{group_info=EverSmith Brands, superpower_3=Strong Backing and Proven Support System, superpower_4=Comprehensive Training Program for Entire Team, services_image_top_medium=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/12260882840/services_image_medium, superpower_1=Regulatory Compliance Expertise and Safety Focused , territories_awarded=108, superpower_2=Comprehensive Service Portfolio with Modern Technology, sks_open_locations_three_years_ago=1, registration_michigan=Registered, strong_zee_sales_skills_are_required=Yes, sks_royalties_collected_last_year=0, scheduling_link=https://meetings.hubspot.com/noelle-burak?uuid=de0a1cfa-52cc-476f-aa69-113c1770a2be, marketing_website_url=https://www.franchisesidekick.com/brands/kitchen-guard, initial_item_19_overview=Company store's full P&L is listed for Item 19. $6.8M in revenue over 3 territories. Gross profit of 49.23%. Operating income of 30.14%. Net operating income of 19.40% post royalty reinvestment and owner distribution., momentum_membership=Yes, override_brand_summary_image=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/12260882840/additional_background?variant=large, sales_contact_last_name=Burak, services_image_top_large=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/12260882840/services_image_large, main_contact_is_contract_signer=Yes, superpower_5=Recurring Revenue Model that is Scalable , franchise_fee=49000, sks_number_of_franchisees=0, semi_absentee_ownership=Yes, sks_owner_benefit_percentage=12.5, two_minute_drill_url=https://www.franchisesidekick.com/two-minute-drills/kitchen-guard, year_founded=2009, hs_pipeline=11403875, industry=Commercial Exhaust Kitchen Cleaning, franchise_offering_components=Small Staff (5 or fewer employees per location);Recurring Revenue Model (membership, subscription);Defined Customer Acquisition program;Recession Resistant;Technology-driven;Founder or Leadership that have 10+ years of industry experience;Hiring & Recruiting support;A physical location is required (retail or office location), hs_object_source_label=FORM, registration_maryland=Pending, currently_franchising=No, website=https://kitchenguardfranchise.com/, secondary_contact_email=david.wells@eversmithbrands.com, preferred_funding_partner=No Preference, royalty_external=10%, corporate_location=Kitchen Guard Franchising, Inc. 6700 Forum Drive, Suite 150 Orlando, Florida 32821, functions_of_semi_absentee_owner=Oversee GM and team serving customers, item_19_highlights=Brand Fund is now 2%; Item 19 is across 3 territories and outside of primary service area. , sales_contact_phone=517-712-0890, real_estate_description=Need a small warehouse to store vehicles, filters, and conduct filter cleaning and dunk tank., starting_employees_number_3=1, sks_royalties_collected_two_years_ago=0, starting_employees_number_4=1, starting_employees_number_1=1, starting_employees_number_2=1, hs_lastmodifieddate=1750435316128, number_of_associated_contacts=8, contact_created=true, sold_out_markets=NC, NM, UT, NE, RI, DE, San Diego, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Jacksonville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Birmingham, Montgomery AL, Columbus OH, Louisville, NW Arkansas, Richmond, New Port News and Virginia Beach VA., sks_item_19_revenue=7069015, group_health_insurance=No, has_group_contact=Yes, franchisee_weekly_hours_required=Part-Time (20-40 hours per week), secondary_contact_last_name=Wells, registration_virginia=Registered, target_customer=All Commercial Kitchens, Facilities Directors, Operations Directions, Restaurant Owners/Groups, sales_contact_email=noelle.burak@kitchenguard.com, billing_contact_phone=940-213-0248, starting_employees_type_4=Technician, person_completing_2_minute_drill=B. Quick Chadwick, day_to_day_operators=Franchisee;Manager/Supervisor, starting_employees_type_1=Owner/GM, starting_employees_type_2=Fire & Life Safety Consultant (B2B Sales), starting_employees_type_3=Foreman, founder_name=Nathan Leathers, onboarding_link=https://www.franchisesidekick.com/franchisor-onboarding-2-minute-drill?brand_name=Kitchen%20Guard, has_current_fdd=Yes, average_start_to_open_time=Less than six months, home_based=No, sks_open_locations_two_years_ago=1, hs_object_id=12260882840, name=Kitchen Guard, sidekick_commission_4=84500, sidekick_commission_5=104500, sidekick_commission_2=55000, sidekick_commission_3=75000, sidekick_commission_8=164500, sidekick_commission_9=184500, group_contact_first_name=Stephen, sidekick_commission_6=124500, sidekick_commission_7=144500, fun_facts=Started in 2009 in San Diego by Nathan Leathers It's a Dirty Job that is Required by Law everywhere in the United States Financially Backed by The Riverside Company a large Private Equity Firm Strong employee retention - built on fun, rewarding culture The number one reason for commercial kitchen fires is from grease build up , sidekick_commission_1=35000, community_impact=We protect our communities and business owners by keeping people's favorite restaurants open, operating and functioning safely., registration_illinois=Registered, business_model_b2b_percentage=100%, contact_email=stephen.schiller@eversmithbrands.com, fbr_survey_link=https://campaigns.franchisesidekick.com/fbr-survey-information?brand_name=Kitchen%20Guard, hs_createdate=1709091285915, display_on_website=true, registration_south_dakota=Registered, e2_visa_candidates=No, brand_summary=Kitchen Guard is a business-to-business (B2B) franchise that is transforming the commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning industry. Established in 2009 in San Diego, California by Nathan Leathers, Kitchen Guard is part of the EverSmith Brands family ("When it's B2B, Think ESB.") and benefits from the backing of The Riverside Company, a global private equity firm that has developed six multi-brand franchisor platforms. Leveraging modern technology and a strong commitment to customer-focused professionalism, Kitchen Guard provides top-quality cleaning services to all types of commercial kitchens. We adhere strictly to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regulatory standards to ensure safety and compliance. Our comprehensive service offerings include Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning (KEC), Filter Exchange, KEC Maintenance and Repairs, and Green Steam—designed to meet diverse customer needs efficiently. By prioritizing safety, cleanliness, and regulatory compliance, Kitchen Guard positively impacts communities by helping local businesses remain fire-safe and compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. Our recurring revenue model and streamlined operational systems make Kitchen Guard an attractive franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a reliable and scalable business in the commercial cleaning industry., company_locations_open=0, secondary_contact_phone=407-433-0725, technology=[Scheduling, CRM, Billing, Logistics], employees_per_mature_location=6 to 9 employees, territory_description=1000-2000 Retail Food Service Customers , territory_check_email=sidekick@kitchenguard.com, item_7_high=264150, application_invite_link=https://www.franchisesidekick.com/zor-application-invite?brand_name=Kitchen%20Guard, is_boring_offering=Yes, royalty=On Gross Receipts, pitch_video_link=https://www.videoask.com/asnq0nn3vt3v0hb6akbqt6wo4ulw0h9hestitsfm, registration_rhode_island=Registered, current_franchisees=43, brand_group=Eversmith, id=12260882840, group_contact_last_name=Schiller, in_house_financing=No, business_category=Professional Services, registration_california=Registered, registration_new_york=Pending, working_with_other_brokers=Yes, required_liquid_capital=75000, hs_pipeline_stage=33940788, registration_wisconsin=Registered, billing_contact_last_name=Harris, registration_washington=Registered, sks_open_locations_last_year=1, bizbuysell_listing=No, brand_fund_external=2%, veteran_discount=$5000 discount on franchise fee, hs_updated_by_user_id=52193499, service_2=Filter Management, superpowers=Ultimately, there are a few. 1) we are fully B2B in a very fragmented market. 2) we separate ourselves by focusing our sales excellence for our owners & business development. It is a very fast sales cycle of between 1-4 weeks for new business. 3) limited competition from known brands. Only real competitor is Hoodz from Belfor and they have appx 150 territories in force, basically sold out. Please note - that we are signing our first 4-6 new zees over the next 30 days., billing_contact_email=kelly.harris@eversmithbrands.com, service_3=Green Steam Cleaning, registration_north_dakota=Pending, service_4=Maintenance & Technical Repairs, sales_process=Standard Diagnose & Design calls, CQ/FDD on the front end. We then move to a revenue ramp call that is very compelling. Based on this, we then move to a Presidents/Day in the Life call with our founder & brand president (great experience). Confirmation of territory, contingent agreements, move to in person confirmation day @ HQ or virtual confirmation day., brand_registration_notes=Registered in all states except Hawaii and Maine (as of April 2025 with 2024 FDD), service_1=Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning, territory_protection=Yes, sks_item_7_range_low=173700, registration_indiana=Registered, leads_email=noelle.burak@kitchenguard.com, billing_contact_first_name=Kelly, initial_broker_commissions=$35,000-$40,000 for singular units. $20,000 for each additional multi pack, white_logo=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/12260882840/white_logo, open_locations_disclosed_in_item_19=Yes, group_contact_email=stephen.schiller@eversmithbrands.com, item_19_data__2=12.9%, item_19_data__1=$5,307,682, item_7_low=197950, referral=One of my PE resources @ Riverside, main_logo=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/12260882840/main_logo, services_image_top_small=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/12260882840/services_image_small, year_started_franchising=2024, sks_locations_represented_in_item_19=1, sks_years_franchising=2024, units_awarded_last_12_months=94, contact_phone=2547186981, page_title=Kitchen Guard, approximate_break_even_time_frame=12 months, main_background=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/12260882840/main_background?variant=large, customer_acquisition=[Digital, Referral / Relationship, Sales, Reputation Management, Recurring Revenue], fdd_upload=https://api-na1.hubspot.com/form-integrations/v1/uploaded-files/signed-url-redirect/181085494953?portalId=21052030&sign=WtkGI7xQh2LHPL1WrqO-K9LGTlo%3D&conversionId=9b5d47d0-cf1f-4433-85f5-83d96bcb951d&filename=9b5d47d0-cf1f-4433-85f5-83d96bcb951d-2-7178165/fdd_upload-Kitchen-Guard-July-2024-(3).pdf, hs_object_source_id=60698830-5ce3-48ef-b64e-45180613e4a4, services_image_bottom_small=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/12260882840/services_image_small_2, brand_fund=Used for brand awareness and lead generation strategies., sales_contact_first_name=Noelle, update_state_registrations_link=https://www.franchisesidekick.com/update-state-registration?brand_name=Kitchen%20Guard, functions_of_owner_operator=Sales & Networking in Community Manage All Aspects of Operation & Team Oversee Customer Needs, production and performance Strategize and planning with Sales Team Managing P&L, sidekick_commission_10=204000, contact_first_name=Stephen, ideal_candidate=Desire to scale / multi-unit ownership;Relationship Builder;Experience with Sales Leadership;Values Outstanding Customer Service;Ability to recruit and scale a team;Business Acumen, competitive_advantage_10=Manageable Labor , declined_brand=, unique_name=Kitchen Guard, major_competitors=Regional providers like Clean Solutions Hoodz a franchise brand Local Independents ("Chuck in a Truck"), available_internationally=No, priority_status=Standard, services_image_bottom_medium=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/12260882840/services_image_medium_2, hs_object_source_detail_1=Franchisor Web Application , sks_item_7_range_high=308550, competitive_advantage_3=Strong Tech Stack with sophisticated customer portal making business easier for both the franchisee and customer., competitive_advantage_2=Extensive Training - Only perform services to the highest quality standards established by the NFPA., affiliate_brands_owned=Kitchen Guard, U.S. Lawns, The Seal, Prism Specialties, MilliCare, Clintar, competitive_advantage_1=Professional and Dependable Customer Service in a fragmented market, competitive_advantage_7=Recurring Revenue and scheduled work, competitive_advantage_6=Before & After pictures for customers and owners making sure the jobs are done correctly. , competitive_advantage_5=Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning is Required by law in all states., competitive_advantage_4=Filter Exchange, Repairs and Maintenance Programs adds to the service lines creating a sticky customer. , competitive_advantage_9=B2B business model, number_type_of_employees=Less than 5 at start, competitive_advantage_8=Fast Sales Cycle , contact_last_name=Schiller, employee_skillset_type=Compensated less without a specific skillset, locations_open=13, item_19_label__1=Top Line Revenue, item_19_label__2=Net Income, joined_inventory_at=1729036800000, required_net_worth=250000, registration_hawaii=Not Registered, registration_minnesota=Registered, services_image_bottom_large=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/12260882840/services_image_large_2, submission_idempotent_id=60698830-5ce3-48ef-b64e-45180613e4a4, franchise_fee_10=409000, brand_summary_marketing_revision=Kitchen Guard is a disruptive new business-to-business (B2B) franchise revolutionizing the commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning industry. Backed by modern technology and a keen commitment to customer-focused professionalism, Kitchen Guard serves all commercial kitchens with only the highest quality kitchen exhaust and hood cleaning services performed at National Fire Protection Association regulatory standards. Beyond hood cleaning, Kitchen Guard provides hassle-free services for kitchen operators like a Filter Exchange and Fan Maintenance Programs helping them be fire-safe and remain compliant with local, state, and federal regulations for kitchen safety and cleanliness. Its recurring revenue model and operational systems make Kitchen Guard an enticing franchise business for entrepreneurs. Founded in 2009 in San Diego, California by Nathan Leathers, Kitchen Guard is one of the B2B franchises of the EverSmith Brands family ("When it's B2B, Think ESB.") EverSmith Brands is backed by The Riverside Company, a global private investor, that has also built 6 multi-brand franchisor platforms such as Neighborly and Threshold brands. , area_development_opportunities=No, franchise_fee_3=129000, sks_royalties_collected_three_years_ago=0, franchise_fee_4=169000, franchise_fee_5=209000, industry_size=$3B in the U.S., franchise_fee_6=249000, franchise_fee_7=289000, secondary_contact_first_name=David, franchise_fee_8=329000, franchise_fee_9=369000, hs_object_source=FORM, display_two_minute_drill=true, business_model_b2c_percentage=0%, dynamic_page_slug=kitchen-guard, franchise_fee_2=89000}

Kitchen Guard

Brand Summary

Kitchen Guard is a business-to-business (B2B) franchise that is transforming the commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning industry. Established in 2009 in San Diego, California by Nathan Leathers, Kitchen Guard is part of the EverSmith Brands family ("When it's B2B, Think ESB.") and benefits from the backing of The Riverside Company, a global private equity firm that has developed six multi-brand franchisor platforms.

Leveraging modern technology and a strong commitment to customer-focused professionalism, Kitchen Guard provides top-quality cleaning services to all types of commercial kitchens. We adhere strictly to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regulatory standards to ensure safety and compliance. Our comprehensive service offerings include Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning (KEC), Filter Exchange, KEC Maintenance and Repairs, and Green Steam—designed to meet diverse customer needs efficiently.

By prioritizing safety, cleanliness, and regulatory compliance, Kitchen Guard positively impacts communities by helping local businesses remain fire-safe and compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. Our recurring revenue model and streamlined operational systems make Kitchen Guard an attractive franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a reliable and scalable business in the commercial cleaning industry.

Brand Superpowers

Regulatory Compliance Expertise and Safety Focused

Comprehensive Service Portfolio with Modern Technology

Strong Backing and Proven Support System

Comprehensive Training Program for Entire Team

Recurring Revenue Model that is Scalable

*THE NUMBERS

$197,950 - $264,150 Investment Range

$5,307,682 Top Line Revenue

12.9% Net Income

10% Royalty

Used for brand awareness and lead generation strategies. Brand Fund

$250,000 Financial Requirements

Founder	Nathan Leathers
Home Office Location	Kitchen Guard Franchising, Inc. 6700 Forum Drive, Suite 150 Orlando, Florida 32821
Company Founded	2009
Began Franchising	2024
Industry	Commercial Exhaust Kitchen Cleaning
Industry Size	$3B in the U.S.
Veteran Discount	$5000 discount on franchise fee
Group Health Insurance	No

Founder	Nathan Leathers
Home Office Location	Kitchen Guard Franchising, Inc. 6700 Forum Drive, Suite 150 Orlando, Florida 32821
Company Founded	2009
Began Franchising	2024
Industry	Commercial Exhaust Kitchen Cleaning
Industry Size	$3B in the U.S.
Veteran Discount	$5000 discount on franchise fee
Group Health Insurance	No

Company Units Open	0
Franchise Units Awarded All Time	108
Franchise Units Awarded Last 12 Months	94
Franchise Units Open	13
Number of franchisees	43

Desire to scale / multi-unit ownership
Relationship Builder
Experience with Sales Leadership
Values Outstanding Customer Service
Ability to recruit and scale a team
Business Acumen

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DO THEY OFFER FINANCING TO HELP BUY THE FRANCHISE?

WHAT KIND OF TECHNOLOGY DO THEY HAVE IN PLACE?

Scheduling, CRM, Billing and Logistics

DO THEY OFFER FLEXIBLE OWNERSHIP?

Yes

DO THEY OFFER A DISCOUNT TO VETERANS?

$5000 discount on franchise fee

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The estimated return on investment
The best ways to finance this franchise

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*REFER TO MOST RECENT FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT ITEM 19. THIS INFORMATION MAY HAVE CHANGED SINCE FIRST PUBLISHED. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU ALWAYS VERIFY FEES, INVESTMENT AMOUNTS, AND OFFERS FOR THE FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY DIRECTLY WITH THE FRANCHISOR PRIOR TO DECIDING TO INVEST.