Best fast-casual food franchises to buy in 2027
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.
Unit Economics You Can Actually Bank On: AOV, COGS, and Labor Benchmarks
Before you commit to any fast-casual franchise, you need to understand the three numbers that determine whether you'll see a positive cash flow by month 12: average order value (AOV), cost of goods sold (COGS) as a percentage of sales, and labor as a percentage of sales. In 2027, the most resilient fast-casual brands target an AOV between $12 and $18 per transaction, with higher-end bowl and Mediterranean concepts often hitting the $14–$18 range, while sub and chicken concepts tend to sit closer to $11–$14. The difference matters because higher AOV means you need fewer transactions to cover fixed costs like rent and utilities.
COGS for fast-casual typically runs 28% to 35% of gross sales. Brands with simpler ingredient lists—like chicken tenders or burger concepts—can hold closer to 28%, while Mediterranean and bowl concepts with multiple fresh toppings and proteins often edge toward 33–35%. The key is whether the brand has national purchasing agreements that keep your food cost predictable even when commodity prices spike. Ask every franchisor for their system-wide average COGS for the past three years, and compare it to the 2027 projection. If they can't or won't share that, consider it a red flag.
Labor is the other major variable. In 2027, with minimum wage increases in several states and a tight labor market, fast-casual operators should budget 28% to 35% of gross sales for labor, including payroll taxes and workers' compensation. Brands that rely heavily on made-to-order assembly (like burrito bowls or custom sandwiches) tend to run higher labor percentages than those with more streamlined prep. The best franchise systems provide detailed labor scheduling templates and training that helps you hit the lower end of that range. If a brand's FDD Item 19 (financial performance representations) shows labor costs consistently above 34%, you'll need to investigate whether that's a system-wide issue or just underperforming units.
The Real Estate and Build-Out Trap: What the FDD Item 7 Doesn't Tell You
Every franchise disclosure document lists a range for total initial investment, but those numbers can be misleading. The Item 7 range for fast-casual franchises typically spans $300,000 to $1,500,000, but that's a blended number that includes everything from a low-cost conversion of an existing restaurant space to a ground-up new build with a drive-thru. In 2027, the single biggest variable is real estate cost and lease terms. In high-demand suburban markets, triple-net lease rates for a 2,000–2,500 square foot fast-casual space can run $40 to $65 per square foot annually, meaning your base rent alone could be $80,000–$162,500 per year before you pay a dime in percentage rent, CAM charges, or property taxes.
The trap is that many first-time franchisees underestimate how much they'll spend on leasehold improvements and equipment beyond the franchisor's estimate. A new build-out in a Class A shopping center can easily cost $150 to $250 per square foot, which for a 2,200-square-foot space means $330,000 to $550,000 just for construction. If you're converting an existing fast-food or casual-dining space, you might save 20–30%, but you'll still face costs for new hoods, grease traps, refrigeration, and point-of-sale systems. Ask the franchisor for the actual build-out costs from the last five franchisees who opened in your target state or region, not just the national average. Also, ask whether the brand offers any incentives or reduced fees for multi-unit development—some franchisors will waive the initial franchise fee ($30,000–$50,000) if you commit to three or more units within a specific timeframe.
The Exit and Liquidity Reality: What Happens When You Want to Sell
Most franchise buyers focus entirely on the opening and early operations, but the smartest investors think about the exit from day one. In 2027, the resale market for fast-casual franchises is active but selective. A well-performing single unit in a growing market might sell for 2.5 to 3.5 times its annual EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), while a multi-unit operation with three or more locations can command 3.5 to 5 times EBITDA. For context, if your single unit generates $1.2 million in annual sales with a 15% EBITDA margin ($180,000), a sale at 3x EBITDA would net you $540,000—potentially a solid return on your initial investment, but not a life-changing sum unless you own multiple units.
The liquidity challenge is that most franchise agreements include a right of first refusal clause, meaning the franchisor can match any offer you receive or approve the buyer. Some franchisors also charge a transfer fee (typically $5,000 to $15,000) and require the new owner to complete the same training program you did. If you're planning to sell within five to seven years, choose a brand with a track record of approving third-party sales and with a network of existing franchisees who might want to acquire your location. Avoid brands where the franchisor has a history of buying back units at below-market prices or where the transfer process is opaque. Finally, ask the franchisor for the average tenure of current franchisees—if most have been in business less than five years, that could indicate high turnover or that the brand is still too young to have a mature resale market. A healthy fast-casual franchise system should have a core of operators who have been in business 10 years or more, which signals that the model is sustainable enough to build equity worth selling.
FAQ
What is the total investment range for a fast-casual franchise in 2027? The total initial investment typically falls between $300,000 and $1,500,000+, depending on build-out type. New endcap builds are at the higher end, while converting existing space can lower costs. Franchise fees are usually $30,000 to $50,000, with ongoing royalties around 5% to 6% of gross sales.
Which fast-casual franchises are most affordable to start? Concepts like Garbanzo, Pokeworks, and Wayback Burgers often have lower entry points, with total investments starting around $300,000 to $500,000. Chicken concepts like Dave's Hot Chicken and Slim Chickens can range higher, often $500,000 to $1,000,000. Always check the Item 7 in the FDD for exact figures.
Do any top fast-casual brands not franchise? Yes, Chipotle does not franchise, so it's not an option for buyers. Other leading brands like Sweetgreen and Shake Shack also rarely franchise. Focus on franchised leaders like CAVA, Jersey Mike's Subs, and Mediterranean or bowl concepts for available opportunities.
How long does it take to break even on a fast-casual franchise? Break-even timelines vary widely, but many operators see positive cash flow within 12 to 24 months. This depends on location, build-out costs, and local sales volume. Review the FDD's financial performance representations for realistic estimates.
What are the key costs beyond the initial franchise fee? Beyond the $30,000 to $50,000 franchise fee, expect costs for leasehold improvements, equipment, inventory, and working capital. Royalties of 5% to 6% and brand fund contributions (often 1% to 2%) are ongoing. Total investment can climb to $1.5 million for premium builds.
How do I verify franchise financials before buying? Request the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) from each brand and review Item 7 for investment ranges and Item 19 for financial performance. Speak with current franchisees to confirm real-world costs and earnings. Always consult a franchise attorney or accountant for due diligence.
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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