Famous Toastery Targets Multi-Unit Development Ahead of MUFC Conference in Las Vegas

Famous Toastery, the 26-unit better breakfast, brunch and lunch franchise, has always prioritized unit level growth for its franchise owners. As a result, the system is full of multi-unit owners, with 66% of all franchisees owning at least two locations, and the largest operator owning four — a rare feat for emerging franchise concepts. Now, Famous Toastery is further prioritizing multi-unit development and is looking for quality, passionate candidates who are interested in expanding their portfolio with the concept. 

“Famous Toastery has always had a strong track record of multi-unit franchise owners,” said VP of Franchise Development Eric Gustafsson. “Nearly every single franchisee has gone on to build a second or third location, which is a big testament to the brand and to our owners. We have several owners who started as restaurant staff and went on to build three locations, for example. They have worked hard to grow organically and we have been there to support them.” 

Gustafsson says there are several reasons for this multi-unit success. For one, the Famous Toastery operations are well-designed for multi-unit ownership. 

“If we could open 100 units with just one franchisee, we would happily do that as long as they were the right fit,” said Gustafsson. “When we design our systems, build out processes, procedures — it is about how to execute best in multiple locations. You can be in one restaurant from open and close, but you can’t be in two. So, we have to design systems that allow owners to be semi-absentee from at least one location. That starts with a strong management system, employee training program and streamlined operations. Making sure the restaurant can be run efficiently even when you are not there.”

The breakfast, brunch and lunch category also inherently lends itself to multi-unit ownership. “It ties back into the work-life balance that franchisees are looking for,” said Gustafsson. “Since you only need to be open for breakfast and lunch, you can be home by 4pm each day, which gives you the time and energy to build a second or third location and the capacity to expand your portfolio.” 

The Famous Toastery investment model is also built to encourage multi-unit ownership. Start-up costs to open a Famous Toastery vary from market to market based primarily on the cost of real estate, but the overall investment ranges from $575,500 to $999,500. 

“Our total start-up costs are under $1 million, which is not very common in today’s restaurant market,” said Gustafsson. “That allows candidates to build multiple units without a ton of money. Also, the way our development agreements are set up, you pay full for the first location, but then only half for additional locations. The balance is due once the restaurant is open for business.” 

Most of the Famous Toastery multi-unit development has been organic — a core group of single-unit owners gradually adding to their portfolio over time. Now, Gustafsson says the brand is looking to find qualified candidates who are interested in purchasing a three- or five-pack from the get-go.

“Targeting multi-unit owners is how we plan to really expand outside of the Carolinas,” said Gustafsson. “If we want to bring Famous Toastery to a big state like Texas or California, it is going to have to be a multi-unit deal so we can take advantage of that momentum, buying power and build a solid infrastructure.” 

Famous Toastery aims to have 50 locations open by the end of 2024. Five to seven deals will be in North Carolina, and the rest in South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Florida.

To help spread the word, Famous Toastery will be attending the 2023 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference (MUFC) in Las Vegas between April 25th and 28th. Those multi-unit operators interested in learning more about the Famous Toastery franchise opportunity can meet the leadership team at booth #1218.

“Famous Toastery stands out with not only an amazing menu but also a community focus that prioritizes the best of the best in customer service,” said Famous Toastery President Mike Sebazco. “This all makes for a very exciting franchise opportunity — and it is only getting better. We are extremely proud of all of the franchisees who have expanded to multi-unit ownership within our system and we are excited to partner with more growth-minded entrepreneurs as we take Famous Toastery to the next level.”

The cost to open a Famous Toastery franchise ranges from $575,500 to $999,500, including a franchise fee starting at $45,000. To learn about franchising opportunities, please visit www.bestbreakfastfranchise.com.