Franchise Deep Dive: Farmer Boys® Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

LAST UPDATED: July 20, 2023

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.farmerboys.com/franchising/

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 100+

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $1.056M – $2.52M

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): N/A

Farmer Boys® is a franchise that offers a unique experience in the $163 billion burger franchise segment. Serving award-winning burgers and hearty cooked-to-order breakfasts, as well as hand-chopped salads and stacked sandwiches since 1981, they know one thing: farm fresh food will never go out of style. 

How Many Farmer Boys Are There?

Farmer Boys was founded by the five burger-loving Havadjias brothers, who were raised on a family farm on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. They grew up working the soil, and they have the calloused hands and crow’s feet wrinkles to prove it. In 1979, the brothers opened their first restaurant, Astro Burgers, after moving to Torrance, California, followed by a full-service restaurant called Theodore’s in Hollywood. 

In 1981, the first Farmer Boys location opened in Perris, California. By 2005, the brand had hit 50 units open, and at last count, there are over 100 Farmer Boys restaurants in California, Nevada and Arizona. In 2022, Technomic's Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report named Farmer Boys among the highest-grossing brands in the U.S.

In mid-March 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Farmer Boys temporarily shut down its dining room and pivoted to drive-thru, delivery, takeout and pickup services. After overcoming challenges faced in the industry in recent years, the brand is focused on understanding customer preferences and adapting store designs to meet their needs. The five founding brothers’ children are now helping to drive the business forward. Looking ahead to 2023 and beyond, Farmer Boys has set ambitious goals for franchise development. 

Farmer Boys aims to build cost-efficient new units while expanding its presence beyond Southern California, particularly targeting the Inland Empire, Orange County, Los Angeles, Ventura County, Sacramento and the Phoenix area. The ultimate goal is for Farmer Boys to become a Southwest powerhouse by leveraging its strengths in California, Nevada and Arizona to expand further into Utah and Colorado. The aim is to maintain its high-quality standards while opening 10 to 15 new stores annually.

What Is a Farmer Boys Business Model?

Farmer Boys serves breakfast all day, including omelets, pancakes and other morning favorites. In addition to their delicious burgers, Farmer Boys offers hearty salads and signature sandwiches. The flexibility to order any item at any time, along with the freshness and quality of their ingredients, makes Farmer Boys stand out in the industry. 

The current store prototype occupies approximately 2,800 square feet; however, the chain is now aiming to downsize and place a greater emphasis on its drive-thru service, which experienced substantial growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. To further enhance the experience for to-go customers and delivery drivers, Farmer Boys is taking steps to ensure a seamless and efficient process. As part of the store redesign, built-in shelving will be incorporated near the front door. 

Farmer Boys has franchisees ranging from single-unit owners to large multi-unit operators. The brand's growth strategy involves partnering with multi-unit operators who are excited about the potential for expansion. Operating a Farmer Boys franchise requires a hands-on approach, and franchisees are expected to be actively involved in the business. The ideal candidate for Farmer Boys is someone who already has success in the restaurant industry and is looking to expand their portfolio. 

How Much Can Farmer Boys Franchise Owners Make?

Farmer Boys does not provide specific earnings claims in its Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at this stage. While potential profitability can be discussed in personal conversations, it is crucial to approach the opportunity with realistic expectations, considering the various factors affecting the business's success.

How Much Does It Cost to Open as a Farmer Boys Location?

Investing in a Farmer Boys franchise requires a significant capital investment, ranging from  $1.056 million to $2.52 million. Although the net worth requirement is substantial at $750,000, Farmer Boys is open to partnering with mid-level individuals who have the capacity to scale their investment by owning multiple units.

What Is the Franchise Fee for Farmer Boys?

The initial franchise fee is $45,000. 

Who’s On Farmer Boys’ Leadership Team?

• Demetris Havadjias, founder and CEO 
• George Havadjias, co-founder
• Harry Havadjias, co-founder
• Makis Havadjias, co-founder
• Joseph Ortiz, president and COO
• John Lucas, VP of brand and franchise development

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Farmer Boys?

• Farmer Boys Franchise: Meet the Franchisor
• Why I Bought My Franchise: Jeff and Shirley Barnes, Farmer Boys
• Farmer Boys Franchise Expanding Further into Orange County
• Why this U.K. McDonald's franchisee came to the U.S. to open a Farmer Boys with her daughter
• Farmer Boys Expands with New Signed Agreement in Perris, CA

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