5 Fast-Casual Franchises We Love

Fast-casual restaurants continue to adapt to a “new normal” during the COVID-19 pandemic by developing innovative ways to interact with customers while growing sales. Despite the challenges that affected the industry, the fast-casual segment is on the upswing and provides a good opportunity for potential franchisees to get in on the growth. 

Here are five fast-casual franchises we love for 2022. 

Togo’s

• Startup costs: $216,500-$451,500
• Unit count: Nearly 200

California-based sandwich giant Togo’s uses high-quality ingredients to make fresh artisan bread, hand-sliced premium pastrami, turkey and roast beef sandwiches, and Hass avocados hand-mashed daily. The brand, founded in 1971, offers a unique restaurant investment opportunity for potential franchisees in the West.

Atomic Wings*

• Startup costs: $155,900-$381,000 (depending on number of units in agreement)
• Unit count: 20

Atomic Wings was founded in 1981 with a mission to offer its customers authentic Buffalo wings. Now the brand has spread throughout the New York metropolitan region with its perfected recipes and proven business model. Atomic Wings continues to grow in the Northeast with its proprietary sauces and regional menu items made from fresh, never-frozen buffalo wings.

Shuckin’ Shack

• Startup costs: $352,700-$1,128,252
• Unit count: 16

Shuckin’ Shack started out in a 900-square-foot shack in Carolina Beach, North Carolina in 2007. The brand prides itself on offering an oyster bar “lifestyle experience” for families of all ages coupled with its excellent seafood menu.

A&W

• Startup costs: $841,500-$1,213,000 (does not include real estate cost)
• Unit count: 527

A&W first opened in Lodi, California in 1919 and has grown to over 500 locations in the U.S. The brand elicits a sense of nostalgia from customers with its one-of-a-kind look and signature A&W Root Beer served in the iconic frosty mug. 

Teriyaki Madness

• Startup costs: $327,200-$678,260
• Unit count: 100+

Teriyaki Madness offers made-to-order, healthy bowls, apps and sides made with fresh, all-natural ingredients at affordable prices. The brand was founded in 2003 and has more than 100 stores open around the country.