Franchisor Stories
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Farmer Boys is fast-casual burger brand that’s known for its made-to-order meals and fresh ingredients with over four decades of experience.
Farmer Boys is a West Coast fast-casual burger franchise known for its farm-fresh ingredients, made-to-order meals and multi-channel restaurant model that includes dine-in, drive-thru, delivery and mobile ordering. Founded in Southern California more than 40 years ago, the brand has built a reputation around burgers, breakfast and hospitality while expanding across California, Nevada and Arizona.
Farmer Boys was founded by the five Havadjias brothers, who grew up on a family farm in Cyprus before immigrating to the United States. After opening Astro Burgers in Torrance, California, in 1979, the brothers launched the first Farmer Boys restaurant in Perris, California, in 1981. The company has since expanded to more than 100 locations throughout the western United States.
Mission: Farmer Boys’ mission is to serve guests high-quality farm-fresh food with hospitality rooted in community values and family traditions.
Vision: The brand aims to continue growing as a leading fast-casual burger franchise while maintaining its commitment to fresh ingredients, local sourcing and community involvement.
Farmer Boys is actively expanding across existing markets in California, Nevada and Arizona, as well as new Western U.S. markets including Utah. Prospective franchisees can request more information on available territories.
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Farmer Boys franchise ranges from $1,526,000 to $3,060,000. The 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 | $45,000 |
| Real Estate | $24,000 | $48,000 |
| Furniture, Equipment and Signs | $650,000 | $850,000 |
| Construction of Building and Surroundings | $635,000 | $1,800,000 |
| Insurance | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $15,000 | $20,000 |
| Training Expenses | $110,000 | $180,000 |
| Lodging Expenses | $12,000 | $36,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Professional Fees | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Point of Sale | $28,000 | $41,000 |
While not included in the initial investment range, Farmer Boys recommends an additional $69,000 to $149,000 working capital over the first three months.
Initial Franchise Fee: The franchise fee required to begin operation of a Farmer Boys restaurant is $45,000 for the first location and $35,000 for each additional location (minus any development fees already paid). This amount is due upon signing the franchise agreement.
Franchisees renewing an existing agreement may qualify for a reduced renewal fee, which is currently 25% of the then-current franchise fee, or $11,250. Renewal costs may vary depending on factors like restaurant remodeling, training needs and administrative expenses.
The initial franchise fee is waived for operators participating in the brand’s Low Investment Program. Franchisees purchasing an existing Farmer Boys location instead of opening a new one pay a $6,000 transfer fee rather than the standard franchise fee.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2026 FDD, Farmer Boys franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty | 5% of adjusted gross revenue/week |
| Marketing Fund | 3% of adjusted gross revenue/week |
| Technology Fee | $500 - $800/month |
| Farmburgerology | $50 - $100/month per restaurant |
ROI Potential: According to the 2026 FDD, the 94 Farmer Boys restaurants operating for at least 18 months as of FY 2025 reported the following annual net sales:
| Tertile | Average | Median | High | Low |
| Top Third (32) | $3,159,478 | $3,056,393 | $5,113,788 | $2,564,358 |
| Middle Third (32) | $2,284,124 | $2,269,083 | $2,473,428 | $2,103,677 |
| Bottom Third (30) | $1,694,001 | $1,821,762 | $2,093,481 | $1,167,006 |
| Total (94) | $2,393,780 | $2,275,469 | $5,113,788 | $1,167,006 |
Farmer Boys provides support with site selection, real estate development, construction coordination and grand opening planning. The company’s in-house real estate team assists franchisees throughout the property selection and development process.
The brand offers a comprehensive 12-week training program that combines in-store operational training with its proprietary online learning management platform, “Farmburgerology.” Training focuses on restaurant operations, hospitality, kitchen management and leadership development.
Franchisees receive ongoing coaching from Franchise Business Consultants who regularly visit restaurants to provide operational guidance, sales improvement strategies and performance feedback. Farmer Boys also supports franchisees through marketing initiatives, community fundraising campaigns and new restaurant opening assistance.
Farmer Boys supports franchisees with online ordering, mobile ordering, third-party delivery integration and operational learning systems. The brand’s multi-channel ordering platform helps restaurants serve dine-in, carryout and off-premise customers efficiently.
Single-Unit Qualifications
Multi-Unit Qualifications (2-9 Units)
Enterprise Multi-Unit Qualifications (10 Units)
Farmer Boys looks for owner-operators with extensive restaurant or hospitality experience, the ability to manage a complex kitchen operation and alignment with the brand’s community-centered values.
Farmer Boys requires hands-on operators who reside within or near the markets they develop. Restaurants typically require one general manager, additional management staff and approximately 40 employees to support operations.
Prospective franchisees can discuss financing options and startup capital requirements directly with the Farmer Boys franchise development team.
“[My brother] and I have had an incredible experience with Farmer Boys® and we are thrilled to continue growing alongside the brand in its home state. We were immediately attracted to the concept and its mission of providing farm-fresh food to their guests. The position that the brand holds within the industry is unmatched when compared to other quick-service concepts. We look forward to providing exceptional service and delicious food for guests.”
- George Sadek, Multi-Unit Francisee — Southern California (Read his story here)
“We have had an incredible experience with Farmer Boys thus far, and we are thrilled to continue to grow alongside the brand with our new location. As aspiring business owners, we wanted to invest in a brand that has meaning to us and Farmer Boys is the perfect example of a business that cares about its team wholeheartedly. The position that Farmer Boys holds within the industry is special and unique – and one that is unmatched when compared to competing brands.”
- Leeza Brazier, Multi-Unit Franchisee — Gardena and Perris, California (Read her story here)
The market size of the Burger Restaurants in the U.S. was $173.6 billion in 2025. The segment remains one of the largest segments in foodservice, with consumers continuing to prioritize convenience, drive-thru accessibility and premium ingredients.
Farmer Boys differentiates itself through its farm-fresh positioning, all-day breakfast offerings and hospitality-driven service model that blends fast food convenience with fast-casual quality. Primary competitors include Habit Burger & Grill, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, BurgerFi and Shake Shack.
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