Top Breakfast Franchise Opportunities of 2022

COVID-19 has done a number on virtually all restaurants, but especially the standard dine-in breakfast experience. People have been unable to gather like normal, and since breakfast foods consist of often-messy eggs, time-sensitive bacon and other related fare, it’s a little tougher to find a delivery-based option that rivals the actual dine-in experience.

Some top-tier franchise opportunities remain in the breakfast space, however, and many brands are surging ahead in their claims for public recognition. Whether you’re looking for pandemic-related adjustments or unique breakfast offerings, here’s a full breakdown of some of 1851’s favorites — from the nationally established brands to the up-and-coming breakfast breakouts.

Flying Biscuit Café

• Unit count: 27
• Startup costs: $442,500-$737,000

Flying Biscuit Café has experienced double-digit growth for the past four years, and paired with a relatively low initial investment figure, this opportunity is great for franchisees looking to follow a dependable model in this specific space. The brand is a more upscale take on a traditional breakfast diner, an appeal showcased to customers in the brand’s 27 locations.

Toastique

• Unit count: 4
• Startup costs: $280,750-$482,200

Toastique founder Brianna Keefe launched this brand in 2018, creating a business out of her lifelong passion. The brand was actually profitable during the pandemic, which shows particularly well for investors looking for a modern brand with a modern approach toward delivering to customers.

Famous Toastery

• Unit count: 30+
• Startup costs: $601,500-$1,029,500

This brand could be the steakhouse version of breakfast and brunch dining. Famous Toastery opened in 2005 and opened for franchising 12 years later, ensuring the model had been perfected before jumping too soon.

The Original Pancake House

• Unit count: 100+
• Startup costs: $432,500-$108,250

This brand has expanded nationwide, and with one of the highest unit counts on our list, it is one of the most proven, too. The Original Pancake House is one of the more traditional names on this list, as well, and while they depend heavily on some standard (quite literally, “original”) service practices, the devout following for this brand alone can help it navigate a pandemic.

Scooter’s Coffee

• Unit count: 350+
• Startup costs: $389,942-$860,654

Scooter’s depends heavily on drive-thru traffic and has quickly established itself as a leading provider in this high-demand space — and post-pandemic, even higher than ever. The investment appeal for this brand has grown for that very reason.

Sonic Drive-In

• Unit count: 3,500+
• Startup costs: $1,242,200-$3,537,700

Speaking of drive-thru service: National giant Sonic pairs it with drive-in booths, open outdoor seating and one of the most pandemic-proof models you can find in the quick-serve space. The brand’s breakfast menu is also one of the most comprehensive in its field, too.

Sunny Street Café

• Unit count: 22
• Startup costs: $488,000-$686,000

Sunny Street operates exclusively in the Midwest right now, but its loyal following has helped to make a name for the brand and bolster its potential expansion in the near future. The brand has a direct-ordering link on its website for delivery through Uber Eats, which has been readily embraced as people have shied away from in-person dining.

Egg N’ Joe

• Unit count: 3
• Startup costs: $712,000-$1,573,000

This brand is a sister concept to Elmer’s Restaurants, another popular restaurant concept, and the Egg N’ Joe operation’s three units in Arizona have developed a loyal customer base in a matter of months. A relatively new brand, their menu is comprehensive, suggesting that this idea was years in the making.

Eggs Up Grill

• Unit count: 59
• Startup costs: $491,207-$678,011

Eggs Up Grill ranked #1 in breakfast restaurants on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list, and the rapid growth of this brand has been a direct reflection of the momentum it passes on to franchisees. The brand has doubled in size since 2018.

Cocoa Grinder

• Unit count: 7
• Startup costs: $150,000-$220,000

This Brooklyn-based coffee shop just recently opened for franchising and has quickly proven how to put a city-based cafe concept into a franchising model. Cocoa Grinder features a unique atmosphere on a scalable model, allowing franchisees to be themselves with their businesses while following a corporate roadmap.