Da Grasso: franchise investment from PLN 200,000 excluding VAT and two outlet formats

Da Grasso, a chain with more than 200 outlets in Poland, has outlined its current terms for joining its franchise network. The offer described in the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita on 5 October 2026 sets out two investment thresholds: from PLN 200,000 excluding VAT for the Ekspres format and from PLN 350,000 excluding VAT for a standard restaurant. The chain also advertises potential support with opening costs, although the nature of this support needs to be carefully distinguished from a straightforward cash contribution.

Two formats, different entry costs

Da Grasso has been operating for 30 years and has more than 200 outlets across Poland. Its current franchise offer gives prospective investors two options. The Ekspres format has a lower stated entry cost, while a standard restaurant requires a larger initial budget. The difference between the quoted minimum amounts is PLN 150,000 excluding VAT.

The key word here is “from”. These figures are not a fixed price for opening every outlet. The final investment depends on the chosen format, location and condition of the premises. Prospective franchisees therefore need to assess the offer against a specific site and scope of work, rather than simply compare the two figures in the chain’s presentation.

When selecting a site, Da Grasso says it helps assess the location, customer traffic, competition and lease terms. These are precisely the factors that should inform an analysis of investment costs. A lower entry cost alone should not replace an assessment of whether the premises suit the chosen format and planned operation.

No fixed fee does not mean no ongoing franchise costs

According to the offer, there is no fixed monthly franchise fee. However, the chain also lists other charges that need to be included in the budget. The one-off licence fee is PLN 15,000 excluding VAT, while the marketing fee is approximately PLN 1,600 excluding VAT per month.

A separate charge is the 6.5% commission on orders placed through the Da Grasso website and call centre. This should not be presented as a commission on the restaurant’s entire sales. When analysing costs, it will be important to estimate what share of an individual outlet’s orders will come through these channels.

This fee structure makes it essential to read the offer as a whole. The absence of a fixed franchise fee is one aspect of the arrangement, not a summary of all the costs the franchisee will bear. When comparing it with other offers, it is worth separating one-off costs, monthly charges and fees linked to order value. This avoids comparing headline claims rather than actual categories of expenditure.

Support for up to 50% of opening costs: the form matters

Da Grasso advertises the possibility of covering up to 50% of opening costs. The listed support includes design and fit-out planning, some kitchen equipment and a point-of-sale (POS) system. The offer also includes a rental deposit guarantee and leasing for the remaining equipment.

This range of measures shows why the advertised level of support should not automatically be understood as receiving half the budget in cash. Design services, equipment, guarantees and leasing are different forms of assistance. For someone planning to open a restaurant, what matters is not only the proportion of costs covered, but also the financial terms on which that support is provided.

Before making a decision, prospective franchisees should therefore request an individual breakdown of what the chain provides, which costs the franchisee bears and which payments will fall due later. It is particularly important to establish the leasing terms and the scope of the rental deposit guarantee. Breaking down the offer in this way makes it possible to assess the funds needed at the outset without treating different forms of support as a single non-repayable grant.

From preparing the restaurant to handling orders

Da Grasso’s stated support extends beyond assessing a potential site. Before opening, it includes design and fit-out planning, assistance with the investment process, recruitment, training and the restaurant’s launch. Once the outlet is operating, the chain provides solutions covering the POS system, online sales and its own call centre.

The ongoing support listed also includes central suppliers, marketing and a regional coordinator. This is an important part of the franchise model: the offer combines the opportunity to operate under a shared brand with access to tools and organisational support. However, prospective franchisees should clarify what this assistance means in terms of each party’s specific responsibilities and how communication will work after opening.

Da Grasso’s current offer therefore provides several clear points for comparison: two formats, different initial investment requirements, specified fees and a range of support. Practical takeaway: before choosing a format, request a cost estimate for the specific premises and a payment schedule. Only then can the offer be assessed beyond the headline investment of “from PLN 200,000” or the absence of a fixed franchise fee.