MGM Wine & Spirits Franchise in 2024: Costs, Fee & FDD

Discover the potential of owning an MGM Wine & Spirits franchise! Learn about its strong local presence, robust support system, and the opportunities for success in the thriving retail liquor market.

Last updated 18 Dec 2024 Time 12 min read

MGM Wine & Spirits was founded in 1970 and has since become a well-established name in the retail liquor industry. Specializing in off-sale liquor stores, the brand offers a wide variety of products including wine, beer, and spirits. MGM Wine & Spirits has built a reputation for its customer-focused service and a solid operational framework that has allowed it to expand its presence in Minnesota. Over the years, the franchise has become a trusted destination for consumers seeking quality alcoholic beverages and accessories.

MGM Wine & Spirits offers a comprehensive selection of alcoholic beverages, including a diverse range of wines, spirits, and craft beers. The franchise also provides related products such as glassware and mixers to enhance the customer experience. Their core customer base consists of adults aged 21 and older, with a significant seasonal surge in business occurring during the holiday season, particularly between November and New Year’s. The stores cater to both everyday shoppers and those seeking premium options, serving a broad market in Minnesota with a reputation for quality and variety.

As of now, MGM Wine & Spirits operates 27 franchised locations, all based in Minnesota. The franchise has built a strong local presence, offering a personalized approach to retail liquor sales. The brand’s reputation for quality service and product selection has helped it maintain a loyal customer base, especially during peak seasonal periods. While the franchise’s current footprint is localized, its success in Minnesota positions it as a dominant player in the regional market for alcoholic beverages.

MGM Wine & Spirits provides robust franchise support, ensuring that franchisees are equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to run a successful business. Franchisees receive comprehensive training in store operations, inventory management, customer service, and marketing strategies. The ongoing support includes assistance with promotional efforts, ensuring that each franchise location benefits from the company’s established brand reputation. This structured support system helps franchisees maintain operational efficiency and provide exceptional service to customers.

MGM Wine & Spirits Franchise Insights

  1. MGM Wine & Spirits operates 27 franchised locations exclusively in Minnesota, giving it a strong local presence in the state’s retail liquor market.
  2. Approximately one-fourth of the franchise’s annual sales occur during the holiday season, specifically between the first weekend of November and New Year’s, highlighting the seasonal demand for liquor products. This creates significant revenue opportunities for franchisees during peak periods.
  3. The franchise’s core customer base is adults aged 21 and older, with a diverse market ranging from casual drinkers to connoisseurs seeking premium wines and spirits. MGM Wine & Spirits appeals to a broad demographic, offering both everyday selections and high-end options.
  4. MGM Wine & Spirits is known for its customer loyalty programs and in-store events, which help foster repeat business and brand loyalty. These initiatives are designed to create long-term relationships with customers and encourage regular shopping.

MGM Wine & Spirits Franchise Key indicators

Growth YOY (%)

-6%

vs industry 0%


Total U.S. Franchised Units

27


3-Year Failure Rate

10%

vs industry 13%


Sales-to-Investment ratio

1.3:1

How much does it cost to open an MGM Wine & Spirits franchise?

Understanding the potential investment size and capital requirements is crucial when considering opening an MGM Wine & Spirits franchise. These financial commitments, including initial franchise fees, equipment costs, and ongoing operational expenses, impact the feasibility and profitability of the venture. Thoroughly evaluating these factors ensures that potential franchisees are prepared for the financial responsibilities and can make informed decisions about their ability to sustain and grow the business, ultimately contributing to long-term success.

Min & Max Investment

Opening an MGM Wine & Spirits franchise involves several key costs, which are outlined in Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). you can see a breakdown of the costs to open an MGM Wine & Spirits below from the most recent Item 7 below:

Type of Expenditure  Minimum Investment  Maximum Investment 
Initial Franchise Fee  $40,000  $50,000 
Leasehold Improvements  $50,000  $400,000 
Equipment  $125,000  $450,000 
Cash Registers and Credit Card Processors  $15,000  $40,000 
Opening Inventory  $250,000  $1,000,000 
Signage  $2,000  $25,000 
Travel and Living Expenses While Training  $0  $2,000 
Additional Funds – 3 Months  $50,000  $250,000 
TOTAL  $532,000  $2,217,000 

Item 7 in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is the “Estimated Initial Investment” section. It outlines the total costs a franchisee can expect to incur when starting a franchise, including the initial franchise fee, equipment, inventory, real estate, and other startup expenses. This section is crucial because it provides potential franchisees with a detailed understanding of the financial commitment required, helping them assess affordability and plan their investment strategy effectively.

Required Capital

To open a franchise with MGM Wine & Spirits or a similar retail liquor franchise, the financial requirements are quite substantial. Below is an overview of the estimated financial requirements typically expected for this type of franchise.

  • Capital Requirement Franchisees typically need significant capital to cover both the upfront costs and initial operating expenses. For MGM Wine & Spirits, the total investment includes costs such as construction, equipment, initial inventory, signage, and working capital, falling within the range of $532,000 to $2,217,000. Assuming that you will finance your franchise investment, you should plan to have 20% of the total investment amount in the form of equity (cash) for the investment.
  • Liquid Assets Liquid assets are critical for covering immediate expenses, such as inventory purchases and day-to-day operating costs. Franchisees are often required to have liquid assets of at least $150,000 to $500,000, though this can vary depending on the location and size of the store.
  • Net Worth A typical net worth requirement for opening an MGM Wine & Spirits franchise or a similar retail liquor business falls within the range of $1,000,000 to $3,000,000. The net worth requirement helps ensure that franchisees have the financial stability to handle the operational demands and potential risks involved in the business.

How much does an MGM Wine & Spirits franchise owner make?

Calculating the salary of an MGM Wine & Spirits franchise owner involves analyzing gross sales to determine total revenue, assessing operational efficiency to understand profit margins, and accounting for franchisor fees and additional expenses such as rent, utilities, and payroll. Effective management of these factors can significantly impact the profitability and financial success of an MGM Wine & Spirits franchise owner. This comprehensive financial analysis helps estimate net profits, from which the owner’s salary can be derived. A clear understanding of these factors ensures accurate salary projections and financial planning for sustainable business operations.

MGM Wine & Spirits Revenue & Gross Sales

MGM Wine & Spirits has demonstrated solid revenue performance, with median gross sales reaching $2,853,117. This figure highlights the franchise’s strong market position in Minnesota’s retail liquor industry. The robust sales are driven by a combination of seasonal demand, a diverse product offering, and a loyal customer base, which provides franchisees with the potential for consistent growth and profitability.

Which key factors impact the average revenue performance of MGM Wine & Spirits franchisees?

The strong performance of U.S. franchisee median gross sales for MGM Wine & Spirits is likely driven by several key factors. First, the franchise’s strategic focus on offering a diverse range of alcoholic beverages, from everyday options to premium selections, ensures that it caters to a broad customer base. Seasonal sales, particularly during the holidays, also play a significant role in driving revenue. Additionally, the strong local presence in Minnesota, where MGM Wine & Spirits is well-known, contributes to customer loyalty and repeat business. The franchise’s consistent marketing efforts, customer loyalty programs, and in-store events further enhance customer engagement and help boost sales. The brand’s reputation for quality and variety, combined with efficient operations and training programs for franchisees, likely contributes to its overall financial success.

MGM Wine & Spirits Franchise Operational Costs

When considering opening an MGM Wine & Spirits franchise, it’s important to account for the key ongoing operational costs that are directly related to running the business.

  • Inventory Costs A significant portion of your ongoing costs will go toward maintaining an adequate stock of alcohol, wine, beer, and related products. Regular replenishment and management of inventory are crucial to meeting customer demand and staying competitive.
  • Employee Salaries and Benefits Labor costs will include wages for staff, management, and any benefits provided. Efficient staffing is key to delivering excellent customer service, especially during peak hours or seasonal demand periods.
  • Lease and Utilities Rent or mortgage payments for your retail location, along with utilities such as electricity, water, and heating, are a consistent expense. The cost will vary based on your store’s size and location.
  • Store Maintenance and Repairs Ongoing maintenance costs for the store’s infrastructure and equipment, such as refrigeration units, point-of-sale systems, and fixtures, are necessary to ensure the store operates efficiently.

By preparing for these operational costs, you can better manage your franchise’s finances and maximize your chances for success in the competitive retail liquor market.

MGM Wine & Spirits Franchise Fees

When opening an MGM Wine & Spirits franchise, it’s essential to account for several ongoing fees that directly impact your profitability. These fees are part of the franchise agreement and help ensure you have the necessary resources for operations, marketing, and training.

  • Earned Service Fee Franchisees are required to pay an earned service fee of $4,860 per week, but it will not exceed 2.2% of gross receipts. This fee covers various services provided by the franchisor, such as ongoing support, marketing resources, and operational assistance, which helps maintain the franchise’s high standards and ensures franchisees receive continued guidance.
  • Advertising/Marketing Contribution Franchisees must contribute 2% of gross receipts toward advertising and marketing efforts. This fee supports national marketing initiatives, helping drive customer traffic and brand recognition. The contribution ensures that your store benefits from a unified and professional marketing strategy that attracts a steady flow of customers.
  • Additional Fees Additional fees may apply for various services such as training programs, technology platforms, and other items provided by MGM Wine & Spirits.

Understanding these ongoing fees and their impact on your finances is essential for planning a successful venture with MGM Wine & Spirits.

MGM Wine & Spirits Franchise Earnings

The earnings potential for an MGM Wine & Spirits franchise can vary depending on factors such as location, sales performance, and the effectiveness of day-to-day operations. With median gross sales of approximately $2,853,117, the franchise offers a strong earning potential for owner-operators. Estimated earnings for owner-operators are around $342,000, reflecting an operating profit margin of 12%.

Owner-operators who are actively involved in the business can realize substantial financial rewards, as their hands-on approach tends to drive better operational outcomes and higher profitability. Effective cost management, customer engagement, and optimizing sales volume all contribute to maximizing earnings. The strong sales figures combined with an attractive profit margin underscore the potential for franchisees to generate a steady income, making MGM Wine & Spirits a promising opportunity for those ready to commit to active ownership.

How to Open an MGM Wine & Spirits Franchise

Becoming a franchisee with MGM Wine & Spirits involves several steps, starting from your initial inquiry and extending to the successful launch of your store. The process ensures that potential franchisees are thoroughly evaluated and prepared to operate within the brand’s proven framework, ensuring long-term success.

  1. Initial Inquiry You or your franchise specialist submits an initial inquiry basic information about your interest and background. You should also conduct thorough research on the franchise, including seeing all of the information available on the Vetted Biz franchise intelligence platform, including access to the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
  2. Application and Evaluation After reviewing the FDD, you’ll submit a formal application. The franchisor will evaluate your financial qualifications, experience, and suitability to run a franchise. This step may involve background checks and interviews with the franchisor’s team.
  3. Franchise Agreement Once approved, you’ll enter into a franchise agreement with MGM Wine & Spirits. This legally binding contract outlines the terms and conditions of the franchise relationship, including fees, support, and operational guidelines.
  4. Training and Support Before opening your store, you’ll undergo training, which includes both classroom and on-the-job components. This training will cover all aspects of store operations, including inventory management, customer service, and sales strategies. Additionally, the franchisor provides ongoing support throughout your journey.
  5. Site Selection and Lease Agreement MGM Wine & Spirits will assist you in selecting a suitable location for your franchise. This may involve finding available commercial properties and negotiating a lease agreement that aligns with the brand’s requirements.
  6. Store Setup and Launch Once the site is secured, the store setup process begins. This includes finalizing store design, installing necessary equipment, and stocking inventory. With the support of the franchisor, you’ll prepare to launch your business and start operations.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Strong Brand Recognition: MGM Wine & Spirits is a well-established brand in the liquor retail industry, with a proven track record and loyal customer base in Minnesota, which can help attract customers and build trust in the business.

High Revenue Potential: With median gross sales around $2.85 million, the franchise offers significant revenue potential, especially for owner-operators involved in the day-to-day management and operations.

Seasonal Sales Opportunities: The seasonal nature of the business, with a significant portion of sales occurring during the holiday season, offers a chance to capitalize on peak demand, resulting in higher profitability during those months.

Cons

Intense Competition: The liquor retail market is competitive, especially in urban areas where other chains or independent stores may offer similar products. Building a customer base and maintaining steady sales can be challenging without strong marketing and local community engagement.

Dependence on Location: The success of the franchise is highly dependent on location. If the store is situated in an area with low foot traffic or limited demand for alcohol, it may take longer to achieve profitability.

Seasonal Revenue Fluctuations: While the seasonal nature of sales presents opportunities, it also means that there will be periods of slower revenue, which requires careful cash flow management to ensure stability year-round.

FAQs

Who owns MGM Wine & Spirits?

  • MGM Wine & Spirits is owned by M.G.M. Liquor Stores, Inc., a company that has been operating retail liquor stores since 1970. The company transitioned to the MGM Wine & Spirits name in 1995 and continues to manage franchise operations through this brand.
  • Yes, MGM Wine & Spirits operates as a franchise. The company began offering franchises in 1977 and currently has franchised stores across Minnesota. Franchisees operate retail liquor stores under the MGM Wine & Spirits name and system.
  • MGM Wine & Spirits faces competition from other liquor retailers such as Total Wine & More, which operates nationally with a larger footprint. Additionally, local liquor stores and chains like BevMo! and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits offer similar products and services, posing competition to MGM in the retail liquor market.
  • The total investment to open an MGM Wine & Spirits franchise ranges from $532,000 to $2.2 million. This includes expenses for real estate, equipment, inventory, and other startup costs.
  • As of the most recent data, MGM Wine & Spirits has 30 locations in the U.S., of which 27 are franchised locations.
  • The most recent calculated 3-year failure rate of MGM Wine & Spirits was 10% in the U.S.
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