How to Finance a Nick and Moes Franchise: Fuel and Fried Chicken
By Marc Cornella
A Nick and Moes franchise loan finances a Florida-born convenience store concept that pairs fuel sales with a made-to-order kitchen known for fried chicken. Because one site combines a fuel business, a store and a food counter, the financing has more moving parts than a typical restaurant: real estate, tanks and pumps, kitchen equipment, inventory and a fuel supply agreement all need to line up.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Nick and Moes; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures in the franchisor’s disclosure document can change, loan programs vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice, so review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreement with a franchise attorney and an accountant before you sign or borrow.
Nick and Moes Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Concept: convenience stores with fuel, a kitchen serving the brand’s own fried chicken plus pizza, subs and tacos, a cold beer cave, snacks and drinks.
- Home base: corporate office in Lakeland, Florida, with stores in central and west-central Florida and in Georgia.
- History: the company says it has served its communities for more than 20 years.
- Franchise fee, royalty and investment: not published on materials we could verify; confirm them in Items 5, 6 and 7 of the current FDD.
- Availability: ask the franchisor whether it is currently accepting new franchisees in your market.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed under code S7994, with notes on the lease addendum and on fuel supply agreements.
- Typical financing paths: SBA 7(a), SBA 504, conventional real estate loans, equipment financing and working capital.
What Is Nick and Moes?
Nick and Moes is a convenience store and fuel brand based in Lakeland, Florida. The company describes itself as a small business with a small-town feel that values customer service and community involvement, including support for local schools and youth sports teams.
Its stores serve communities in Polk, Hillsborough, Manatee and Pasco counties, including Lakeland, Plant City, Zephyrhills, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, and the company also lists stores in the Georgia communities of Carrollton and Lawrenceville.
Food is the differentiator. Inside, stores run food counters that serve the brand’s own fried chicken alongside pizza, subs and tacos. Stores also sell snacks, drinks, tobacco products and a wide selection of beer kept in walk-in “beer caves.” The fuel side operates under supply arrangements with major fuel brands.
Why lenders view it the way they do. Lenders see a real estate-heavy business with several revenue streams: fuel, inside-store merchandise and prepared food. Food and merchandise usually carry better margins than fuel, so a strong kitchen can make a meaningful difference to cash flow. At the same time, fuel brings environmental review, supply contract terms and equipment that most restaurant loans never touch.
Nick and Moes Franchise Costs
We could not verify the franchise fee or total investment from the franchisor’s own published materials. Costs also vary widely depending on whether you build a new store, buy an existing station or convert one you already own.
Initial franchise fee. Item 5 of the FDD states the fee, when it is due and whether any part is refundable. It usually comes from equity or the loan.
Real estate and construction. Land or an existing station is often the largest cost. A new build adds site work, the store building, canopy, fuel islands, parking and access. A conversion may need remodeling, new signage and an upgraded kitchen.
Fuel equipment. Underground storage tanks, dispensers, piping, leak detection and payment systems are expensive and regulated. Ask whether the fuel supplier provides or finances any of this equipment and on what terms.
Kitchen and store equipment. Fryers, hoods and fire suppression, ovens, prep tables, warmers, refrigeration, walk-in coolers for the beer cave, shelving, point-of-sale systems and security cameras.
Opening costs and working capital. Fuel and merchandise inventory, licenses and permits (including beer and tobacco), insurance, hiring, training and a cash reserve for the first months.
Total investment. The Item 7 table in the current FDD gives the official estimate. Expect line items such as:
- Initial franchise fee
- Land, building or lease costs
- Construction, remodeling and site work
- Fuel tanks, dispensers and canopy
- Kitchen equipment, hoods and fire suppression
- Coolers, shelving and store fixtures
- Signage and exterior image elements
- Point-of-sale and security systems
- Opening fuel, food and merchandise inventory
- Licenses, permits, insurance and professional fees
- Training expenses
- Additional funds for the initial operating period
Confirm that the line items add up to the stated total and note which site type the estimate assumes.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Item 6 of the FDD lists the royalty, any marketing fund, technology fees, transfer fees and renewal fees. Ask whether any fee is charged on fuel gallons, on inside sales or both, since that changes the math significantly.
How lenders factor fees into cash flow. Lenders separate fuel margin from inside-store and food margin, subtract labor, rent or mortgage costs, utilities, card processing fees and every franchise fee, then test whether the remaining cash covers loan payments. Card fees on fuel sales are easy to underestimate, so model them carefully.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
Nick and Moes has not published net worth or liquid capital minimums on pages we could verify. Ask the franchisor for its current requirements, and expect a review of your finances, background and site before approval.
Lenders favor owners with convenience store, fuel or food-service experience. A store with a busy kitchen also needs strong hiring and food safety systems, so a plan for a capable store manager helps if you lack that background.
Ways to Own a Nick and Moes
Building a new store. A ground-up project offers a modern layout but needs land, permits and a longer timeline. Lenders underwrite projections and site traffic. See our gas station and convenience store start-up financing.
Buying an existing station. Buying a store with fuel history lets lenders review real gallons, inside sales and expenses. Environmental review is essential. Explore gas station acquisition loans.
Converting a station you already own. An independent owner may convert to the brand if the franchisor allows it, using the existing real estate as part of the collateral. Confirm conversion terms and required upgrades in writing.
Financing Options for a Nick and Moes Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. Because the brand is on the SBA Franchise Directory, an SBA 7(a) loan can combine real estate, equipment, the franchise fee and working capital in one loan with a long repayment term.
SBA 504 loans. For owner-occupied real estate and long-lived equipment, the SBA 504 program fits well, since a fuel and convenience site is a special-purpose property with substantial fixed assets.
Conventional term loans. Experienced operators with strong equity may use conventional business loans, particularly when buying an established station with solid history.
Equipment financing. Dispensers, tank upgrades, fryers, hoods, walk-in coolers and point-of-sale systems can be financed separately. See gas station equipment financing.
Working capital and lines of credit. Fuel deliveries, beer and merchandise inventory and payroll all require cash, and fuel price swings can strain it. A line of credit helps. Explore working capital for gas stations and convenience stores.
Seller financing on resales. A seller may carry part of the price on an existing station. Seller notes are typically subordinate to the senior loan, and SBA rules may limit them.
SBA Loans for Nick and Moes Franchisees
The SBA Franchise Directory lists brands whose agreements have been reviewed for SBA eligibility. Nick and Moes appears under code S7994. A listing does not approve any borrower, and the directory attaches notes to this brand that matter for financing.
Note one: the lease addendum. When the real estate where the business is located will secure the SBA-guaranteed loan, the lease addendum may not be executed. In plain English, the addendum is meant for leased sites; if you own the property and pledge it as collateral, it should not be signed.
Note two: the fuel supplier. If the business sells fuel, the lender must confirm that the fuel supply agreement is with a supplier listed as an eligible jobber on the SBA Franchise Directory. If the supplier is not listed, it must be submitted to the SBA for review before loan approval, and the applicant is not eligible unless the supplier is listed. The fuel agreement also may not be recorded against the real estate that secures the SBA loan.
What this means for you. Identify your fuel supplier early and ask your lender to check its directory status before you sign anything. Our article on SBA loans for gas stations covers more of the program’s fuel-specific rules. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change. Use our SBA loan calculator for early planning estimates only.
How Lenders Evaluate a Nick and Moes Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Expect a credit review, tax returns, a personal financial statement and a personal guarantee.
Net worth and liquidity. Real estate projects need a meaningful equity injection plus reserves for inventory and fuel price swings.
Industry and management experience. Convenience store, fuel or restaurant management experience is highly valued.
Business plan and projections. Model gallons, fuel margin, inside sales, food sales and beer sales separately, plus labor, card fees and franchise fees. Show traffic counts and nearby competition.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders read Items 5, 6, 7, 10, 17 and 19, and compare the franchise term with the loan term.
Site and environmental review. Any fuel site needs environmental due diligence, tank records and regulatory compliance. Read our gas station environmental due diligence guidance.
Historical financials for resales. Provide several years of profit and loss statements, fuel volume reports and tax returns.
Fuel Supply, Kitchen and Collateral
Three agreements drive a Nick and Moes deal: the franchise agreement, the fuel supply agreement and the real estate deed or lease. Lenders review all three together, checking that terms, renewal dates and any supplier rights to equipment do not conflict with their collateral. Get copies of each early, and make sure the fuel contract’s term and obligations fit the loan you are seeking.
The kitchen is the other key asset. Hoods, fire suppression and food safety compliance are inspected closely, and a well-run food counter can lift both traffic and margin.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
Owners who run one store well may add a second nearby, sharing management and supply relationships. Lenders typically finance the next store once the first shows steady fuel volume and inside sales. Learn more about multi-unit franchise financing.
Real-World Scenarios
An independent station owner converting. An owner with an unbranded store converts to Nick and Moes, adds the kitchen and uses an SBA 7(a) loan backed partly by the existing real estate.
A restaurant operator entering fuel. A restaurant manager buys an existing station and relies on an experienced fuel partner, and the lender gives weight to his food-service record.
A ground-up build. A buyer acquires a corner lot and uses an SBA 504 loan for land and building, with equipment financed separately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Signing a fuel supply agreement before checking the supplier’s SBA directory status
- Skipping environmental due diligence on an existing station
- Underestimating card processing fees on fuel sales
- Budgeting too little for hoods and fire suppression in the kitchen
- Opening without enough cash for fuel and beer inventory
For more pitfalls, read the loan mistakes gas station owners make.
Next Steps to Finance Your Nick and Moes Franchise
Step 1: Contact the franchisor. Confirm availability in your market and request the current FDD.
Step 2: Review documents with advisors. Read the FDD, franchise agreement and fuel supply terms with a franchise attorney and an accountant.
Step 3: Check the fuel supplier. Ask your lender to confirm the supplier’s directory status.
Step 4: Assess your finances. Confirm your equity and reserves.
Step 5: Secure a site. Complete environmental review, traffic analysis and a purchase contract or lease.
Step 6: Apply. Submit the FDD, fuel agreement, site documents, quotes, projections and personal financials.
Nick and Moes Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does a Nick and Moes franchise cost?
We could not verify a published investment range. Item 7 of the current FDD gives the estimate, which varies widely with real estate and site type.
What is the franchise fee and royalty?
Item 5 shows the fee and Item 6 lists the royalty and other ongoing fees.
Can I get an SBA loan for a Nick and Moes franchise?
Yes, if you qualify. The brand is listed under code S7994, and a Nick and Moes franchise loan through the SBA must meet the directory’s notes on the lease addendum and fuel suppliers.
What is an eligible fuel jobber?
It is a fuel supplier whose agreement the SBA has reviewed and listed on the directory. If yours is not listed, it must be submitted to the SBA before loan approval.
Can I convert my existing gas station?
Ask the franchisor whether conversions are allowed. If so, your existing real estate may help support the loan.
Can I finance fuel and kitchen equipment separately?
Yes. Equipment financing can cover dispensers, tanks, fryers, hoods and coolers.
Can a first-time owner get a Nick and Moes franchise loan?
It is possible with strong liquidity and an experienced manager, but lenders favor fuel, retail or food-service experience.
Does Nick and Moes offer financing?
Check Item 10 of the current FDD for any franchisor financing.
How long is the franchise term?
Item 17 of the FDD lists the term, renewal and transfer rules.
What documents will a lender need?
Expect the FDD, fuel supply agreement, site documents, environmental reports, quotes, projections, tax returns and a personal financial statement.
Final Thoughts
A Nick and Moes store combines fuel, convenience retail and a fried chicken kitchen, so a strong Nick and Moes franchise loan request coordinates the franchise agreement, the fuel supply contract and the real estate from the start. Confirm the supplier’s SBA status, complete environmental review and keep enough working capital for inventory and fuel price swings.
US Professional Funding helps franchise and convenience store owners finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment and working capital. Learn more about our franchise financing and gas station and convenience store financing solutions.
