Make Money?

Weissman's strategy focuses on selling a high-quality product at an affordable price.

That means the business needs high customer volume to compensate for lower prices.

He explains that restaurants generally balance two factors:

• High volume, lower prices: Fast-food and fast-casual restaurants.

• Lower volume, higher prices: Fine-dining restaurants.

Weissman believes his restaurant could generate seven figures in annual revenue if successful, but he emphasizes that projections are not guarantees.

Why Restaurants Are So Difficult to Run

Weissman identifies several challenges:

• Thin profit margins and expensive labor.

• High equipment and construction costs.

• Maintaining consistent food quality.

• Finding the right location.

• Attracting repeat customers.

He also explains that influencer promotion can bring customers through the door, but long-term success depends on delivering a consistently good experience.

Does Joshua Weissman Plan to Franchise?

For now, Weissman isn't comfortable franchising.

He may open additional locations if demand supports expansion, but his immediate priority is making the first restaurant successful.

Rather than withdrawing profits, he plans to reinvest money into growing the business.

The Business Lesson

A large audience can help launch a business, but it doesn't guarantee success.

Weissman's strategy combines an existing audience, a clear product, competitive pricing, and careful cost management.

The real challenge is turning initial attention into repeat customers and sustainable profits.

Watch the original interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf_PeAjICmo

Disclaimer: This article summarizes Joshua Weissman's comments in the interview. Financial figures are estimates discussed by the guest and are not independently verified.