Wild Bill’s Franchise Costs, Fees, and Support – Mobile Beverage Business

Company overview

Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co. is a mobile beverage company that focuses on selling handcrafted sodas at large events. The business uses a western-themed setup and stainless steel refill mugs to create a simple but memorable customer experience. The model has been in operation for more than two decades and attracts repeat customers who seek out the brand at annual events. The company also markets itself as a good fit for veterans by offering fee discounts and financing support for qualified candidates.

Wild Bill’s was born in 2002 with a simple mission — bring a fun, nostalgic beverage experience to public events. From day one, the vision was to pour high-quality craft sodas in a way that stood apart from the typical concession booth, creating a tradition that fans could spot (and taste) from across the fairgrounds.

Mission: Wild Bill’s set out to deliver a fun and unique beverage experience that left customers with lasting memories. Over time, that mission has grown — today, the brand is equally focused on creating meaningful employment and business ownership opportunities for veterans.

Vision: The brand’s vision is to become the most well-known mobile craft soda company in the United States.

Wild Bill’s serves its drinks from an old-west style wagon. Customers can buy a stainless steel mug and get unlimited refills for the day. The drinks are made with cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. Many customers collect the mugs each year, which encourages them to return.

The franchise gives owners a business that can be run at large gatherings without the need for a permanent retail space. There is a veteran discount, help with financing and the backing of a brand that already has a loyal customer base.

Wild Bill’s does not list available territories on its website, but interested parties can contact the franchisor by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.

Initial costs and fees

Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Wild Bill’s franchise ranges from $109,900 to $337,250. The 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:

Initial Franchise Fee: The initial franchise fee for a standard Wild Bill’s franchise outlet (single territory of approximately 2 million people) is $49,500, due in full upon signing the franchise agreement. When purchasing additional territories, the fees are as follows:

Ongoing Fees: According to the 2026 FDD, Wild Bill’s franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:

ROI Potential: According to the 2026 FDD, the 12 Wild Bill’s franchise outlets operating for the entirety of 2025 reported the following gross sales:

Note that these results exclude multi-territory outlets with three or more territories.

Training and support

Training shows new owners how to run the mobile unit, make and serve the products, keep the equipment in good shape, follow company rules and handle events. It takes place at the company’s main office or another location they choose. It has both classroom lessons and hands-on practice.

Franchisees get an operations manual that explains the daily steps, how to use the equipment, safety rules, how to prepare products, and how to set up for events. The company also offers help by phone, email and in-person visits to answer questions and make sure everything is done the right way.

Franchisees are given the operational resources and guidelines needed to manage the business, including ordering branded merchandise and coordinating with approved suppliers.

The franchisor does not require prior business or event experience, but franchisees must meet the franchisor’s financial qualifications and complete all required training.

The owner must either directly manage the business or appoint a trained on-site manager.

To kick things off, your initial inventory investment (typically between $14,000 – $17,000) is due in full at the time of order.

The good news? Once you’re up and running, you may qualify for flexible credit terms on ongoing purchases like mugs, branded merchandise, syrup, and more. If approved, our current terms are simple: 50% at the time of order, with the balance due 30 days after shipment.

We’re proud to support our veteran community. If you’ve received an honorable discharge from any branch of the U.S. Military, you may be eligible for up to $150,000 in equipment financing (subject to credit approval).

This financing can be applied toward essential equipment such as your mobile stand, enclosed trailer, and generator — everything you need to hit the ground running. Please note that financing can’t be used toward the franchise fee, initial inventory, a vehicle or working capital.

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Courtney Brown joined Wild Bill’s as a franchise partner in Florida after working with the company since 2018 as an event manager. His leadership, teamwork and adaptability from serving as a radio operator in the Marine Corps from 2007 to 2011 have carried over into running his business. Through Wild Bill’s Veteran Franchising Program, he received a reduced franchise fee, financing options, and ongoing mentorship.

Read his story here.

Market and competition

Revenue in the beverages market is expected to reach $276.44 billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow at an average rate of 8.3% per year from 2025 to 2029, reaching about $380.36 billion by 2029.

Wild Bill’s primary competitors include Kona Ice, Swig, Bahama Buck’s, Pelican’s SnoBalls, Fiiz and Rocket Fizz, as well as other mobile drink sellers, beverage stands and vendors at fairs and festivals. Wild Bill’s stands out by leaning into its event-based, mobile-first model and its nostalgic, collectible experience.

1. Submit an interest form on the company’s website.

2. Have an introductory call to talk about the business, costs, and available territories.

3. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

4. Speak to current franchisees.

5. Sign the franchise agreement and pay the fee.

6. Attend training.

7. Start operating at approved events.

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