Did you know that there are over 1,500 Waffle House franchises in the United States? That’s a lot of waffles!
In fact, there are more Waffle Houses than McDonald’s and Starbucks combined.
What is a Waffle House Franchise
The first Waffle House was opened in Avondale Estates, Georgia, in 1955 by Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner. The original menu consisted of just four items: waffles, ham, eggs, and coffee.
Today, they serve over 1 million waffles per week! And their menu has expanded to include a wide variety of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert options.
Waffle House is known for its 24/7 availability and unique “anytime” menu. It’s a well-known established brand, known for setting their franchisees up for success.
How Much Does a Waffle House Franchise Cost to Open?
To become a Waffle House franchisee, you must have enough capital to cover the initial investment, which includes the cost of the franchise fee and startup costs.
The waffle house franchise fee can cost $200,000 – $300,000 annually.
Startup costs can vary but Waffle House franchisees should expect to spend $500,000 – $1,000,000 to open.
This cost doesn’t include the time commitment to learning the Waffle House system and procedures.
What are the Benefits of Being a Waffle House Franchisee?
Being a Waffle House franchisee has numerous benefits. Firstly, you get to benefit from the well-known brand name and loyal customer base that Waffle House has established over its 65 years of operation.
Franchisees also have access to extensive training, operational and marketing support from corporate, allowing them to hit the ground running when they open their restaurant.
Additionally, the Waffle House system and procedures are designed to be easy to learn and follow, allowing franchisees to quickly become familiar with them. With all these benefits, owning a Waffle House franchise can be an extremely rewarding experience.
How to Open a Waffle House Franchise
If you’re interested in becoming a Waffle House franchisee, there are a few steps you need to take to open a Waffle House Franchise.
The first step is to fill out an application and be approved by the corporate office. You must have restaurant management experience and a commitment to learning the Waffle House system and procedures. You’ll also need to have enough capital to cover the Waffle House Franchise costs.
See if you qualify for financing from the SBA for approved franchises.*
*No impact to your credit score. For informational purposes only.
Once you’re approved, you’ll be given a franchise agreement outlining fees, responsibilities and other details associated with owning a Waffle House.
Next, you’ll need to find a suitable location for your restaurant. After finding the perfect spot, you’ll need to make sure that it meets all city and state health codes and building regulations.
Finally, you can start the process of setting up your Waffle House franchise. You’ll need to purchase equipment, train staff and manage the day-to-day operations of your new business.
What Kind of Training and Support Do You Receive as a Waffle House Franchisee?
As a Waffle House franchisee, you will receive extensive training and support. The training will cover all aspects of the business, from how to make waffles to how to manage your finances.
You will also have access to a wealth of resources, including marketing materials and templates, financial advice, and more.
What sets Waffle House franchises apart is that the corporate team is there for you every step of the way. Not to mention, fellow franchisees are always happy to share their expertise and lend a helping hand.
You may even be eligible to receive financial assistance through the Waffle House Franchise Assistance Program, which provides funding and support to help you get started and stay successful.
This program covers the cost of certain business expenses, like initial franchise fees, equipment costs, and more. With the help of Waffle House, you can be sure that you have everything you need to open up a successful restaurant and become a thriving franchisee.
Is it Difficult to Become a Waffle House Franchisee?
It is not overly difficult to become a Waffle House franchisee, but it does require time, effort and resources. You are required to have previous restaurant management experience but the systems and procedures are fairly easy to learn.
Since it’s such a well known brand, a lot of people want to franchise a waffle house. Which makes for a competitive market. If you don’t have a few years of franchise experience under your belt, you’re less likely to get approved.
If you’re new to franchising, start with smaller franchise opportunities and build your way up to popular brands. This way you’ll be ready to run your Waffle House franchise successfully when opportunity knocks.
Is a Waffle House Franchise Right for You?
Waffle House is one of the most common franchises found in the country, but how do you know if it’s the right franchise for you?
The answer depends on your personal skills and long-term goals. Franchises don’t turn a profit overnight, it takes effort and commitment to become successful. That’s why it’s so important that you consider all your options in franchising to set yourself up for success.
If you aren’t positive which franchise is best for you, schedule a call with a member of the Council of Franchise Transparency. One of our franchise coaches will break down each type of concept and what it takes to be successful from start to finish.
