Franchise fee

This is the price of entry: a single payment, often $25,000–$60,000, that buys you the license to use the brand and its system for one outlet. It is separate from — and usually a small fraction of — the total cost to actually open (Item 7), which includes build-out, equipment, signage, and working capital.

Don't confuse it with royalties (Item 6), which are ongoing percentages of your sales paid for as long as you operate.