1851

In 2005, childhood friends&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-maynard-2105311a9?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-famous-toastery-shows-restaurants-are-one-of-the-most-recession-resistant-businesses-2721116" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Robert Maynard</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-burchill-5643324a?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-famous-toastery-shows-restaurants-are-one-of-the-most-recession-resistant-businesses-2721116" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Brian Burchill</a> were ready to follow their passion for food and finally open a restaurant of their own. But this wouldn’t be just any greasy spoon. The idea was to start a gourmet breakfast and lunch brand that would serve “<a href="https://1851franchise.com/famoustoastery/famous-toastery-attributes-30-increase-in-year-over-year-restaurant-sales-to-its-famous-franchisees-2718852#featured">Famously Fresh</a>” food made daily. After opening in Huntersville, North Carolina, and ultimately moving to a larger storefront in nearby Davidson, the&nbsp;<a href="https://bestbreakfastfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-famous-toastery-shows-restaurants-are-one-of-the-most-recession-resistant-businesses-2721116" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Famous Toastery</a> brand was born. Since then, the concept has been franchised and expanded to 26 locations all over the Southeast, weathering not one but two economic downturns with the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;“Restaurants fare better than most industries during recessions,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-gustafsson-32b6a026?trk=public_profile_samename_profile_profile-result-card_result-card_full-click&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-famous-toastery-shows-restaurants-are-one-of-the-most-recession-resistant-businesses-2721116" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Eric Gustafsson</a>, Famous Toastery VP of Franchise Development. “Of the last six recessions post-World War II, there has only been a dip in restaurant revenue two times: COVID-19 and 2008. The restaurant industry is relatively recession-proof, and Famous Toastery even more so.”According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.technomic.com/newsroom/impact-recession-foodservice?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-famous-toastery-shows-restaurants-are-one-of-the-most-recession-resistant-businesses-2721116" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Technomic</a>, the foodservice industry has always weathered those downturn storms rather effectively. During the Great Recession, the industry only saw an annualized decline of only 0.1%, an within only a couple of years, the business was in a robust growth phaseThere are several reasons for the resiliency of the foodservice industry. For one, other essential segments such as healthcare and education remain unchanged during a recession, which in turns brings business to restaurants. Additionally, the need for convenience and experiences do not diminish during a recession, which helps bolster demand within the restaurant industry.“The restaurant industry is relatively recession-resistant because it is the last luxury people cut out of their lives during tough times,” said Gustafsson. “It is much easier to cancel Netflix than cut out your favorite place to go out to eat and get away. People also like to be served. As much as people like to stay home and cook, the rising costs of food at the grocery store is making it less economical to eat at home.”&nbsp;It's true — the inflation rate for food at home continues to exceed that of foodservice inflation, making the perceived value of foodservice purchases appear even greater than during past economic downturns.&nbsp;“People still like to go out and have their meals, maybe not as often, but we can use this as a period of time to get more people to try us for the first time,” said Gustafsson.And Famous Toastery isn’t just another restaurant concept, Gustafsson says. The brand prides itself on providing a consumer offering that stands out from the competition, with fresh, made-to-order&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/famoustoastery/why-franchise-prospects-should-choose-famous-toastery-over-the-competition-2715124#featured">menu items</a> and next-level customer service at all locations. This has allowed the restaurants to become locally Famous as pillars in their communities, providing not only uncompromisingly fresh and decadent meals but a hub for friends, families and neighbors to get together.In a world where everyone is trying to connect following&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/famoustoastery/famous-toastery-forges-a-path-for-franchisees-to-recover-in-covid-era-2714926#featured">the pandemic</a>, the demand for community-driven and delicious restaurant experiences is stronger than ever, giving Famous Toastery franchisees even more insulation from economic tailwinds.“There is a social aspect to it as well,” said Gustafsson. “Meeting friends at a restaurant, going out for drinks or brunch — these are things people don’t want to give up. We are social beings and just because the economy is struggling doesn’t mean we will change that. People will always need to eat and will always order from their favorite restaurants, which is why Famous Toastery has withstood the test of time and will continue to do so for years to come.”The proof is in the pudding — this year, despite inflationary pressures, the breakfast, brunch and lunch concept saw same stores sales increase 15% year-over-year, achieved an AUV of $1.4 million and had four franchisees report over $2 million in sales.&nbsp;Now, for entrepreneurs looking to open a recession-resistant and proven business in their community, the time has never been better to join the Famous Toastery family as the brand aims to reach its goal of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/famoustoastery/famous-toastery-enters-2022-on-pace-to-double-units-to-50-by-2024-2717878">50 units by 2024</a>.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&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bestbreakfastfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-famous-toastery-shows-restaurants-are-one-of-the-most-recession-resistant-businesses-2721116" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.bestbreakfastfranchise.com</a>.&nbsp;

How Famous Toastery Shows Restaurants Are One of the Most Recession-Resistant Businesses

1851 Franchise

With a locally-Famous and award-winning reputation, the better breakfast, brunch and lunch brand has proven to fare well against the past two downturns in the economy. 

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

how-famous-toastery-shows-restaurants-are-one-of-the-most-recession-resistant-businesses

Melting Pot

Photo of Melting Pot table with chocolate fondue and "Cheers to 50 Years" plate

Melting Pot Evolution Sets the Stage for the Next 50 Years

evolution-design

DRYmedic Restoration

image of drymedic restoration franchise brand

Why DRYmedic Restoration Is the Franchise Built for the Climate Era — And Why Now Is the Time to Join

drymedic-restoration-franchise-opportunity

From Startups to Franchises: How a Serial Entrepreneur Masters Scalable Growth

carlos-hesano-serial-entrepreneur-dry-medic-franchise-growth

Minuteman Press International

Minuteman Press franchise owners Jeff & Diana Merritt, Salisbury, MD.

Minuteman Press Franchise Review: 15 Years for Jeff & Diana Merritt

minuteman-press-franchise-review-15-years-for-jeff-diana-merritt

Dog Training Elite

photo of black and white dog, wearing a Santa hat, sitting in a wicker basket with Christmas decor

Expert Training Tips for a Well-Behaved Dog This Christmas Season

holiday-dog-training-tips

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

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

California Pizza Kitchen’s Sale Is the Latest in the Era of PE-Backed Turnarounds in Franchising

california-pizza-kitchens-sale-is-the-latest-in-the-era-of-pe-backed-turnarounds-in-franchising

Buying a fitness franchise, people exercising

Boutique vs. Big Box Gym Franchises: Which Offers Best ROI in the $7 Billion Fitness Market?

buy-fitness-franchise-boutique-big-box-comparison

Pieology Pizza Enters Chapter 11 Following Costly Bid To Save Struggling Stores

pieology-pizza-files-chapter-11-bankruptcy

CNBC: McDonald’s Will Assess if Franchisees Are Offering Value for Customers Under New Standards

mcdonalds-franchise-standards-value-metric

How AI Is Transforming Restaurant Operations and Franchises

ai-impact-restaurants-franchises-human-centric-technology

Scenthound Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

scenthound-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Newk's Eatery Franchise - Columbus, Mississippi Expansion - 1851 Franchise

Newk’s Eatery Taps Seasoned Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Multi-Unit Operators for New Columbus, Mississippi Expansion

newks-franchise-columbus-ms-patel

Photo of group of dogs standing together in day care facility

Top Pet Boarding and Day Care Franchise Opportunities for 2025

top-pet-boarding-daycare-franchises

A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

franchising-your-business-who-to-call-first

Do You Qualify? A Look at the Chick-fil-A Franchise Requirements

do-you-qualify-a-look-at-the-chick-fil-a-franchise-requirements

The Top 15 Pet Wellness and Vet Care Franchises for 2025

top-pet-wellness-franchise-opportunities

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

right-at-home-franchise-las-cruces-jerome-hanway

AI-related job cuts, October U.S. job cuts, American job cut record

AI-Fueled Layoffs Reshape the U.S. Job Market — And Highlight Franchising’s Resilience

ai-job-cuts-franchising-path-forward

How Famous Toastery Shows Restaurants Are One of the Most Recession-Resistant Businesses

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS