Kitchen Tune-Up Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$129,930 - $188,850
Franchise Fee
$16,958
Min Cash Required
$25,000
Total US Locations
309
Business Summary
The KITCHEN TUNE-UP® franchise specializes in home kitchen and other woodwork improvements. Franchisees offer on-site wood restoration and repair services, along with replacement cabinet doors, cabinet refacing materials, cabinet painting, new cabinets, granite sealing, shelf organizers, flooring, countertops, backsplashes, and plumbing fixtures. The business utilizes a proprietary system and requires a vehicle with approved signage to make sales calls and perform work, primarily serving residential customers in an assigned territory.
Corporate History
HFC KTU LLC, the franchisor for KITCHEN TUNE-UP®, was organized on December 7, 2020. However, the business concept itself has a longer history, tracing back to its predecessor, DCHFamily, Inc., formerly KTU Worldwide, Inc. (KTUW), which was formed in 1988 and began offering KITCHEN TUNE-UP® franchises in the same year. HFC KTU LLC acquired substantially all of KTUW's assets in December 2020. In addition to KITCHEN TUNE-UP®, HFC KTU LLC also offers BATH TUNE-UP® franchises, having started that offering in January 2021.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$129,930 - $188,850
Franchise Fee (Low)
$16,958
Franchise Fee (High)
$19,950
Minimum Cash Required
$25,000
Royalty %
7%
Marketing %
1%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$10,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$36,500
Working Capital
$25,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
KITCHEN TUNE-UP®'s financial statements indicate a healthy financial position and performance. In 2024, the company reported a net income of approximately $1.59 million, following $2.27 million in 2023. The balance sheets show that cash increased from $1.84 million in 2023 to $2.30 million in 2024. Current assets significantly exceed current liabilities, with total current assets of $4.31 million in 2024 compared to current liabilities of $1.51 million. The independent auditors have issued an unqualified opinion, meaning they found the financial statements to be presented fairly in all material respects, and did not raise any substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Financing Details
KITCHEN TUNE-UP® offers financing for a portion of the Initial Franchise Fee and Initial Territory Fee if a franchisee meets its credit standards. The amount financed is $48,000, with no down payment required. The loan has a 60-month term, an interest rate of 10% per annum, and a monthly payment of $1,019.86. There are no prepayment penalties. If a franchisee defaults, they risk losing the franchise, must pay the unpaid balance, and cover attorney fees and costs. Franchisees also waive their right to notice of a collection action and to assert any defenses to collection against the franchisor. KITCHEN TUNE-UP® does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
309
Franchised Units
261
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
850
Franchising Since
1988
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
4
Litigation Summary
KITCHEN TUNE-UP® has disclosed four litigation matters. Three cases are recent: In August 2023, a former franchisee's guarantor filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and KITCHEN TUNE-UP® sought to deny discharge, eventually settling in July 2024 with a non-dischargeable amount. In November 2023, KITCHEN TUNE-UP® filed a breach of contract lawsuit against a former franchisee and its guarantors for non-payment, which was moved to arbitration in January 2024. This case was stayed due to the guarantors' bankruptcies and later dismissed without prejudice in late 2024 and early 2025. In August 2024, KITCHEN TUNE-UP® also filed an action against another former franchisee to recover amounts due. An older administrative proceeding from 2006 involved an affiliate, Aussie Pet Mobile, Inc., which, under previous ownership, entered a Consent Order with the Maryland Securities Division to cease certain actions and rescind franchise agreements due to disclosure issues.
Bankruptcy History
KITCHEN TUNE-UP® has no bankruptcy history to report for the franchisor or its key personnel.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their KITCHEN TUNE-UP® franchise, franchisees must pay a renewal fee, sign the franchisor's then-current franchise agreement, not be in default of their existing agreement, and make any necessary upgrades to the franchised business. The new franchise agreement may have terms and conditions that are significantly different from the current agreement. Franchisees are typically offered two consecutive 5-year renewal terms.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
KITCHEN TUNE-UP® provides extensive support to its franchisees. Before opening, the franchisor assists with territory designation, showroom approval (if applicable), use of its Marks, and provides an initial training program and a Start-up Package. Franchisees also receive proprietary information for staff training, electronic access to the operating Manuals, a list of standard equipment and supplier sources, and help with initial promotion and advertising. After opening, ongoing assistance includes policing of the brand Marks, training on new products and services, consultation and guidance from representatives during business hours, and optional on-site training (for a fee). KITCHEN TUNE-UP® also holds mandatory annual Conventions (with a fee) and offers a 12-week post-training program and launch team support. Additionally, the franchisor maintains a website and an electronic portal for resources and may provide structured coaching.
Initial Training Hours
209
Training Location
Coppell, TX and Virtual
Ongoing Support
After opening, KITCHEN TUNE-UP® provides continuous support by policing its brand Marks and offering training as new products, services, and methods are developed. Franchisees can consult with franchisor representatives during normal business hours for guidance. Optional on-site training is available for a fee. Franchisees are required to attend an annual Convention, which also incurs a fee. The franchisor assists with post-opening promotion and maintains a website and an electronic portal for disseminating manuals, marketing materials, and training resources. A 12-week post-training program and launch team are also provided to guide franchisees. The franchisor may also provide or facilitate structured coaching at its own cost.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
KITCHEN TUNE-UP® prefers franchisees who plan to be actively involved in the direct operation and daily affairs of their franchised business, rather than seeking passive investments. If a franchisee chooses not to operate the business themselves, they are required to employ at least one full-time manager.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
Yes
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Hands-On
Territory Type
Protected
Territory Size Requirements
KITCHEN TUNE-UP® territories are defined by United States Postal Service ZIP Codes. Each territory begins with approximately 41,000 households. The specific ZIP codes within a franchisee's territory will remain fixed and will not change, even if their boundaries are adjusted by the Postal Service or if the population within them increases or decreases.
Staffing Notes
KITCHEN TUNE-UP® requires that if a franchisee does not personally operate the franchised business, they must employ at least one full-time manager. The franchisor explicitly states that it is not a joint employer of the franchisee's staff and does not determine wages, benefits, hours, duties, supervision, hiring/firing, or working conditions for the franchisee's employees. Franchisees are responsible for indemnifying KITCHEN TUNE-UP® against any claims related to being joint employers. The designated manager must complete the initial training program and adhere to confidentiality agreements and non-compete covenants.