A report released by the USDA ERS shows that the food service and food retailing industries supplied about $1.79 trillion worth of food in 2019. Of this total, $978.2 billion was supplied by food service facilities.
This goes to shows that the food industry is a booming industry and if you are an entrepreneur who is looking towards investing in an industry that can guarantee you steady returns on your investment, then you should consider going into the food industry.
Aside from starting your own food business from scratch, you can buy a food franchise. Over the years, the number of franchise establishments increased on average by 5.6 percent per year. The truth is that food franchises are the most identifiable businesses in franchising. When entrepreneurs consider franchising, food franchises are without doubt their first point of consideration.
There are several niche ideas when it comes to a food franchise, it could be a restaurant franchise, a food truck franchise, a food processing, and packaging franchise, and lots more. The truth is that these franchise opportunities come with their own uniqueness, hence you must be properly guided if you hope to be successful in the business.
Steps on How to Open a Food Franchise
If you are interested in opening a food franchise, here are some of the basic steps you should follow;
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Conduct a Thorough Research
The first step to take if you want to buy a food franchise is to conduct a thorough research about the food industry and also the location you want to open the food franchise. Your research will help you analyze the pros and cons associated with the business, and guide you with making the right decision regarding the food franchise to buy.
Please note that there are different types of food franchises, and you need to find the brand that will work best for you. You need to go through their website, check their marketing items, and don’t forget to ask current franchise owners for their experience and advice.
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Study the Franchise Requirements
The next step after your research would be to study the company’s franchise requirements. The truth is that franchisors set up certain requirements to ensure they only work with people who are qualified to carry on their business culture and concepts.
These requirements vary from one franchise to the other and can include liquid assets, management experience, and credit score. Also, ensure you have personal and management skills as it would help you find a perfect brand that suits your skillset.
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Contact Your Choice of Food Franchise
Another important step you must not ignore is to contact the food franchise on your list. When it comes to contacting the franchise in question, you can visit their office, send them an email, call them or send them a text message. You can also visit the franchise’s website or you can submit a preliminary application online to request an interview.
During the interview process, you should be interviewing the franchisor just as much as they will be interviewing you to guarantee it is a mutual fit. Once you scale through this phase, the franchisor will share the franchise agreement.
This is a document that includes the FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document). You shouldn’t review this document alone. Ensure to go through it carefully with your attorney, and if the terms are considerable and good, you can sign the document.
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Write Your Business Plan
The fact that you are buying a franchise doesn’t mean that you are not supposed to have your own business plan. You should put together a good business plan that clearly states how you intend to launch and grow your business.
A good business plan will contain key points that are critical to the success of your business, such as; market analysis, expected costs, how many people you plan to hire, what your position in the franchise will be, financial projections, and more.
One good thing about opening a food franchise instead of starting from scratch is that you can also obtain information for your business plan directly from the franchisor or franchise agreement.
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Sort Out Your Finance
Another important step to consider when buying a food franchise is finance. The total cost of running your franchise will surely vary, and will most often depend on the brand you decide to invest with. A good number of franchisors will make financial assistance available, but this isn’t always the case.
Aside from the initial startup costs of your franchise, ensure you have adequate funds to run your business, at least before it reaches the break-even point. It is also necessary to have access to extra capital, even if you don’t expect to take from it.
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Choose a Good Location
When it comes to food franchises, your choice of location will massively impact the success of your business. You are advised to choose a location that is convenient and easily accessible. If you want to make profits from your food franchise, you must make sure you choose a location with high demography of students.
While some franchisors will give you autonomy when it comes to picking a location for your food franchise, others may choose the location themselves. Nonetheless, just make sure you consider a location where you can easily gain a fair market share.
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Meet with the Company’s Affiliates or Partners
Once you have done all that is stated above, the next step is to meet the company’s affiliates or partners. Here you can ask all the questions that have been bothering you about the franchise, and you will also get to know more facts about the parent company. You can also get in touch with the marketing department of the franchising company to get help with marketing your franchise.
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Build Your Team
Once you have a suitable location and all the required approval to start your food franchise, you can now start hiring your staff. You will need to hire a chief executive office, manager, head of HR and Admin, marketing sales executives, customer services executives, security guards, and other specific employees based on your type of food franchise.
With the right team and the right food franchise, you can break even within the shortest time frame. In building your team, you must give them adequate training. Franchisors usually provide training, in a combination of classroom and practical experiences, to at least the franchisee and another manager. These people will then train the rest of the staff.
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Organize a Grand Opening
Lastly, once you have successfully gone through the rigors of buying a food franchise, you should endeavor to organize a grand opening for the business. In recent times, no business opens its door for business without first organizing an opening party to officially launch the business.
You can choose to do a soft opening if you are operating on a low budget or you can go for a grand opening party. With a proper launching of the food business, you will officially inform people in your city that your food franchise is open for business.
Best Food Franchise Opportunities
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Straw Hat Pizza
Opening its doors for the first time in San Leandro, a small town on San Francisco Bay, Straw Hat began serving its trailblazing “Genuine California Pizza” on July 10, 1959. It was an unrivaled pizza with a layered, flaky crust, the freshest toppings, light sauce, and six kinds of naturally aged cheese.
Straw Hat Pizza has always been the place to go for family dinners, Birthdays, and Team Parties. The majority of their business is dining in. They provide a comfortable and fun environment to relax with family or friends. Their locations have games and televisions to provide entertainment.
Financial Requirements and Info
- Available Locations – Single, multi-unit, area developer opportunities available exclusively in California.
- Minimum Cash Required – $250,000
- SBA Approved – Yes
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Simple Simon’s Pizza
For over 30 years since it was founded, Simple Simon’s Pizza has maintained a plain and simple philosophy—”to serve the best in pizza, calzone, and sandwiches at the most affordable price in a fun-filled, family atmosphere.”
Entrepreneurs are discovering that Simple Simon’s is one of the best-kept franchising secrets in the food industry. With exceptional new unit development, operations management, and continued support, a Simple Simon’s franchise is the business opportunity you’ve been looking for.
Financial Requirements and Info
- Minimum Cash Required – $50,000
- Financing Assistance – Yes, through a third party.
- SBA Approved – Yes
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Togo’s
Togo’s is a West Coast original that has an emphasis on quality ingredients and friendly service. Togo’s was started in San Jose in 1971 by a young college student with a big appetite and a little money. He bought a small sandwich shack, where he started making sandwiches the way he liked them — big, made-to-order, and stuffed with fresh ingredients.
Before long there were lines out the door. The organization began franchising in the late 1970s and has developed a loyal fan base that continues to grow.
Financial Requirements and Info
- Minimum Cash Required – $100,000
- Total Investment Range – $275,000 – $500,000
- Net Worth Required – $350,000
- Available Locations – Single and multi-unit franchise opportunities available exclusively in California.
- Financing Assistance – Yes, through a third party.
- SBA Approved – Yes
- Veterans – They offer a 20% discount on the initial franchise fee to qualified military veterans.
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Rush Bowls
Rush Bowls is a proven concept, pioneering the açaí bowl (and other bowls) market since 2004 when Founder and President Andrew Pudalov left a successful career in New York City’s financial sector to pursue his passion for healthy living.
Packed with all-natural fruit, açaí, and other healthy ingredients, blended extra thick, and served in a bowl topped with granola and honey, Rush Bowls is meeting the growing demand for healthy options on the go. Born in Boulder, Colorado, Rush Bowls are crafted from only all-natural ingredients and delicious proprietary recipes featuring fresh fruit topped with granola & honey.
Financial Requirements and Info
- Franchise Fee – 3 pk: $80,000; 5 pk: $110,000; 10 pk: $150,000
- Minimum Cash Required – $150,000
- Total Investment Range – $235,000 – $577,000
- Net Worth Required – $550,000
- Available Locations – Single-unit, multi-unit, and area developer opportunities available in the US.
- SBA Approved – Yes
- Veterans – 10% discount
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Grabbagreen
Grabbagreen is a fast food plus juice restaurant where great tasting, healthy food meets the speed and convenience of traditional fast food. Grabbagreen’s food plus juice menu is semi-organic, preservative-free, naturally gluten-free (except for wraps), and GMO-free.
Grabbagreen is fresh food, not frozen. Grabbagreen is organic where possible. Grabbagreen is naturally gluten-free. Grabbagreen is fast, and most importantly Grabbagreen is delicious.
Financial Requirements and Info
- Franchise Fee – $30,000
- Minimum Cash Required – $100,000
- Total Investment Range – $290,338 – $450,318 (Traditional)
- Net Worth Required – $500,000
- Available Locations – Single, multi-unit, area developer opportunities available across the US.
- Financing Assistance – Yes, through a third party.
- SBA Approved – Yes
- Veterans – 20% discount on Initial Franchise Fee.
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California Tortilla
California Tortilla is a unique fast-casual restaurant that serves “California style” Mexican food. They focus on one aspect that many other Fast Casuals continue to ignore; quality. They source the best ingredients from local farm-to-table purveyors and use only premium proteins and their salsa, guacamole, queso, and sauces are made fresh daily and are never frozen.
There’s no freezer on-site at all. Their menu is Chef-Inspired, and while they cater to individual customer needs, they offer bold and exciting flavor profiles in their signature products.
Financial Requirements and Info
- Franchise Fee – 1 Pack – $40,000, 2 Pack – $80,000, 3 Pack – $90,000, 4 Pack – $120,000, 5 Pack – $125,000
- Minimum Cash Required – $250,000
- Net Worth Required – $1,000,000
- Total Investment Range – $402,400 – $697,000
- Available Locations – Single and multi-unit opportunities available across the United States.
- Financing Assistance – Yes, through a third party.
- SBA Approved – Yes
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SushiFork
SushiFork is the premier fast-casual, create-your-own sushi restaurant franchise offering traditional and not-so-traditional sushi rolls, sushi burritos, and eclectic sides in a hip, yet relaxed atmosphere. They are on the lookout for great franchise partners and Area Representatives to help spread the SushiFork movement around the world.
Financial Requirements and Info
- Available Locations – Single, multi-unit, area developer opportunities available in the US. Worldwide in: UAE and Saudi Arabia.
- Minimum Cash Required – $100,000
- Financing Assistance – Yes, through a third party.
- SBA Approved – Yes
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Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
Day in and day out Teddy’s creates thousands of legendary flame-broiled burgers and 5-scoop old-fashioned extra-thick shakes. Starting in Hawaii in 1998, their outstanding service and delicious creative burgers have put them in the “Best Burger in Hawaii” category for 12 years running. Their next mission is to become the “Best Burger in All 50 States!”
Financial Requirements and Info
- Available Locations – California, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.
- Minimum Cash Required – $150,000
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Hot Fries
Hot Fries is HOT because they are everything that mega-corporations are not. Passionate people instead of cold-hearted committees. Cooked-with-care instead of made-by-machine. Got-your-back instead of stab-in-the-back. If this sounds like your kind of business, they will be proud to have you.
They start with the finest potatoes, slice them for maximum crispiness, flash-fry them to a perfect golden brown, and hand-season them while they are hot. That is what turns regular fries into Hot Fries!
Financial Requirements and Info
- Minimum Cash Required – $50,000
- Minimum Net Worth – $350,000
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The Counter
The Counter® is a contemporary burger restaurant with customizable gourmet burgers, including vegetarian options. They are on a mission to challenge the way people think about burgers. They are about creative construction.
Financial Requirements and Info
- Franchise Fee – $35,000
- Minimum Cash Required – $500,000
- Total Investment Range – $754,000 – $2,340,250
- Available Locations – Single, multi-unit, area developer opportunities available across the US.
- Financing Assistance – Yes, through a third party.
- SBA Approved – Yes
- Veterans – 20% discount on Initial Franchise Fee.
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Wayback Burgers
Wayback Burgers is fast food restaurant that serves burgers, fries, onion rings, and shakes. The organization was founded in 1991 and they have been franchising since 2006. They have their corporate head office at 716 S. Main St. Cheshire, CT 06410, and the current CEO of the company is John Eucalitto.
Wayback Burgers has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover costs and equipment. The organization is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $209,000 – $524,500
- Net-worth Requirement – $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $100,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $35,000 – $35,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 2%
- Veteran Incentives – $5,000 off franchise fee
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Mooyah Burgers, Fries, & Shakes
Restaurant industry veterans Rich Hicks, founder of Tin Star, and Todd Istre, founder of Boudreaux’s Cajun Kitchen and Taters Kountry Kitchen, teamed up in 2007 to launch a new franchise concept: Mooyah. Mooyah franchises are fast-casual restaurants serving hamburgers, turkey burgers, veggie burgers, french fries, and shakes.
Mooyah Burgers, Fries, & Shakes has her corporate head office at 6865 Windcrest Dr., #400 Plano, TX 75024, and the current CEO of the company is Michael Mabry. They have relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover startup costs, equipment, and inventory.
The Parent Company is Mooyah Franchising LLC and they are seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $397,750 – $559,400
- Net-worth Requirement – $600,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $250,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $35,000 – $35,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 6%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 3%
- Veteran Incentives – $10,000 off franchise fee
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Taco Bell
After leaving the Marine Corps at 23, Glen Bell came home to San Bernardino, California, and opened a hot dog stand. But his real interest was in alternative menu items, so he began selling tacos for 19 cents from the side window of the hot dog stand.
When the tacos proved as popular as he had hoped, he started opening Taco Tia stands where tacos were the stars of the menu. In 1962, Bell sold the Taco Tia brand to his partners and opened the first Taco Bell in Downey, California. Franchising began two years later.
Today, Taco Bell is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands Inc., which also franchises KFC and Pizza Hut. There are Taco Bell locations throughout the United States and the world. They have relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover startup costs and equipment. Taco Bell is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $525,100 – $2,622,400
- Net-worth Requirement – $1,500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $750,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $25,000 – $45,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5.5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 4.25%
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Del Taco Fresh Mexican Grill
Ed Hackbarth opened the first Del Taco restaurant in Barstow, California, in 1964. A few months later, he added a second restaurant with a drive-thru window in Corona, California. Locations eventually spread across California and many parts of the United States.
Del Taco restaurants offer items including a value menu of tacos and burritos priced under $1, a Mexican menu of burritos, nachos, tacos, and quesadillas, and an American menu featuring hamburgers, fries, and shakes. They have relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $859,700 – $2,116,500
- Net-worth Requirement – $1,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $500,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $35,000 – $35,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 4%
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Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s Southwest Grill is a fast-casual restaurant serving southwestern items such as burritos, tacos, nachos, and quesadillas. Many menu items have names inspired by popular movies and television shows. Moe’s was founded by Raving Brands in 2000 and joined Focus Brands, franchisor of Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, and Schlotzsky’s, in 2007.
Moe’s Southwest Grill has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, and inventory. They are seeking new franchise units throughout the United States of America.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $443,535 – $1,005,212
- Net-worth Requirement – $600,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $150,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $30,000 – $30,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 2%
- Veteran Incentives – $10,000 off franchise fee
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Subway
In 1965, 17-year-old Fred DeLuca and his family friend Peter Buck opened Pete’s Super Submarines in Bridgeport, Connecticut. With a loan from Buck for only $1,000, DeLuca hoped the tiny sandwich shop would earn enough to put him through college.
After struggling through the first few years, the founders changed the company’s name to Subway and began franchising in 1974. Subway has franchises throughout the United States and in 98 countries, with locations in traditional and nontraditional sites alike.
Subway offers in-house financing to cover the franchise fees, and equipment and they also have relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, and inventory. The company is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $150,050 – $328,700
- Net-worth Requirement – $80,000 – $310,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $30,000 – $90,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $15,000 – $15,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 8%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 4.5%
- Veteran Incentives – Franchise fee waived if opening on a military/government location; 50% off franchise fee if opening on non-government location but receiving government financing
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Arby’s
Forrest and Leroy Raffel started their food-service consulting firm, Raffel Brothers Inc., in the 1950s, but were soon thinking about starting their restaurant. On a rainy night, the brothers found inspiration. In 1964, the first Arby’s (“R.B.” for “Raffel Brothers”) opened in Boardman, Ohio.
The original Arby’s menu consisted of roast beef sandwiches, potato chips, and iced tea. Over time other sandwiches, curly fries, milkshakes, meals for kids, and light choices have been added to the menu. Arby’s has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $320,550 – $2,004,200
- Net-worth Requirement – $1,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $500,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $12,500 – $37,500
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 4%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 4.2%
- Veteran Incentives – 50% off development fee; license fee waived; royalty fee reduced for the first year
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McAlister’s Deli
Founder Don Newcomb’s goal when he launched McAlister’s Deli in 1989 was to create a “gourmet deli with Southern charm.” The restaurants serve sandwiches, salads, stuffed baked potatoes, appetizers, desserts, and kid’s meals.
Customers make their selections at the counter, receive their appetizers and drinks, and then sit wherever they choose, while roving servers bring their food and drink refills. McAlister’s Deli has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll.
The Parent Company is Focus Brands and they are seeking new franchise units throughout the United States of America.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $762,000 – $2,028,500
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $35,000 – $35,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – to 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 0.75-1%
- Veteran Incentives – $15,000 off franchise fee
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Charleys Philly Steaks
Visits to his relatives near Philadelphia inspired Charley Shin’s entrepreneurial spirit, and he saw his future in cheesesteak sandwiches. In 1986, Shin opened his first Charley’s Grilled Subs at Ohio State University. The then-22-year-old’s restaurant became an instant hit with professors and students.
Since then Shin has expanded to locations nationwide. In 1999, he was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. They have been franchising since 1991 that is about 28 years ago and they have their corporate head office at 2500 Farmers Dr., #140 Columbus, OH 43235, and the current CEO is Charley Shin.
Charleys Philly Steaks has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $252,081 – $580,538
- Net-worth Requirement – $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $100,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $24,500 – $24,500
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 6%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 0.25%
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Roy Rogers Restaurants
Roy Rogers Restaurants is a fast-food restaurant that serves roast beef sandwiches, chicken, and burgers. Roy Rogers Restaurants was founded in 1968 and they have been franchising since 1980. They have their corporate head office at 4991 New Design Rd., #109 Frederick, MD 21703, and the current CEO of the company is James Plamondon.
Roy Rogers Restaurants has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $767,250 – $1,580,950
- Net-worth Requirement – $1,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $500,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $30,000 – $30,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 3%
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Schlotzsky’s
Founded by Don and Dolores Dissman in 1971, Schlotzsky’s serves meat, light and specialty sandwiches, along with pizzas, salads, and soups. Today the company is a subsidiary of Focus Brands, which also franchises Carvel and Cinnabon.
They have been franchising since 1976 and they have their corporate head office at 5620 Glenridge Dr. Atlanta, GA 30342. The current CEO of the company is Kelly Roddy. Schlotzsky has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover startup costs, equipment, and inventory.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $503,814 – $787,984
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $30,000 – $30,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – to 6%
- Ad Royalty Fee – to 4%
- Veteran Incentives – $10,000 off franchise fee
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Cousins Subs
Missing the submarine sandwiches he’d enjoyed growing up, Bill Specht began thinking about opening his own sandwich shop in his new home, Milwaukee. Finally, he teamed up with his cousin, Jim Sheppard, along with their wives, Sandy Specht and Mary Sheppard, to open the first Cousins Subs in 1972.
With the help of a local baker, they came up with a unique bread recipe, and bread is now baked fresh several times a day in every Cousins Subs shop. Cousins Subs has been franchising since 1985 and they have their corporate head office at N83 W13400 Leon Rd. Menomonee Falls, WI 53051, and the current CEO of the company is Christine Specht-Palmert.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $182,200 – $632,000
- Net-worth Requirement – $300,000 – $1,500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $100,000 – $500,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $25,000 – $25,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 6%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 2%
- Veteran Incentives – $5,000 off franchise fee
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Deli Delicious
Deli Delicious is a fast food restaurant that serves sandwiches, salads, and other meals and drinks. Deli Delicious was founded in 1996 and they have been franchising since 2008. They have their corporate head office at 2495 W. Shaw Ave. Fresno, CA 93711, and the current CEO of the company is Mohammad Hobab.
Deli Delicious has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $122,250 – $467,850
- Net-worth Requirement – $750,000 – $10,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $150,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $25,000 – $30,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 6%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 2%
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Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits
Founded by Jack Faulk and Richard Thomas in 1977, Bojangle’s Restaurants serve made-from-scratch Cajun-style chicken, buttermilk biscuits, and iced tea to customers throughout the southeastern United States. Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits has been franchising since 1978.
They have their corporate head office at 9432 Southern Pine Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28273, and the current CEO of the company is Randy Kibler. The Parent Company is Bojangles’ Inc. and they are seeking new franchise units in the following regions/states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $1,494,934 – $2,408,000
- Net-worth Requirement – $1,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $500,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $25,000 – $25,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 4%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 1%
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Chester’s
W.O. Giles started Chester’s in 1952, and though he started out frying doughnuts with his patented fryers, it was fried chicken that became the focus of his business. His son, Ted Giles, is the current CEO of the company, which began franchising in 2004, after previously following a licensing business model.
Chester’s has locations on college campuses, airports, convenience stores, truck stops, and supermarkets. Chester’s has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, and equipment. The organization is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Financial Requirements
- Initial – $12,385 – $286,817
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $3,500
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Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries
Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries was founded in 1991 and they have been franchising since 1993 that is about 26 years ago. Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries has her corporate head office at 102 Commercial Ave. Mount Olive, NC 28365, and the current CEO of the company is Kenney Moore.
They have relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll. Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $196,055 – $433,055
- Net-worth Requirement – $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $125,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $25,000 – $25,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 1%
- Veteran Incentives – 10% off franchise fee
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Quaker Steak & Lube
In 1974, with gas prices rising and gas stations closing around the country, George “Jig” Warren III and Gary “Moe” Meszaros sought to preserve the culture of those old gas stations by opening Quaker Steak & Lube, a restaurant decorated with old muscle cars.
The company began franchising in 1997, and new locations continue to use vintage cars in their decor. The menu includes chicken wings, steaks, hamburgers, sandwiches, salads, ribs, appetizers, desserts, and more. Quaker Steak & Lube is seeking new franchise units throughout the United States of America.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $473,500 – $4,106,000
- Net-worth Requirement – $3,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $500,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $30,000 – $40,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 4%
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Russo’s New York Pizzeria Inc.
Russo’s New York Pizzeria Inc. is a fast food restaurant that serves pizza, pasta, soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Russo’s New York Pizzeria Inc. was founded in 1994 and they have been franchising since 1998. They have their corporate head office at 5847 San Felipe, #4680 Houston, TX 77057 and the current CEO of the company is Gerardo Anthony Russo.
Russo’s New York Pizzeria Inc. has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, inventory, and accounts receivable. Russo’s New York Pizzeria Inc. is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $454,350 – $1,495,500
- Net-worth Requirement – $1,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $250,000 – $750,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $39,500 – $39,500
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 6%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 1%
- Veteran Incentives – 10% off franchise fee
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Hardee’s Restaurants LLC
Wilber Hardee opened his first restaurant in Greenville, North Carolina, in 1960, and just five months later he had his first franchisee. Hardee’s restaurants, which serve biscuits, burgers, and chicken, have since spread throughout the Midwestern and Southeastern U.S. In 1997, Hardee’s was acquired by California-based CKE Restaurants Inc., franchisor of Carl’s Jr. restaurants.
Hardee’s Restaurants LLC has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll. They are seeking new franchise units in the following regions/states: Midwest, Northeast, South, Southeast, Middle East
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $1,530,000 – $1,995,000
- Net-worth Requirement – $1,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $300,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $25,000 – $35,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 4%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 5.5%
- Veteran Incentives – 50% off franchise fee
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Wayback Burgers
Wayback Burgers is fast food restaurant that serves burgers, fries, onion rings, and shakes. Wayback Burgers was founded in 1991 and they have been franchising since 2006. They have their corporate head office at 716 S. Main St. Cheshire, CT 06410, and the current CEO of the company is John Eucalitto.
Wayback Burgers has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover startup costs and equipment.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $209,000 – $524,500
- Net-worth Requirement – $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $100,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $35,000 – $35,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 2%
- Veteran Incentives – $5,000 off franchise fee
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BurgerFi
BurgerFi is a fast food restaurant that serves burgers, hot dogs, fries, onion rings, custard, craft beer, and wine. The company was founded in 2011 and they have been franchising since 2011.
They have their corporate head office at 105 U.S. Hwy. 1 North Palm Beach, FL 33408, and the current CEO of the company is Corey Winograd. BurgerFi has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $670,400 – $973,250
- Net-worth Requirement – $1,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $500,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $37,500 – $37,500
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5.5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 1.5%
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Qdoba Mexican Eats
Anthony Miller and partner Robert Hauser brought San Francisco-style burritos to Denver, Colorado, with the opening of the first Qdoba Mexican Grill in 1995. The company began franchising in 1997, and in 2003, it was acquired by Jack in the Box Inc.
Qdoba Mexican Eats has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, and inventory. They are seeking new franchise units throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $936,226 – $2,282,609
- Net-worth Requirement – $750,000 – $2,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $750,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $30,000 – $30,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 1.25%
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Hot Dog on a Stick
Hot Dog on a Stick is fast food restaurant that serves corn dogs, lemonade, fries, funnel cakes, and drinks. Hot Dog on a Stick was founded in 1946 and they have been franchising since 1997. They have their corporate head office at 5555 Glenridge Connector, #850 Atlanta, GA 30342, and the current CEO of the company is Chris Dull. The Parent Company is a Global Franchise Group and they are seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $338,200 – $556,000
- Net-worth Requirement – $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $100,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $15,000 – $25,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 6%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 2%
- Veteran Incentives – 25% off franchise fee
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Newk’s Eatery
Newk’s Eatery is a fast food restaurant that serves sandwiches, salads, soups, pizzas, and desserts. The company was founded in 2004 and they have been franchising since 2005 that is about 14 years ago.
Newk’s Eatery has her corporate head office at 2680 Crane Ridge Dr. Jackson, MS 39216, and the current CEO of the company is Chris Newcomb. They have relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $932,000 – $1,131,000
- Net-worth Requirement – $3,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $1,500,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $40,000 – $40,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 1.5%
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Papa John’s Int’l. Inc.
Papa John’s Int’l. Inc. is one of the leading fast-food restaurants in the United States of America. Papa John’s Int’l. Inc. was founded in 1985 and they have been franchising since 1986. The current CEO of the company is Steve Ritchie and the Parent Company is Papa John’s Inc.
The company has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, and equipment. If you are interested in this franchise, you can contact them via P.O. Box 99900 Louisville, KY 40299.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $130,120 – $844,420
- Net-worth Requirement – $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $75,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $25,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 8%
- Veteran Incentives – Franchise fee waived, a free set of ovens, reduced royalty fee for 6 years, $3,000 food purchase credit
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Marco’s Pizza
Marco’s Pizza franchisees sell made-to-order pizzas, specialty pizzas, and submarine sandwiches, as well as salad and Cheezybread.
Marco’s was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale “Pat” Giammarco. Franchising Since 1979. They have their corporate head office at 5252 Monroe St., 2nd Fl. Toledo, OH 43623, and the current CEO of the organization is John Butorac Jr.
Marco’s Pizza has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, inventory, and payroll. The Parent Company is Marco’s Franchising LLC and they are seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $289,780 – $762,530
- Net-worth Requirement – $400,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $125,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $25,000 – $25,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5.5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 5%
- Veteran Incentives – $10,000 off franchise fee; franchisee fee waived for veterans with service-related disabilities.
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Pizza Hut LLC
Pizza Hut LLC began with two brothers, Frank and Dan Carney, borrowing $600 from their mom to start a pizzeria in Wichita, Kansas. The first Pizza Hut opened its doors in 1958. The first franchised location opened in 1960 in Topeka, Kansas. Today, Pizza Hut has locations throughout the world serving pizza, pasta, and wings. Pizza Hut is owned by Yum! Brands, the parent company of KFC and Taco Bell.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $327,000 – $2,253,500
- Net-worth Requirement – $700,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $350,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $25,000 – $25,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 6%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 4.75%
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Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza
Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza was founded in 2012 and they have been franchising since 2012 that is about 7 years ago. Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza has her corporate head office at 35 N. Lake Ave., #710 Pasadena, CA 91101 and the current CEO of the company is Jim Mizes. They are seeking new franchise units throughout the United States of America and in the following regions/states Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Mexico, and the Philippines.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $454,400 – $1,131,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $500,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $30,000 – $30,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 2%
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Jet’s Pizza
Brothers Eugene and John Jetts opened the first Jet’s Pizza in Sterling Heights, Michigan, in 1978. Franchising began in 1990. Each location offers pizzas– including Jet’s signature deep-dish square pizza– submarine sandwiches, salads, and sides.
Jet’s Pizza has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll. Jet’s Pizza is seeking new franchise units throughout the United States of America.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $457,500 – $651,000
- Net-worth Requirement – $750,000 – $1,500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $250,000 – $500,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $25,000 – $25,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 8 to 10%
- Ad Royalty Fee – Up to 1%
- Veteran Incentives – 50% off franchise fee or area development fee
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Pierre’s Eatery
Pierre’s Eatery is a destination for foodies on the run! They feature internationally eclectic dishes from NY-style pizza to unique salads, pasta, and gyros that can all be created quickly to accommodate the ever-increasing demand for fast-casual cuisine.
Their French Mediterranean style with an Italian focus allows customers to change the flavor profile of their meal so they can keep coming back to their favorite spot multiple times a week for lunch and dinner. At Pierre’s Eatery, they are committed to sourcing and serving high-quality ingredients with proteins that are either Halal and/or Kosher, and without artificial additives including MSG, artificial trans fats, and pork.
Financial Requirements and Info
- Franchise Fee – $25,000
- Minimum Cash Required – $100,000
- Total Investment Range – $150,000 – $350,000
- Net Worth Required – $200,000
- Available Locations – Single, multi-unit, area developer opportunities available exclusively in Florida.
- Financing Assistance – Yes, through a third party.
- Veterans – Military veterans may qualify for various incentive programs.
- Financing Available – Pierre’s Eatery is an affiliate of SSH Investments which offers financing to qualified franchisees up to 40 percent of total cost excluding the initial franchise fee.
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KFC US LLC
In 1930, Harland Sanders opened Sanders Court & Cafe in the front room of a gas station in Corbin, Kentucky. He was named an honorary Kentucky Colonel in 1936 for his contributions to local cuisine. Colonel Sanders began franchising in 1952 (67 Years) and awarded the first franchise to Pete Harman in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Their handshake agreement stipulated that the corporation would receive a royalty of one nickel for each chicken Harman sold. His recipe is still a secret, but billions of Colonel Sanders’ chicken dinners are served annually in more than 125 countries. KFC is now part of Yum! Brands, which also include Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $1,442,550 – $2,771,500
- Net-worth Requirement – $1,500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $750,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $45,000 – $45,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 4 to 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 5%
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Champs Chicken
Champs Chicken is fast food restaurant that serves fried chicken, fried fish, and other foods. Champs Chicken was founded in 1998 and they have been franchising since 2013. The current CEO of the company is Shawn Burcham and the Parent Company is Pro Food Systems Inc.
They have relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover only equipment and if you are interested in this franchise, you can contact via P.O. Box 160 Holts Summit, MO 65043 Champs Chicken is seeking new franchise units all across the United States of America.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $9,000 – $349,000
- Net-worth Requirement – $35,000 – $65,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $35,000 – $65,000
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Golden Chick
Howard Walker opened the first Golden Fried Chicken location in San Marcos, Texas, in 1967. The restaurants, which served fried chicken, chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and other favorites, quickly spread through Texas and Oklahoma.
In 1996, the name was changed from Golden Fried Chicken to Golden Chick. The conversion included an image update and the addition of new menu items, such as Golden Roasted Chicken, and a variety of new side items to go along with all the existing menu item favorites.
Golden Chick has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll. The parent Company is Golden Southern Chicken Corp. and they are seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $237,950 – $488,000
- Net-worth Requirement – $1,500,000 – $2,500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $350,000 – $500,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $30,000 – $30,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 4%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 1%
- Veteran Incentives – 33.33% off franchise fee
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Chicken Salad Chick
Chicken Salad Chick is a fast food restaurant that serves chicken salads, soups, and other meals. The company was founded in 2008 and they have been franchising since 2012.
Chicken Salad Chick has her corporate head office at 724 N. Dean Rd. Auburn, AL 36830, and the current CEO of the organization is Scott Deviney, while the Parent Company is Simply Southern Restaurant Group LLC. They have relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $483,000 – $648,000
- Net-worth Requirement – $600,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $150,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $50,000 – $50,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 2%
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Hurricane Grill & Wings/Hurricane BTW
In addition to chicken wings available in over 30 flavors, the Hurricane Grill & Wings menu also features burgers, sandwiches, salads, steaks, seafood, sides, and desserts. The first restaurant opened in Fort Pierce, Florida, in the mid-90s, and the company began franchising in 2006.
The company has its corporate head office at 100 Old Okeechobee Road., #100 West Palm Beach, FL 33409, and the current CEO of the company is John Metz.
They have has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll. The Parent Company is Hurricane AMT LLC and they are seeking new franchise units throughout the United States of America.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $225,300 – $969,000
- Net-worth Requirement – $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $250,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $35,000 – $35,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 2.5%
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Cicis
Joe Croce opened the first CiCi’s Pizza restaurant in Plano, Texas, in 1985. CiCi’s locations offer an all-you-can-eat buffet stocked with pizza, pasta, salads, and desserts. The company, which began franchising in 1987, has restaurants in 34 states.
They have their corporate head office at 5601 Executive Dr., #400 Irving, TX 75038, and the current CEO of the organization is Bill Mitchell. Cicis has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll.
The Parent Company is CiCi Enterprises Inc. and they are seeking new franchise units throughout the United States of America and also from Canada, and Mexico.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $222,462 – $1,080,103
- Net-worth Requirement – $750,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $250,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $7,500 – $30,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 4-6%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 3%/5%
- Veteran Incentives – First-unit franchise fee waived; $3,500 franchise fee for additional units
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McDonald’s
Ray Kroc, a milkshake mixer salesman, ventured to California in 1954 to visit McDonald’s hamburger stand, where he heard they were running eight mixers at once. Kroc was impressed by how rapidly customers were served and, seeing an opportunity to sell many more milkshake machines, encouraged brothers Dick and Mac McDonald to open a chain of their restaurants.
Kroc became their business partner and opened the first McDonald’s in Des Plaines, Illinois in 1955. McDonald’s and the Golden Arches have since become an internationally-recognized symbol of quick-service hamburgers, fries, chicken, breakfast items, salads, and milkshakes.
McDonald’s has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover only equipment. The organization is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $1,058,000 – $2,230,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $500,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $45,000 – $45,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 4%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 4%+
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Sonic Drive-In
Sonic first opened in 1953 as Top Hat Drive-In in Shawnee, Oklahoma, with Troy Smith Sr. at the helm. He later partnered with Charlie Pappe and they began franchising in 1959 under the Sonic Drive-In name. Sonic’s car-hops deliver burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, tater tots, onion rings, fries, drinks, desserts, and breakfast to customers.
Sonic Drive-In has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll. Sonic Drive-In is seeking new franchise units throughout the United States of America.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $865,000 – $3,641,300
- Net-worth Requirement – $1,000,000 – $2,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $500,000 – $1,000,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $45,000 – $45,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 2.45 to 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 3.25 to 5%
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Hardee’s Restaurants LLC
Wilber Hardee opened his first restaurant in Greenville, North Carolina, in 1960, and just five months later he had his first franchisee. Hardee’s restaurants, which serve biscuits, burgers, and chicken, have since spread throughout the Midwestern and Southeastern U.S.
In 1997, Hardee’s was acquired by California-based CKE Restaurants Inc., franchisor of Carl’s Jr. restaurants. They have been franchising since 1962 (57 Years) and they have their corporate head office at 6700 Tower Cir., #1000 Franklin, TN 37067, and the current CEO is Jason Marker.
Hardee’s Restaurants LLC has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll. The Parent Company is CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc. and they are seeking new franchise units from Midwest, Northeast, South, Southeast, and Middle East.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $1,530,000 – $1,995,000
- Net-worth Requirement – $1,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $300,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee – $25,000 – $35,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 4%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 5.5%
- Veteran Incentives – 50% off franchise fee
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Carl’s Jr. Restaurants LLC
In 1941, Carl N. Karcher and his wife Margaret took $15 in savings, borrowed another $311 on their car, and bought a hot dog cart in Los Angeles. They grew their business to four carts before opening the first Carl’s Drive-In Barbecue in 1945 and adding hamburgers to the menu.
The first Carl’s Jr. locations– so-named because they were smaller than the drive-ins– opened in the 1950s. Today the company has locations throughout the West and Southwest and is known for menu items such as its Six Dollar Burgers.
Carl’s Jr. Restaurants LLC started franchising in 1984 (35 Years) and they have their corporate head office at6700 Tower Cir., #1000 Franklin, TN 37067. They have relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the franchise fees, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and payroll.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $1,622,000 – $2,171,500
- Net-worth Requirement – $1,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $300,000
- Ongoing Fees (Initial Franchise Fee) – $25,000 – $35,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 4%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 6%
- Veteran Incentives – 50% off franchise fee