Best fast-casual food franchises to buy in 2027

Direct Answer

The best fast-casual food franchises to buy in 2027 are the brands that pair a proven unit-level model with build-out costs you can actually finance. Chipotle does not franchise, so the franchised fast-casual leaders worth a serious look are CAVA, Jersey Mike's Subs, Mediterranean and bowl concepts like Garbanzo and Pokeworks, better-burger names like Wayback Burgers, and chicken-forward concepts like Dave's Hot Chicken and Slim Chickens.

Most fast-casual restaurants carry an Item 7 total initial investment between roughly $300,000 and $1,500,000+ depending on whether you build a new endcap or convert existing restaurant space, with franchise fees commonly $30,000 to $50,000 and royalties around 5% to 6% of gross sales plus a brand fund.

Below are real Franchise Disclosure Document ranges so you can size the decision honestly, and a process for verifying every number before you sign.

How fast-casual franchise economics actually work

Fast casual sits between quick-service (drive-thru burgers) and full-service dining. Guests order at a counter, food is made-to-order with higher perceived quality, and average tickets run higher than traditional fast food. For an owner, that means a labor model that needs trained line cooks, a real-estate footprint of roughly 1,800 to 2,800 square feet, and a build-out that includes a commercial kitchen, hood systems, and seating.

The two line items that move your Item 7 the most are leasehold improvements (turning raw or second-generation space into a working kitchen) and equipment. A second-generation restaurant space with usable hoods and grease traps can cut your build-out dramatically versus a cold shell, which is why the published ranges are so wide.

The category leaders worth evaluating

• CAVA — fast-growing Mediterranean bowl concept. CAVA has historically been company-operated and selective about franchising, so confirm current availability directly; when offered, build-outs for a concept like this commonly run $700,000 to $1,500,000+ because of the larger footprint and open-kitchen line. Strong brand momentum but a high capital bar.
• Jersey Mike's Subs — one of the most consistent fast-casual franchisors. Item 7 commonly falls in the $190,000 to $955,000 range (FDD, 2024), franchise fee around $18,500, royalty near 6.5%. Smaller footprint and a simple made-to-order sub model make it a popular first franchise.
• Dave's Hot Chicken — explosive Nashville-hot-chicken growth. Item 7 frequently lands in the $500,000 to $1,800,000 range (FDD, 2024) depending on format. High brand heat, but verify the current Item 19 and the cost of the build.

Mediterranean and bowl concepts

• Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh — Item 7 typically in the $400,000 to $750,000 band (FDD, 2024), royalty around 5% to 6%. A build-your-own model with strong lunch and catering daypart potential.
• Pokeworks — poke-bowl concept with multiple formats from full restaurant to express. Item 7 commonly $200,000 to $650,000 (FDD, 2024). The smaller express formats lower the capital bar.

Better-burger and chicken concepts

• Wayback Burgers — cooked-to-order burger concept. Item 7 commonly $200,000 to $700,000 (FDD, 2024), royalty around 5%, with a modest footprint relative to a full-service restaurant.
• Slim Chickens — chicken-tenders fast casual with strong AUVs in many markets. Item 7 frequently runs $1,000,000 to $3,800,000+ (FDD, 2024) because units are larger and often free-standing. This is a multi-unit, well-capitalized play, not a first franchise.

Costs beyond Item 7 you must plan for

The Item 7 table is the franchisor's estimate of total initial investment, but treat these as the pressure points:

• Pre-opening labor and training travel — you hire and train a crew before day one and often travel to the franchisor's training program.
• Working capital — the FDD Item 7 usually includes an additional-funds line covering the first three to six months. Restaurants ramp slowly; do not underfund it.
• Brand and marketing fund — most charge a national or brand fund (often 1% to 4% of sales) on top of the base royalty.
• Remodel and equipment refresh — kitchen equipment wears, and franchisors mandate periodic refreshes.

Who each model fits

• First-time owner-operator with under roughly $500K plus financing: a sandwich or bowl concept such as Jersey Mike's or Pokeworks, where the footprint and labor model are simpler.
• Experienced operator with capital: Mediterranean or chicken concepts with higher AUV potential.
• Empire builder with serious capital and SBA or partner financing: an area-development agreement for a high-growth brand, built with a regional operations team.

How to verify the numbers before you sign

Request the franchisor's current FDD and read Item 7 (investment), Item 6 (recurring fees), Item 19 (any financial performance representation), and Item 20 (outlet counts, transfers, and the franchisee contact list). Then call current franchisees. Ask what their average unit volume is, what food and labor cost as a percentage of sales, and how long it took to reach break-even.

The published ranges above are directional. The franchisee call is where you learn the truth.

FAQ

How much money do I need to open a fast-casual franchise in 2027? Most fast-casual concepts require roughly $300,000 to $1,500,000+ in total initial investment, with sandwich and bowl formats at the lower end and large free-standing chicken or Mediterranean restaurants at the higher end (FDD figures, 2024). Confirm each brand's current Item 7.

Can I franchise Chipotle? No. Chipotle operates its restaurants and does not offer franchises, which is why franchised fast-casual buyers look at CAVA, Jersey Mike's, and similar brands instead.

What royalty do fast-casual franchises charge? Most charge a royalty of roughly 5% to 6.5% of gross sales plus a separate brand or marketing fund, commonly 1% to 4%.

How long until a fast-casual franchise breaks even? It depends on your market and average unit volume. Many owners plan for 12 to 24 months of ramp, which is why the working-capital reserve in Item 7 matters so much.

Can I finance a fast-casual franchise with an SBA loan? Yes. Established restaurant brands are common SBA borrowers, though lenders weigh your liquidity, credit, and build-out cost. Confirm the brand appears on the SBA franchise eligibility records.

Sources

• U.S. Federal Trade Commission, Franchise Rule and FDD requirements (Items 6, 7, 19, 20)
• Jersey Mike's Franchise Disclosure Document, 2024
• Dave's Hot Chicken Franchise Disclosure Document, 2024
• Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh Franchise Disclosure Document, 2024
• Slim Chickens Franchise Disclosure Document, 2024
• U.S. Small Business Administration, franchise loan eligibility guidance
• International Franchise Association, franchising industry overview

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