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<div id="pastingspan1"><span style=""><strong>Smoothie King</strong></span></div><div><span style="">Total Investment: $181.1K - $422.95K</span></div><div><span style="">With a slew of accolades and a history dating back to the 1970&#8217;s, <a href="http://www.smoothiekingfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-restaurant-franchise-investments-under-500k-2830" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Smoothie King</a> truly is the king in the smoothie industry. When the brand was founded, smoothies were a known treat, but &#8220;Smoothies with a purpose&#8221; were a relatively new concept. As society becomes more health conscious, often opting for nutritious meal replacements like the <a href="http://smoothieking.1851franchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-restaurant-franchise-investments-under-500k-2830" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Smoothie King</a> product, the brand continues to grow with no sign of slowing down. Their tailored smoothies cater to customers&#8217; level of activity, body&#8217;s needs and flavor preferences, and with their convenient drive-throughs are popping up at many locations, it doesn&#8217;t look as if Smoothie King&#8217;s reign will end any time soon.</span></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><span style=""><strong>MOOYAH</strong></span></div><div><span style="">Total Investment: $383.4K - $598.3K</span></div><div><span style="">Don&#8217;t sleep on this rapidly growing &#8220;better burger&#8221; franchise. With fresh, never frozen products, house-baked buns and a customizable menu, <a href="http://www.mooyahfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-restaurant-franchise-investments-under-500k-2830" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MOOYAH Burgers, Fries &amp; Shakes</a> is a versatile brand and franchisees have taken notice. The brand expects to hit the 100 unit mark early next year, and it has entered seven new states in 2015. Although the brand is in a crowded concept, <a href="http://mooyah.1851franchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-restaurant-franchise-investments-under-500k-2830" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MOOYAH</a> has mastered what consumers want: a quality product and lots of choices in a family-friendly atmosphere.</span></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><span style=""><strong>Which Wich</strong></span></div><div><span style="">Total Investment: $195K - $488.8K</span></div><div><span style="">In another crowded food category, <a href="http://www.whichwich.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-restaurant-franchise-investments-under-500k-2830#!/franchise" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Which Wich</a> has differentiated itself from comparable brands in some really smart and memorable ways. They focus on their culture and providing a high-quality product. Often recognized for their unique brown bag ordering system and philanthropic program Project PB &amp; J, Which Wich has created an atmosphere that college students and family&#8217;s alike want to enjoy.</span></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><span style=""><strong>Pita Pit</strong></span></div><div id="pastingspan1"><span style="">Total Investment: $166.1K - $322.7K</span></div><div id="pastingspan1"><span style="">Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2015, it can be said that <a href="http://www.pitapitusa.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-restaurant-franchise-investments-under-500k-2830" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pita Pit</a> was one of the first large franchise brands marketing healthy quick-service food. Offering unique Mediterranean-inspired fare at their nearly 600 locations, Pita Pit&#8217;s &#8220;Fresh Thinking&#8212;Healthy Living&#8221; philosophy has gone worldwide. Recently named as one of Business Insider&#8217;s top 20 food franchises, Pita Pit&#8217;s affordable model and large support network make this one tasty investment.</span></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><span style=""><strong>Your Pie</strong></span></div><div><span style="">Total Investment: $311.8K - $475.1K</span></div><div><span style="">Down-the-line concepts are popping up frequently these days, but few seem to have the high-quality ingredients, craft product or authentic influence as <a href="http://www.yourpie.com/your-franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-restaurant-franchise-investments-under-500k-2830" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Your Pie</a>. The &#8220;originator of the down-the-line brick over pizza concept&#8221; draws on founder Drew French&#8217;s Italian heritage to create their truly Italian-style brick oven pies. <a href="http://yourpie.1851franchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-restaurant-franchise-investments-under-500k-2830" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Your Pie</a> offers customizable choices that cater to any customer&#8217;s tastes, while exceeding expectations in a fast-casual setting to keep up with busy and hungry patrons.</span></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><span style=""><strong>Checkers and Rally&#8217;s</strong></span></div><div><span style="">Total Investment: $155.4K - $1.3M</span></div><div><span style="">Although the investment range on <a href="http://checkersfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-restaurant-franchise-investments-under-500k-2830" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Checkers and Rally&#8217;s</a> seems to be wide, on average it costs less than $500K to open. This fast food mainstay continues to thrive offering their fan-favorites like their award winning french fries, but manage to adapt and innovate all at the same time, continually adding new products to their menu.</span></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><span style=""><strong>Lenny&#8217;s Sub Shop</strong></span></div><div><span style="">Total Investment: $139.5K - $354.6K</span></div><div><span style=""><a href="http://www.lennysfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-restaurant-franchise-investments-under-500k-2830" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lenny&#8217;s Sub Shop</a> sticks to the tried and true concept of offering classic deli subs and cheesesteaks. The simple concept and operations have worked. Under new management <a href="http://lennyssubs.1851franchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-restaurant-franchise-investments-under-500k-2830" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lenny&#8217;s</a> has been going through an exciting revitalization, yet has managed to remain a lost cost option for potential franchisees making this the right time to get in with a growing brand.</span></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><span style=""><strong>Beef O&#8217;Brady&#8217;s</strong></span></div><div><span style="">Total Investment: $256.5K - $866.5K</span></div><div><span style="">A family-friendly sports pub? That was an innovative franchising idea when <a href="http://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-restaurant-franchise-investments-under-500k-2830" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beef O&#8217;Brady&#8217;s</a> hit the scene 30 years ago. Don&#8217;t let its age fool you&#8212;the brand is always changing with the times. They recently launched Beefs Express, a quick service counterpart to their fast casual concept, keeping the brand&#8217;s foot in both spheres.</span></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><span style=""><strong>Ritter's Frozen Custard</strong></span></div><div><span style="">Total Investment: $365K - $1.1M</span></div><div><span style="">Founder John Ritter had a dream, and that dream was to provide the masses with the fresh-made, straight-from-the-machine creamy ice cream he ate as a teenager while working in an ice cream parlor. He opened an ice cream shop after retiring and the rest is history: <a href="http://www.ritters.com/franchise-faq.php?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-restaurant-franchise-investments-under-500k-2830" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ritter's Frozen Custard</a> was acquired by the conglomerate TRUFOODS, LLC in 2008, and Ritter&#8217;s now has 21 units in five states with another 21 in development.</span></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><span style=""><strong>2Good2B</strong></span></div><div><span style="">Total Investment: $278K - $968.5K</span></div><div><span style="">A gluten free, corn free, soy free cafe may not be what comes to mind when you think of good restaurant franchise opportunities, but <a href="https://2good2b.com/own-a-franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-restaurant-franchise-investments-under-500k-2830" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2Good2B</a> caters to a growing population of consumers with food sensitivities, allergies and dietary restrictions. These customers often feel isolated at mainstream restaurants and this brand has created a space which caters to them and keeps the food delicious at the same time.</span></div>

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10 Restaurant Franchise Investments under $500K   

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<p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#1155cc;"><u>Mangesh Patel</u></span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#1155cc;"><u>Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</u></span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.</span></p><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Understanding Franchise Income</span></h2><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;</span><a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#1155cc;"><u>restaurant</u></span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">So,&nbsp;</span><a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#1155cc;"><u>how much can franchisees make</u></span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">? Here are five areas to consider.</span></p><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</span></h2><ol><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><strong>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;</strong>It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</span></li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><strong>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;</strong>Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</span></li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><strong>Invest In Training:&nbsp;</strong>Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</span></li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><strong>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;</strong>Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</span></li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><strong>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;</strong>Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</span></li></ol><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">What Profitability Really Comes Down To</span></h2><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">So,&nbsp;</span><a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#1155cc;"><u>how much can franchisees make</u></span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><i>Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;</i></span><a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#467886;"><i><u>Power Rankings</u></i></span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><i> to read more on brands making moves.</i></span></p>

How much can franchisees make? This guide explains what drives franchise earnings and how to manage costs, with expert tips from multi-unit owner Mangesh Patel on maximizing your franchise income.

How Much Can Franchisees Make? A Guide for Prospective Franchise Owners

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<p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Building&nbsp;</span><a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-do-you-build-a-franchise-business-plan-2717037"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#1155cc;"><u>a business plan</u></span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"> is a crucial operational step for any entrepreneur. But how do I build a business plan for a franchise that complements the franchisor’s system while addressing the unique needs of a given location? In this guide with expert tips, you’ll learn how to craft a thoughtful, actionable franchise business plan.</span></p><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><strong>Start With The Franchisor’s System In Mind</strong></span></h2><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#1a1819;">So, how do I build a business plan for a franchise? Well, avoiding repetition is a good start.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">“You specifically don’t want to duplicate what your franchisor is doing,” said long-time multi-unit&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.solafranchising.com/"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#1155cc;"><u>Sola Salons</u></span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"> franchise owner,&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/haynes-chidsey-6a36a06/"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#1155cc;"><u>Haynes Chidsey</u></span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">. “There’s a reason why you join a franchise system and why you pay the fees and costs associated with it.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">A strong franchise business plan should take advantage of the resources, marketing and operational systems that the franchisor provides (while utilizing daily experiences at the local level to help fine-tune what matters locally).</span></p><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><strong>Focus On Local Priorities</strong></span></h2><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">A franchise business plan should be&nbsp;</span><a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/how-to-build-a-strong-franchise-brand-presence-in-your-local-community-2729771"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#1155cc;"><u>locally focused</u></span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">. It should reflect the unique characteristics and needs of each local market. It’s essential to identify opportunities to attract local customers, build relationships within the community at the local level and tailor services to the regional preferences required by each market.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">“Be complementary to what your system provides,” said Chidsey. “Stay locally focused. That’s what I would say is key. Avoid mistakes by focusing on the magic.”</span></p><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><strong>Practical Steps For Building Your Plan</strong></span></h2><ol><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><strong>Assess Both Market And Competition</strong> – Build a thorough understanding of local demand, competitors and potential customer base. This will lead to more informed projections.</span><br>&nbsp;</li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><strong>Define Financial Goals</strong> – Include startup costs, ongoing fees and revenue expectations in the business plan. Staffing, rent, marketing and working capital should all be factored in.</span><br>&nbsp;</li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><strong>Leverage Franchisor Resources</strong> – Incorporate the systems, training and support offered by the franchisor (instead of reinventing processes).</span><br>&nbsp;</li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><strong>Set Operational Priorities</strong> – Decide which areas require hands-on local management (as opposed to areas guided by the franchisor). Focus energy where it’s most impactful.</span><br>&nbsp;</li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><strong>Review And Adjust</strong> – A business plan shouldn’t be static. So, track performance, adjust strategies and refine priorities as the franchised business scales.</span></li></ol><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><strong>The Takeaway</strong></span></h2><p><a href="https://1851franchise.com/chapter-3-developing-a-franchise-business-plan-2722586"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#1155cc;"><u>Creating a franchise business plan</u></span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"> is about balance. With a clear plan that integrates franchisor resources and local insight, franchisees can confidently move forward, knowing their businesses are structured to thrive. Leveraging a proven franchisor system to make smart, locally relevant decisions is key. By slowing down to go fast, and catering to the local trends or demands unique to each market, zees can more effectively build a roadmap and franchise business plan capable of delivering long-term success.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><i>Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;</i></span><a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#1155cc;"><i><u>Power Rankings</u></i></span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><i> to read more on brands making moves.</i></span></p>

How do I build a business plan for a franchise?

How do I build a business plan for a franchise? In this guide with expert tips, learn how to build a plan that leverages franchisor resources, focuses on local priorities and brings long-term success.

10 Restaurant Franchise Investments under $500K

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