A hot dog, barbecue, and axe-throwing restaurant in Ocala has closed for a third time since it first opened in August 2023, with the former owners noting that the franchise agreements only make money for the franchise due to insurmountable startup costs and unfair contractural agreements.
Crave Hot Dogs & Barbecue has closed its location at 2463 SW 27th Avenue, in the Shady Oaks Shopping Center.
In a statement posted on the location by owners Amanda and Philip Jones, the couple described their experience and advised potential new franchisees of the risks involved.
“The company may bring in another franchisee to re-open this store. While we wish the best to any franchisee that comes in after us, we don’t foresee this establishment being successful long-term. Unless a franchisee is able to take over with very minimal investment. Many other locations across the country have closed as well. It seems that only the franchise is making any money, never the franchisees who are investing personally to pay the franchise and set. the sore up,” reads the statement from the couple…