The Back Nine

The vendor opportunity at The Back Nine

The Back Nine operates 124 locations, 120 of which are franchised, with a footprint concentrated in Texas (58 units), Florida (30), Arizona (21), New Jersey (19), and Georgia (18). The system is composed entirely of single-unit operators—374 mapped operators run 374 located units, with zero multi-unit franchisees. This fragmented operator base means no single franchisee holds enough leverage to influence technology purchasing independently, reinforcing HQ's control over the stack. For software vendors, the opportunity lies in displacing or integrating with a mandated suite that already covers core operations, payments, and accounting. The absence of disclosed average unit volume (AUV) in the 2026 FDD makes ROI modeling less precise, but the 8.0% royalty rate and 10-year initial term signal a stable, long-term franchise relationship.

Who controls software purchasing

Purchasing authority sits squarely at headquarters. The FDD's Item 1 lists Wil Bangerter (Founder & CEO) and Brady Carlsen (COO) as the senior executives, with Darren Wilstead serving as Director of Franchise Sales. For operational and financial software, the COO is the most likely buyer or influencer, while the CEO likely signs off on enterprise-level commitments. There is no parent company on file; The Back Nine appears independently owned, which means decisions are not routed through a larger corporate procurement hierarchy. Vendors should target the C-suite directly, as the mandated nature of the tech stack suggests a top-down, compliance-driven adoption model rather than a bottom-up, operator-driven one.

Mandated and current tech stack

The 2026 FDD mandates six specific systems: B9 software, Back Nine software, a Customer Management System (CRM), Full Swing, Payrix Payments, and QuickBooks Online by Intuit Inc. The repetition of "B9 software" and "Back Nine software" suggests these may be proprietary or branded operational platforms—possibly covering POS, scheduling, or back-of-house functions—though the FDD does not detail their exact scope. Full Swing likely handles simulation or entertainment-related technology, consistent with a full-service restaurant concept. Payrix locks in payment processing, and QuickBooks Online standardizes accounting. For vendors, the stack is closed and prescriptive; any pitch must address how a new solution coexists with or replaces a mandated component, which requires HQ to amend its franchise agreement or approved supplier list.

Procurement, renewals, and timing

No Item 8 procurement extract is available in the FDD, so the formal supplier designation process is not publicly documented. However, the existence of a mandated list implies a designated supplier model. Renewal terms offer a potential window for technology re-evaluation: franchisees can renew for up to three additional 5-year terms, provided they give notice 3 to 6 months before expiration, pay a $5,000 renewal fee, and sign the then-current franchise agreement—which may have materially different terms, including updated technology requirements. With 10-year initial terms, the first major renewal wave for early franchisees may be approaching or underway, creating a natural inflection point for HQ to update the tech stack. Vendors should monitor state-level franchise filings for amendments that signal an opening.

How to read The Back Nine FDD

The full 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document is embedded below. Key sections for software vendors include Item 11 (Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training) for the mandated technology list, Item 1 (The Franchisor and any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates) for executive names, and Item 17 (Renewal, Termination, Transfer, and Dispute Resolution) for contract cycle timing. The absence of an Item 8 procurement table means you will need to inquire directly about the process for becoming an approved supplier. For a ranked target list of franchise systems aligned with your software category, FranCloud can help you prioritize based on tech stack fit and decision-maker access.