Growth Club
1851 Growth Club
The List Issue: Franchises that have Thanksgiving Food on the Menu
Luckily for those without the skill or inclination to cook a whole bird themselves, there is a growing list of nationwide franchises offering their own twists on the classic Thanksgiving feast.
Ah, Thanksgiving. A day to give thanks to the people in our lives and take stock of what is most important. And to eat incredible quantities of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce.
Luckily for those without the skill or inclination to cook a whole bird themselves, there is a growing list of nationwide franchises offering their own twists on the classic Thanksgiving feast. Best of all, all of these brands have opportunities for prospective entrepreneurs who want to own their own piece of autumnal culinary excellence.
Recognized as “America's #1 buffet and grill,” this family friendly buffet concept is thriving with over 480 restaurants. In true Golden Corral style, Turkey Day brings the classics with the brand’s Thanksgiving Day Buffet on top of its new and popular Smokehouse menu.
Number of locations: 481
Startup costs: $2,120,644 to $4,424,970
With over 40 years’ experience and more than 100 locations, Capriotti’s has long been a destination for great turkey sandwiches. In fact, the brand was started when its founders decided to make a sandwich for “real turkey lovers,” from whole roasted turkeys. The Bobbie, available year round, is a Thanksgiving classic containing turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and mayo.
Number of locations: 101
Startup costs: $350,000 to $815,000
Togo’s, the fast-growing San Jose sandwich shop with a cult-like following, is known as a “West Coast Original.” However, if you want to trade the avocado and albacore for something a little more autumnal, the Turkey & Cranberry has got your Thanksgiving craving covered.
Number of locations: 237
Startup costs: $274,000 to $508,700
Looking for a franchise with a healthier fall favorite? Saladworks, the fresh, made-to-order concept from New Jersey, is offering an Autumn Harvest Salad, sure to please the palates of Thanksgiving-lovers as well as those entrepreneurs looking to join a fast-growing franchise opportunity.
Number of locations: 93
Startup costs: $498,089 to $592,190
Which Wich Superior Sandwiches
The Thank You Turkey®, available year-round at Which Wich, includes thinly-sliced turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce; truly an entire Thanksgiving feast on one delicious sandwich. Which Wich is currently on pace to boast more than 500 locations by the end of 2017, so the opportunity to join the Dallas-based franchise has never been better.
Number of locations: 438
Startup costs: $203,000 to $495,250
Slim Chickens, the home of Life Changing Chicken, has been steadily growing out from its home market in Arkansas since its founding in 2003. Now, potential franchisees and pumpkin fans can get in on a sweet take on Thanksgiving with the brand’s Harvest Pumpkin Cheesecake Jar Dessert.
Number of locations: 71
Startup costs: $813,000 to $1,395,650
Buca is an eccentric and eclectic family-style franchise, but the chain offers a truly Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner, and offers holiday banquet options as well. Started in 1993, Buca is now focusing on expansion, with a focus on international growth.
Number of location: 92
Denny’s began franchising in 1963, and now America's Diner is serving up Grand Slams in over 1,700 restaurants. And while breakfast may be the brand’s calling card for many, Thanksgiving seekers can stop in for a classic diner take on the Turkey& Dressing Dinner.
Number of locations: 1,721
Startup costs: $915,568 to $2,421,184
Brinker International, franchisor of over 1,600 restaurants including Maggiano’s and Chili’s, is on the lookout for franchisee partners to help the brands grow both in the United States and abroad. Specifically, the Maggiano’s Little Italy brand boasts a Family Style Thanksgiving Dinner for those that would rather keep their kitchen clean and tidy and leave stuffing the bird to the pros.
Number of locations: 52
Sizzling bacon, fluffy pancakes, and… Turkey and Dressing? Perkins, the classic American breakfast franchise with almost 400 locations, has come a long way since Perkins Pancake House opened in 1958. The brand is currently looking to grow, so anyone interested in giant flags and short-stacks may just be a perfect fit.
Number of locations: 395
Startup costs: $1,389,625 to $2,600,625
Applebee's claims annual sales of $4.7 billion, making it the largest casual dining chain in the world, even as is continues looking for new multi-unit developers. And this Thanksgiving, you can enjoy Applebee’s traditional Thanksgiving Day Meal if Turkey Day at home just isn’t your thing.
Number of locations: 2,015
Startup costs: $1,965,600 to $7,053,400
Yet another franchise primarily known for pancakes that is getting in on the holiday spirit is IHOP, with its Roasted Turkey Dinner. Now might be the time to consider joining the breakfast behemoth, as IHOP has been ranked "#1 in Family Dining" by Nation's Restaurant News' annual Top 100 issue since 2008.
Number of locations: 1,725
Startup costs: $639,000 to $2,834,000
The second holiday buffet option on our list comes courtesy of Ponderosa’s Thanksgiving Buffet, which also offers a convenient “Heat & Serve” Whole Roasted Turkey option. In the franchising game for over 50 years, the chain is continuing to grow both domestically and outside of the U.S.
Number of locations: 141
Startup costs: $339,200 to $1,552,600
Sizzler, the iconic American destination for over 50 years, offers its own take on Thanksgiving Dinner. The brand may be picky about franchisee partners coming in with restaurant experience, but for those that fit the bill, major growth opportunities exist to join the steak and salad bar company.
Number of locations: 191
Startup costs: $1,300,000 to $2,500,000
The Ruth’s Chris Steak House name might be confusing, but customers do not seem bothered as the brand continues to succeed and looks to keep growing with passionate franchisees. And for Thanksgiving, a three-course turkey dinner is the perfect answer for those that would rather not host the big day themselves.
Number of locations: 150
Startup costs: $2,539,500 to $5,932,500
The Cosi team is in the midst of big growth plans, and right now the fresh-food brand based on carefully sourced ingredients is looking specifically for experienced multi-unit franchisees to join in that development. Right now, for a limited time only, the brand is offering a Turkey Stuffing Sandwich filled with turkey, holiday stuffing and cranberry sauce to satisfy any pilgrim’s turkey urges.
Number of locations: 143
Startup costs: $762,600 to $899,800
While Quiznos is better known for its classic sandwiches, the brand is this year giving customers a lighter seasonal choice with its Apple Harvest Chicken Salad. The 30+-year-old company boasts a low startup cost and diverse menu of chef-inspired sandwiches that still make the brand an appealing one to prospective franchisees.
Number of locations: 2349
Startup costs: $202,448 to $250,084
The brand got its start as Potbelly Sandwich Shop in 1977 Chicago, but now Potbelly is on a rapid franchise growth trajectory with close to 400 locations around the country. This Thanksgiving, after the turkey and stuffing are all gone, Potbelly has you covered for dessert with new Pumpkin Pie Cookies.
Number of locations: 360
Startup costs: $469,050 to $794,700
Whether or not you believe the story John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, as the ubiquitous foodstuff’s creator and namesake, there is no question about the current hot streak of franchise brand Earl of Sandwich. Capitalizing on the strong fast-casual market, Earl of Sandwich is growing, and with favorites like the Holiday Turkey (turkey, cornbread stuffing, turkey gravy, cranberry sauce and mayonnaise) it is easy to see why.
Number of locations: 34
Startup costs: $341,190 to $520,450
A Turkey Cake may not sound that appealing, but at Baskin-Robbins, the turkey is aesthetic only when it comes to the holiday-themed dessert. Consistently ranked one of America’s top franchise brands, Baskin-Robbins is the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops and is showing no signs of slowing down.
Number of locations: 7,892
Startup costs: $93,550 to $401,800
Panera has seen a recent resurgence with the public’s increasing desire for fresh, clean food, and the bakery brand is now on the hunt for experienced multi-units franchise partners. Panera is also proving that Thanksgiving can be good and clean as well, with a Turkey Cranberry Flatbread Sandwich containing all the best elements of a bog turkey dinner.
Number of locations: 2,040
Startup costs: $1,133,000 to $3,884,000
With more than 12,000 locations and a horde of loyal coffee addicts, Dunkin’ Donuts remains a clear franchise favorite. And this time of year, what screams Thanksgiving more than a hot coffee and Pumpkin Donut to accompany the early wakeup call as you start an entire day in the kitchen.
Number of locations: 12,287
Startup costs: $228,620 to $1,691,200
As far as fast food goes, there is likely not a more well-known fall seasonal item than Subway’s Autumn Carved Turkey Sub. That recognition is only one reason why the franchise maintains the honor of being number one in total restaurant count in the QSR space, a number that is only going up as more qualified franchisees join the sub shop franchise.
Number of locations: 44,608
Startup costs: $147,050 to $320,700
Arby’s: they have the [deep fried] meats. According to the brand, you could try to deep fry your turkey at home and risk blowing up your family, or just come in to any of the chain’s 3,000+ restaurants for a decadent Deep Fried Turkey Club.
Number of locations: 3,345
Startup costs: $271,950 to $1,773,000
McAlister’s got its humble start back in 1989 in Oxford, Mississippi, and the brand hasn’t looked back with impressive franchise-based growth over the last several years. And while you may not immediately think “Deli” when you think of Thanksgiving, that might just change when you see the Deli Orange Cranberry Club- a new and creative take on a turkey classic.
Number of locations: 387
Startup costs: $762,000 to $2,028,500
