We are in the business of franchising the right to operate restaurants offering on-site casual dining and take-out under the name “Anchor Bar ®” featuring buffalo wings as well as other food products such as appetizers, sandwiches, beef, pizza, seafood and a full bar. We have not previously conducted business in any other line of business. Anchor Bar Distributing Company, LLC has developed a line of proprietary merchandise including marinades, sauces and spices featured in Anchor Bar restaurants. Franchised Anchor Bar® restaurants may not offer catering services without Anchor Bar’s consent. Franchised Anchor Bar® restaurants may offer delivery to customers including through third party services such as DoorDash, UberEats and GrubHub. Each Anchor Bar ® restaurant has a dedicated space for retail merchandise sales. The general market for the goods and services offered by an Anchor Bar ® restaurant is well developed and competitive.
From the filings
Anchor Bar
Full service restaurantAnchor Bar’s 2026 FDD shows a 17-unit full-service restaurant system where technology purchasing is tightly controlled by the franchisor. The filing names Local Edge, DoorDash, Grubhub, and major social platforms, while Item 11 designates the POS, CRM, and accounting systems franchisees must use. For software vendors, the addressable market is 16 franchised locations plus one company-owned unit.
For software vendors selling into US franchise brands.
Live signals
Ordinary royalty terms
Complete royalty terms unconfirmed
Complete royalty terms are not confirmed for the selected filing.
Recorded percentage components
These are recorded percentage components. Each has its own base and conditions; the chart does not state the total payment or confirm ad-fund completeness.
1recorded components (FY2026)
15% reference
Mandated & recommended tech
The systems vendors compete with
Systems named in Item 11 of this filing. None is recorded as mandated here, which is not the same as the filing mandating nothing. Read Item 11 before treating the category as open.
You must follow our policy for the use of social media. We may require you to retain a designated social media/website company. If we do so, you will have to engage them and pay their fees. You may not establish an account or participate in any social networking sites (including, without limitation, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or any other social or professional networking blog) or mention or discuss the franchise, us or any of our affiliates, without our prior written consent. If we do consent, we have the right to review all on-line content on social media sites, blogs, in electronic communications and on other on-line sites on which our trademarks are used to protect the reputation and high quality associated with our trademarks. We may require you to remove any questionable usage or content involving our trademarks. We may also require you to cease using our trademarks at all such sites.
You will not receive an exclusive territory. You may face competition from other franchisees, from outlets that we own, or from other channels of distribution or competitive brands that we control. 27 114608451\2 You may also offer delivery to your customers, including using third party delivery services such as DoorDash, UberEats and GrubHub. You have the right to serve customers from outside of your territory but you do not have the right to use other channels of distribution such as the Internet, catalog sales, telemarketing or other direct marketing to make sales outside of your territory. You do not have the right to use the Internet, catalog sales, telemarketing or other direct marketing to make sales in your territory except for dine-in or take-out sales from your Anchor Bar restaurant.
You must follow our policy for the use of social media. We may require you to retain a designated social media/website company. If we do so, you will have to engage them and pay their fees. You may not establish an account or participate in any social networking sites (including, without limitation, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or any other social or professional networking blog) or mention or discuss the franchise, us or any of our affiliates, without our prior written consent. If we do consent, we have the right to review all on-line content on social media sites, blogs, in electronic communications and on other on-line sites on which our trademarks are used to protect the reputation and high quality associated with our trademarks. We may require you to remove any questionable usage or content involving our trademarks. We may also require you to cease using our trademarks at all such sites.
You must follow our policy for the use of social media. We may require you to retain a designated social media/website company. If we do so, you will have to engage them and pay their fees. You may not establish an account or participate in any social networking sites (including, without limitation, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or any other social or professional networking blog) or mention or discuss the franchise, us or any of our affiliates, without our prior written consent. If we do consent, we have the right to review all on-line content on social media sites, blogs, in electronic communications and on other on-line sites on which our trademarks are used to protect the reputation and high quality associated with our trademarks. We may require you to remove any questionable usage or content involving our trademarks. We may also require you to cease using our trademarks at all such sites.
During the year ended December 31, 2025, Anchor Bar spent the advertising contributions it received as follows: % of Total Category Amount 2025 Expenses Production (Gallagher, $10,248.40 5.13% Local Edge) Media Placement $115,486.18 57.74% Administrative Expenses 0 0 Other: Refunds to $74,264.57 37.13% Franchisees Total $199,999.15 100.0%
You must follow our policy for the use of social media. We may require you to retain a designated social media/website company. If we do so, you will have to engage them and pay their fees. You may not establish an account or participate in any social networking sites (including, without limitation, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or any other social or professional networking blog) or mention or discuss the franchise, us or any of our affiliates, without our prior written consent. If we do consent, we have the right to review all on-line content on social media sites, blogs, in electronic communications and on other on-line sites on which our trademarks are used to protect the reputation and high quality associated with our trademarks. We may require you to remove any questionable usage or content involving our trademarks. We may also require you to cease using our trademarks at all such sites.
You must follow our policy for the use of social media. We may require you to retain a designated social media/website company. If we do so, you will have to engage them and pay their fees. You may not establish an account or participate in any social networking sites (including, without limitation, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or any other social or professional networking blog) or mention or discuss the franchise, us or any of our affiliates, without our prior written consent. If we do consent, we have the right to review all on-line content on social media sites, blogs, in electronic communications and on other on-line sites on which our trademarks are used to protect the reputation and high quality associated with our trademarks. We may require you to remove any questionable usage or content involving our trademarks. We may also require you to cease using our trademarks at all such sites.
We are in the business of franchising the right to operate restaurants offering on-site casual dining and take-out under the name “Anchor Bar ®” featuring buffalo wings as well as other food products such as appetizers, sandwiches, beef, pizza, seafood and a full bar. We have not previously conducted business in any other line of business. Anchor Bar Distributing Company, LLC has developed a line of proprietary merchandise including marinades, sauces and spices featured in Anchor Bar restaurants. Franchised Anchor Bar® restaurants may not offer catering services without Anchor Bar’s consent. Franchised Anchor Bar® restaurants may offer delivery to customers including through third party services such as DoorDash, UberEats and GrubHub. Each Anchor Bar ® restaurant has a dedicated space for retail merchandise sales. The general market for the goods and services offered by an Anchor Bar ® restaurant is well developed and competitive.
You must follow our policy for the use of social media. We may require you to retain a designated social media/website company. If we do so, you will have to engage them and pay their fees. You may not establish an account or participate in any social networking sites (including, without limitation, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or any other social or professional networking blog) or mention or discuss the franchise, us or any of our affiliates, without our prior written consent. If we do consent, we have the right to review all on-line content on social media sites, blogs, in electronic communications and on other on-line sites on which our trademarks are used to protect the reputation and high quality associated with our trademarks. We may require you to remove any questionable usage or content involving our trademarks. We may also require you to cease using our trademarks at all such sites.
Franchisor behaviours
What the franchisor requires
28 requirements the franchisor states in this filing, each in its own words; 3 explicit no's; 3 questions the text does not settle, which is not a no.
Accounting
Must the franchisee use an accounting or bookkeeping system designated or approved by the franchisor?
YesItem 11
We also require you to use the accounting system we designate from time to time.
Does the franchisor have direct or independent electronic access to the franchisee's financial, sales or customer records?
YesItem 11
We will have direct and independent access to this information and we will be able to download it.
Must the franchisee submit periodic financial statements (monthly, quarterly or annual) to the franchisor?
YesItem 11
By the 15th day of each month, you must provide us with monthly financial statements including a profit and loss statement.
How the franchisor buys
Is the franchisor or an affiliate itself a supplier of required products, services or systems?
YesItem 8
As of the date this Disclosure Document was issued, Anchor Bar and its affiliate are the only approved suppliers of proprietary food products and merchandise for your gift shop but they may be the only approved suppliers of other items in the future.
Does the franchisor reserve the right to change designated suppliers or systems at any time?
YesItem 8
We may change the items, supplies, products, equipment, services, suppliers and vendors that you must use at any time.
Does the franchisor or an affiliate receive rebates, commissions or other revenue from designated or approved suppliers?
YesItem 8
Anchor Bar and its affiliate also may receive revenues or rebates from suppliers on account of other purchases or leases by franchisees.
Item 8 gives this proportion in one of two shapes: separate percentages for establishing the business and for operating it, or one figure covering "establishing and operating" together. Where they are separate, answer with the operating percentage; where the passage gives only the combined figure, answer with that. What percentage of the franchisee's purchases must come from designated or approved suppliers?
60Item 8
Anchor Bar estimates that the required purchases and leases described in this Item will constitute approximately 60% or more of all purchases and leases you will incur to establish and operate your Anchor Bar restaurant.
Does the franchisor charge a fee to evaluate a proposed supplier?
YesFranchise agreement
Franchisee shall reimburse Franchisor for its expense incurred in connection with evaluating the proposed supplier;
Can a franchisee propose a new supplier for the franchisor's approval?
YesItem 8
You may request Anchor Bar’s consent to a supplier, although Anchor Bar is not obligated to consider your request.
Communications
Does the franchisor own or control the business telephone numbers, or take them over when the agreement ends?
YesFranchise agreement
(v) stop all use of all telephone numbers, facsimile numbers, e-mail addresses, home pages, web sites and the like that are associated with the Franchised Restaurant and cooperate with Franchisor in causing all applicable telephone companies and 28 113531510\2 other service providers to reassign such numbers and…
Data and IT
Must the franchisee comply with PCI, data-security or cybersecurity standards set by the franchisor?
YesFranchise agreement
Franchisee must also comply with all laws governing consumer data and privacy and employ all means to maintain the security of consumer data.
Franchise management
Does the franchisor conduct periodic inspections, audits or evaluations of the franchised business?
YesFranchise agreement
In order to monitor the System, Franchisor shall have the right to take reasonable samples of food and ingredients served at the Franchised Restaurant, free of charge, conduct quality assurance audits, employ mystery shoppers and conduct customer surveys.
Can the franchisor change the operations manual and brand standards unilaterally?
YesFranchise agreement
Franchisor will lend Franchisee a copy of the Operations Manual for use during the term of this Agreement and Franchisor shall retain ownership of the Operations Manual.
Must the franchisor approve the franchisee's site or location before opening?
YesItem 11
You must obtain Anchor Bar’s acceptance before signing a lease or contract for the site.
Marketing
Is the franchisee prohibited from operating its own website or social media accounts, or required to use pages the franchisor provides?
YesItem 12
You may not develop or operate a website relating to the franchised business or using our marks without our permission.
Is the franchisee required to spend a minimum amount on local advertising or marketing, as a percentage of sales or a fixed amount?
YesItem 11
In addition to your contribution to the advertising fund, you must spend a minimum of 1% of your revenues on local advertising in your area.
Must the franchisee participate in a customer loyalty or rewards program?
YesFranchise agreement
Franchisee shall participate in all customer loyalty and similar programs that may be required by Franchisor.
Must the franchisee participate in a regional advertising cooperative when one exists?
YesItem 11
We will require franchisees to form local marketing cooperatives when unit development in the marketing area makes such an option feasible.
Operations
Must the franchisee buy products from a designated distributor?
YesItem 8
You must purchase all other materials, food products, spec items, supplies and equipment required or used in the operation of your Anchor Bar restaurant only from vendors, manufacturers, suppliers or distributors we designate from time to time in writing in our Operations Manual (which may include Anchor Bar and its…
Must equipment be purchased from designated or approved suppliers?
YesItem 8
You must purchase all other materials, food products, spec items, supplies and equipment required or used in the operation of your Anchor Bar restaurant only from vendors, manufacturers, suppliers or distributors we designate from time to time in writing in our Operations Manual (which may include Anchor Bar and its…
Payments
Must the franchisee use a payment processor or merchant-services provider designated or approved by the franchisor?
YesItem 8
You must use the credit card processor designated by Anchor Bar.
Are royalties and other fees collected by automatic bank debit (ACH or electronic funds transfer) from the franchisee's account?
YesFranchise agreement
Payments shall be made by electronic funds transfer, and Franchisee shall execute and deliver such instruments as are necessary and appropriate to effect such transfers.
People
Must employees wear uniforms specified by the franchisor?
YesFranchise agreement
Franchisee shall require all employees to wear uniforms of such color, design, and other specifications as Franchisor may designate from time to time.
Point of sale
Must the franchisee use a specific point-of-sale system designated or approved by the franchisor?
YesItem 8
We designate the supplier for your computer and point of sale software as well as the customer relations management software you must use.
Does the franchisor have independent access to the data in the franchisee's POS or computer system?
YesFranchise agreement
Franchisor will have independent access to the information in the POS system and may access it at any time.
Sales and CRM
Must the franchisee use a CRM system designated or approved by the franchisor?
YesItem 11
You must also obtain the customer relations management software we designate.
Training
Can the franchisor charge the franchisee for additional, refresher or remedial training?
YesFranchise agreement
Franchisor may require Franchisee, its manager and other personnel to attend refresher and additional training courses from time to time and there will be a fee charged for such training.
Is attendance at an annual convention or conference mandatory for the franchisee?
YesItem 11
Anchor Bar may also require you to attend a national business meeting or convention for up to three days per year.
The filing answers no to 3 questions
- Is there a franchisee advisory council, association or committee?Item 11
- Must the franchisee participate in a customer-satisfaction or net-promoter survey program?Franchise agreement
- Does the franchisor require minimum staffing levels or specific roles?Franchise agreement
The vendor opportunity at Anchor Bar
Anchor Bar operates 17 total units: 16 franchised and 1 company-owned. Franchised outlet growth year over year was 0.0%. The Item 19 average for all franchised Anchor Bar restaurants open for the full applicable year in the United States and still in operation, excluding affiliate-owned and non-traditional locations, is $2,501,104. For a software vendor, the immediate addressable market is small but concentrated: 16 franchised locations plus one company-owned unit, with top states NY (6), TX (6), MD (2), FL (1), and OH (1).
Who controls software purchasing
Item 2 names Mark Dempsey (Chief Executive Officer, President and Managing Member) and Marcella Wright (Managing Member). The FDD’s technology clauses make clear that Anchor Bar designates the supplier for the computer, point of sale software, CRM software, and accounting system. Franchisees must obtain technology services—customer engagement, loyalty programs, online ordering, POS reporting apps, accounting, and business operations—from Anchor Bar or its designated suppliers. This is a HQ-controlled buying center, not a franchisee-level decision.
Tech named in the FDD, and what is actually required
Item 11 requires franchisees to purchase a designated computer and point of sale software, obtain designated CRM software, and use a designated accounting system. The FDD names Local Edge as in use. DoorDash, Grubhub, Facebook by Meta, Instagram by Meta, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter by X are named in the filing. Anchor Bar charges a technology fee covering customer engagement, loyalty programs, online ordering, POS reporting apps, and business operations monitoring. The franchisor can change the required computer and software at any time.
Procurement, renewals, and timing
Item 8 requires franchisees to purchase proprietary products, spec products, and most other materials, supplies, equipment, and services only from designated suppliers. Anchor Bar and its affiliate are the only approved suppliers for proprietary food products and gift shop merchandise. Franchisees may propose a supplier for approval. Initial franchise terms are 10 years. Item 17 allows up to two additional renewal terms of 5 years each if conditions are met. With 0.0% franchised outlet growth year over year, renewal cycles and any new unit openings are the primary windows for software displacement.
How to read the Anchor Bar FDD
The embedded PDF below is Anchor Bar’s 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. Item 8 covers supplier restrictions, Item 11 covers technology and training requirements, Item 17 covers renewal and transfer, and Item 19 provides the financial performance representation. For a ranked target list of franchise systems that match your software category, talk to FranCloud.
Ordinary royalty terms
Complete royalty terms are not confirmed.
Questions vendors ask
Anchor Bar, answered from the filing
Read the filing itself
Read the original document for the filing figures and their terms, page by page. Buy the original PDF to download, search, and annotate it.
View only A one-time purchase: the original filing, yours to keep.
FDD alert
Tell me when this brand refiles.
Request an email alert when a newer filing for Anchor Bar is available.
Operator footprint
Who runs the locations
25 operators run 25 mapped locations. 0 of them are multi-unit. Aggregate counts from the filing; no names.
Operators by units owned
Top states by locations
| NY | 6 |
|---|---|
| TX | 6 |
| MD | 2 |
| FL | 1 |
| OH | 1 |
Related Full service restaurant brands
Primary franchise filings · updated September 2026. Read the original filing for definitions, conditions, and qualifications.