1851

LAST UPDATED:&nbsp;December 2024 FRANCHISE WEBSITE:&nbsp;<a href="https://arbysfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-arbys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://arbysfranchising.com/</a> NUMBER OF LOCATIONS:&nbsp;3,398 (U.S.), 3,400+ (worldwide) REPORTED COST TO GET IN:&nbsp;$644,950 - $2,451,000 REPORTED ROI (Item 19):&nbsp;$1,292,529 (median AUV for FY 2023)<a href="https://arbysfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-arbys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Arby’s</a>, the 3,400-plus-unit sandwich franchise under the&nbsp;<a href="https://inspirebrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-arbys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Inspire Brands</a> umbrella, is headquartered in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Arby’s was founded in Boardman, Ohio, by the Forrest brothers and Leroy Raffel in 1964. Back then, the fast-food burger business was booming, and the founders wanted to offer a tasty and quick-serve alternative: roast beef. Today, the Arby's menu includes its famous roast beef, Market Fresh sandwiches, wraps and salads, as well as other one-of-a-kind items such as curly fries and Jamocha shakes.<h3>How Many Arby’s Locations Are There?</h3>As of November 2024, Arby’s operates 3,398 restaurants across the U.S. Internationally, the chain has expanded into several countries, including Canda, Turkey and South Korea. Overall, Arby’s maintains more than 3,400 restaurants worldwide.&nbsp;Arby’s has been franchising since 1965.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.roarkcapital.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-arbys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Roark Capital Group</a> acquired 81.5% of Arby’s Restaurant Group in 2011, forming the major share of ownership with The Wendy’s Company having a stake of 18.5% in Arby’s. In 2018, ARG took over the ownership of Buffalo Wild Wings.Today, Arby’s is part of parent company&nbsp;<a href="https://inspirebrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-arbys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Inspire Brands</a>, a global, multi-brand restaurant company unlike any other. They are home to five leading restaurant brands and more than 11,100 locations globally.&nbsp;<h3>What is the Arby’s Business Model?</h3>For the past 65 years, Arby’s has been perfecting its systems so that each franchisee can take advantage of easy buying, storage, training and management processes. Arby's restaurants are now constructed in a traditional or non-traditional design, highlighting prominent architectural features. The flexible, contemporary layout allows the brand to adapt restaurants to almost any prime commercial site. The chain also offers a range of prototypes and investment options to accommodate specific business needs.<ul><li>Traditional: Full-menu, limited service Arby’s restaurants, which are either freestanding, convenience stores, travel plazas, truck stops, travel plaza/convenience store combos, end cap and inline locations and malls. The vast majority of these include a drive-thru window.</li><li>Non-Traditional: Limited menu, limited size and reduced service restaurants, which generally occupy a smaller retail space, offer no or very limited seating and may cater to a captive audience, may have a limited menu and may possibly feature reduced services, labor, storage and different hours of operation. Non-traditional Arby’s restaurant categories include but are not limited to locations in airports, military bases, hospitals, toll plazas, stadiums, theme/amusement parks and arenas which have no seating or shared seating, casinos, colleges, universities and other institutional-type facilities which have common area seating.</li></ul><h3>How Much Can Arby’s Franchise Owners Make?</h3><h4>Average Unit Volume Metrics (FY 2023)</h4><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Restaurant Type</td><td>&nbsp;Median AUV</td></tr><tr><td>Company-Owned</td><td>$1,346,893</td></tr><tr><td>Franchised</td><td>$1,263,041</td></tr><tr><td>Total (U.S.)</td><td>$1,292,529</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><h3>How Much Does It Cost To Open an Arby’s?</h3>The initial investment necessary to open an Arby’s franchise ranges from $861,950 to $2,451,000 for a traditional restaurant and $644,950 to $1,374,000 for a non-traditional restaurant.<h4>Detailed Breakdown of Arby’s Costs and Fees</h4><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td rowspan="2">Expenditure Type</td><td colspan="2">Traditional</td><td colspan="2">Non-Traditional</td></tr><tr><td>Min</td><td>Max</td><td>Min</td><td>Max</td></tr><tr><td>Development Fee</td><td>$6,250</td><td>$12,500</td><td>$6,250</td><td>$12,500</td></tr><tr><td>Franchise Fee</td><td>$0</td><td>$37,500</td><td>$0</td><td>$37,500</td></tr><tr><td>Training Expenses</td><td>$5,000</td><td>$23,400</td><td>$5,000</td><td>$23,400</td></tr><tr><td>Lease Deposits &amp; Payments</td><td>$12,000</td><td>$50,000</td><td>$12,000</td><td>$50,000</td></tr><tr><td>Site Costs</td><td>$0</td><td>$451,000</td><td>$0</td><td>$4,000</td></tr><tr><td>Landscaping</td><td>$0</td><td>$45,000</td><td>$0</td><td>$0</td></tr><tr><td>Professional Fees</td><td>$40,000</td><td>$150,000</td><td>$6,000</td><td>$65,000</td></tr><tr><td>Zoning/Permitting Costs</td><td>$1,000</td><td>$112,000</td><td>$1,000</td><td>$18,000</td></tr><tr><td>Building Costs</td><td>$400,000</td><td>$850,000</td><td>$236,000</td><td>$500,000</td></tr><tr><td>Equipment</td><td>$225,000</td><td>$325,000</td><td>$225,000</td><td>$325,000</td></tr><tr><td>Computer/POS</td><td>$32,000</td><td>$55,000</td><td>$32,000</td><td>$42,000</td></tr><tr><td>Décor Package</td><td>$11,000</td><td>$35,000</td><td>$11,000</td><td>$35,000</td></tr><tr><td>Signage/Drive-Thru</td><td>$44,000</td><td>$88,000</td><td>$25,000</td><td>$45,000</td></tr><tr><td>Pre-Opening Wages</td><td>$21,300</td><td>$41,200</td><td>$21,300</td><td>$41,200</td></tr><tr><td>Opening Inventory</td><td>$18,000</td><td>$26,000</td><td>$18,000</td><td>$26,000</td></tr><tr><td>Insurance</td><td>$8,400</td><td>$14,400</td><td>$8,400</td><td>$14,400</td></tr><tr><td>Additional Funds</td><td>$33,000</td><td>$100,000</td><td>$33,000</td><td>$100,000</td></tr><tr><td>Rent (1 Month)</td><td>$4,000</td><td>$10,000</td><td>$4,000</td><td>$10,000</td></tr><tr><td>Licenses, Permits &amp; Deposits</td><td>$1,000</td><td>$25,000</td><td>$1,000</td><td>$25,000</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><h4>Additional Fees</h4><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Fee Type</td><td>Cost-Related Details</td></tr><tr><td>Royalty</td><td>4% of gross sales for traditional restaurants; 6.2% of gross sales for non-traditional restaurants.</td></tr><tr><td>Advertising &amp; Marketing Service Fee</td><td>Minimum of 4.2% of gross sales.</td></tr><tr><td>Renewal Fees</td><td>10% of initial franchise fee (excluding discounts) for traditional restaurants; initial franchise fee for non-traditional restaurants.</td></tr><tr><td>Transfer Fee (Ownership)</td><td>$17,500 for transfer of first restaurant.</td></tr><tr><td>MTP Learning Path Program Fee</td><td>$2,100 per attendee, but no training fee for 3 managers from first restaurant and one manager from second restaurant.</td></tr><tr><td>Learning Management System Fee</td><td>$59.22 plus tax per year for each restaurant.</td></tr><tr><td>Additional Training</td><td>$0 - $2,100 plus expenses.</td></tr><tr><td>Arby’s Order Ahead Platform Service Fee</td><td>$25 per restaurant per month.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><h3>What Is the Franchise Fee for Arby’s?</h3><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Restaurant Type</td><td>Development Fee</td><td>Franchise Fee</td></tr><tr><td>Traditional</td><td>$12,500</td><td>$37,500</td></tr><tr><td>Non-Traditional</td><td>$0</td><td>$18,750</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><h3>Who Is the Leadership of Arby’s?</h3><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brownpaulj/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-arbys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Paul Brown — Chief Executive Officer</a></li><li>Luigi Beccarelli — Chief Operating Officer</li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmlynn/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-arbys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Daniel Lynn — Chief Commercial and Restaurant Officer</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/haddon-bennett-866b221/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-arbys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Haddon Bennett — Chief Information Security Officer</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-charnaux-05a418/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-arbys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Christian Charnaux — Chief Growth Officer</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmheld/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-arbys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Christopher Held — Chief Supply Officer</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-maceda-9a995a53/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-arbys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jason Maceda — Chief Development Officer</a></li></ul><h3>What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Arby’s?</h3><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li><a href="https://arbysfranchising.com/why-arbys/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-arbys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Why Invest in Our Restaurant Franchise Opportunities?</a></li><li><a href="https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/arbys-franchisee-miracle-restaurant-group-goes-bankrupt/719841/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-arbys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Arby’s Franchisee Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/arbys-signs-70-unit-franchise-deal-3362">Arby’s Signs&nbsp; 70 Unit Franchise Deal</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-arbys-capitalized-on-pop-culture-to-make-a-comeback-5906">How Arby’s Capitalized on Pop Culture to Make a Comeback</a></li></ul>Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our <a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit <a href="https://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-arbys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com/</a> and start your journey.Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.&nbsp;All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

Franchise Deep Dive: Arby's Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

1851 Franchise

Arby’s, a 3,400+ unit roast beef sandwich franchise under Inspire Brands, offers flexible restaurant models, a robust support system, and proven profitability for franchisees.

franchise-deep-dive-arbys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Melting Pot

Photo of interior of Melting Pot restaurant

Lexington Herald Leader: This Restaurant Chain Eyes a Return to Lexington After 10 Years

melting-pot-return-to-lexington

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Keke's Breakfast Cafe - John and Kimberly Ehrhard - 1851 Franchise

Empowering Leadership, One Pancake at a Time: How John and Kimberly Ehrhard Are Building a Franchise Legacy with Keke’s Breakfast Cafe

john-kimberly-ehrhard-kekes-franchise

Comfort Keepers

More Than a Caregiver: Loretta Smith's Support Extends to Fellow Caregivers, Clients and the Community

more-than-a-caregiver-loretta-smiths-support-extends-to-fellow-caregivers-clients-and-the-community

Photo of Melting Pot CEO John "JC" Crawford

Melting Pot Names New CEO, Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Continued Growth and Leadership Promotions

melting-pot-franchise-mid-year-2025

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Texas Layne’s Franchisee Secures Real Estate in Austin, Set To Open Early Next Year

texas-laynes-franchisee-secures-real-estate-in-austin-set-to-open-early-next-year

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

Hardee’s Lawsuit Highlights the Risk of Going Off-Model in Franchising

hardees-franchise-lawsuit-paradigm-investment-group

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Carol DeNembo — Chief Marketing Officer, Mountain Mike’s Pizza

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-carol-denembo-chief-marketing-officer-mountain-mikes-pizza

Brian Curin - Little Kitchen Academy - Franchise Marketing Leaders - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Brian Curin — Chief Executive Officer/Chief Marketing Officer, Little Kitchen Academy

little-kitchen-academy-marketing-leader-brian-curin

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelsey-mcmanemin-vice-president-of-marketing-hteao

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

Franchise Deep Dive: Arby's Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS