FDD Analysis Report
Bahama Buck's
Bahama Buck's Franchise Corporation
Key Metrics At-a-Glance
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of gross sales
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of gross sales
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N/A
Not disclosed
About This Franchise
# Bahama Bucks Franchise Intelligence Report
## Executive Summary
Bahama Bucks is a leading shaved ice and frozen dessert franchise founded in 1990 in Lubbock, Texas. With 108+ locations and recognition on the Franchise Business Review Top 200, the brand has demonstrated strong franchisee satisfaction. The investment ranges widely from $163K (kiosk) to $1.2M (standalone) depending on format, with average gross sales of $576K and estimated earnings of $69K-$86K. Top performers achieve 36% net profit.
## The Business
Bahama Bucks operates tropical-themed locations serving shaved ice with over 100 original flavors plus smoothies, boba tea, and other frozen treats. Location formats include kiosks, strip mall stores, and standalone buildings.
## The Numbers
- Total Investment: $528,050 - $1,223,050 (kiosks start at $163K) - Franchise Fee: $29,500 - $34,500 - Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales - Marketing Fee: 2% of gross sales - Average Gross Sales: $575,683 - Estimated Earnings: $69,082 - $86,353 - Top Performer Profit Margin: 36.59% - Payback Period: 11.8 - 13.8 years
## System Health
- Total Locations: 108+ nationwide - Founded: 1990, Franchising Since: 1993 - Recognition: Franchise Business Review Top 200
## Franchisee Experience
FBR Top 200 recognition indicates strong franchisee satisfaction. Testimonials highlight family culture at corporate. Training includes week-long Bahama Bucks University in Lubbock plus ongoing Leadership Training. Operations team provides continuous support.
## Risk Assessment
Concerns: Long payback period (11.8-13.8 years), seasonal business, high standalone investment.
Strengths: 36% top performer margins, low cost of goods, 100+ flavor differentiation, FBR Top 200, multiple format options, 30+ year history.
## Competitive Position
Competes against Kona Ice and Ritas Italian Ice. Premium shaved ice with 100+ flavors, tropical atmosphere, and flexible formats differentiate the brand.
## Verdict: MODERATE-STRONG
Legitimate frozen dessert opportunity with strong franchisee satisfaction and industry-leading margins for top performers. Kiosk format offers lower-risk entry. Best suited for warm climate or tourist markets.
Ongoing Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Royalty | See FDD of Gross Revenue | - |
| Brand Fund | See FDD of Gross Revenue | - |
Item 19: Financial Performance Representations
No Financial Performance Representations
This franchisor does not provide Item 19 financial performance representations. Approximately 35% of franchisors choose to disclose this information.
Recommendation: Request financial information directly from existing franchisees listed in Exhibit I during your due diligence. Contact 10-15 franchisees to gather revenue and profitability data before making an investment decision.
Learn more about Item 19 disclosures →Risk Assessment
Items to Review
No notable items identified
Positive Indicators
Review FDD for positive factors
Due Diligence Recommendations
Contact 10-15 existing franchisees to gather operational and financial insights
Franchisee interviews are the most valuable source of information about day-to-day operations and realistic financial expectations.
Have a franchise attorney review the Franchise Agreement
Professional legal review can identify unfavorable terms and potential negotiation points.
Research local market conditions and competition
Understanding your specific market is essential for success, regardless of system-wide performance.
Download Complete FDD
Access the full Franchise Disclosure Document including all 23 items, exhibits, and financial statements.
Learn More About FDDs
New to franchise investing? Our educational guides will help you understand what to look for in the Bahama Buck's FDD.
The Ultimate Guide to FDDs
Learn how to read and analyze Franchise Disclosure Documents
Understanding Item 7: Initial Investment
How to evaluate franchise investment costs
FDD Item 5: Initial Fees Explained
What you pay upfront to become a franchisee
Item 20: Franchisee Information
Analyze system growth and contact franchisees
About Bahama Buck's Franchise
Bahama Buck's is a franchise that offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to own and operate their own business within an established system. As of the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise continues to expand its footprint nationwide. This analysis provides prospective franchisees with key insights from the FDD to support informed investment decisions.
Bahama Buck's Franchise Cost
The total initial investment required to open a Bahama Buck's franchise ranges from See FDD for details. This investment includes the initial franchise fee of See FDD for details, along with expenses for real estate, equipment, inventory, training, and working capital to sustain operations during the initial period. Ongoing fees include a royalty fee of See FDD of gross sales. Prospective franchisees should review Item 7 of the FDD for a complete breakdown of estimated initial investment costs.
Bahama Buck's Item 19 Financial Performance
Bahama Buck's does not provide financial performance representations in Item 19 of their FDD. Approximately 35% of franchisors choose to disclose this information. Without franchisor-provided financial data, prospective franchisees should contact existing franchisees directly to gather information about revenue, expenses, and profitability. The franchisee contact list in Exhibit I provides names and contact information for current and former franchise owners.
Bahama Buck's Franchise Growth and System Health
The Bahama Buck's franchise system has shown stable performance based on unit count data from Item 20 of the FDD. Prospective franchisees should examine the historical data on unit openings, closings, and transfers to understand the system's trajectory and identify any concerning trends.
Bahama Buck's Franchise Investment Considerations
The Bahama Buck's FDD contains important disclosures that prospective franchisees should carefully review before making an investment decision. Key factors to evaluate include the franchise fee structure, ongoing royalty requirements, territory rights, termination history, and franchisor support systems. Every franchise investment carries risk, and this analysis should be combined with professional legal and financial advice. Review the complete FDD and speak with current franchisees to gain a comprehensive understanding of the opportunity.
Due Diligence Recommendations for Bahama Buck's
Before investing in a Bahama Buck's franchise, prospective franchisees should:
- Contact multiple existing franchisees to gather operational and financial insights
- Have a franchise attorney review the Franchise Agreement and all exhibits
- Research local market conditions and competitive landscape
- Develop a detailed business plan with realistic financial projections
- Verify all information provided by the franchisor independently
Download the Bahama Buck's FDD
Access the complete Bahama Buck's Franchise Disclosure Document, including all 23 Items, exhibits, franchise agreement, and audited financial statements. FreeFDDs™ provides free access to FDDs to promote franchise transparency and help prospective franchisees make informed decisions. The FDD contains critical information that should be reviewed in its entirety before making any investment decision.
Disclaimer
This analysis report is provided for informational purposes only. The data presented has been extracted from the Franchise Disclosure Document and may contain errors or omissions.
Prospective franchisees should conduct their own due diligence, review the complete FDD document, and consult with qualified legal and financial advisors before making any investment decisions.