Franchise Deep Dive: Sizzler’s Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

LAST UPDATED: October 3, 2023 
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://sizzler.com/franchising/
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 80+
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $1.5 million to $2.5 million (according to third-party sources)
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): N/A

Sizzler, also known as Sizzler USA Restaurants, is a fast-casual steakhouse concept that is primarily located throughout the West Coast. Sizzler, which is considered a pioneer of the “pay first” fast-casual restaurant model, has served more than 2 billion customers and is known for its affordable menu offerings, which consist of steak, seafood and a salad bar. 

Sizzler was founded in 1958 by Del and Helen Johnson in Culver City, California and was originally named Del’s Sizzler Family Steak House. The brand is now headquartered in Mission Viejo, California.

Despite filing for bankruptcy in 2020, the brand is actively working to reignite interest in its offerings through a variety of new marketing campaigns and limited-time offers.

How Many Sizzler Locations Are There?

As of October 2023, there are 84 Sizzler restaurant locations. The brand has 73 locations in the U.S. and 11 in Puerto Rico.  

What Is Sizzler’s Business Model?

Sizzler’s business model revolves around providing customers with a fast casual dining experience consisting of steak, seafood, burgers, chicken and appetizers. The brand is also known for its salad bar, which allows customers to create their own personalized salads using a variety of fresh ingredients. The restaurant boasts a family-friendly atmosphere and emphasizes grilled, healthier menu options.

According to the brand’s consumer-facing website, the ideal Sizzler franchise candidate is an existing multi-unit, single- or multi-concept franchisee. Sizzler prefers its prospective franchisees to have prior restaurant experience, as well as a strong business acumen. 

How Much Can Sizzler Franchise Owners Make?

Sizzler does not have a publicly available Item 19. To learn more, contact the team about reading the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which will state the total earnings of any company or franchise-owned unit as a reference. 

How Much Does It Cost To Open a Sizzler Franchise?

As of October 2023, Sizzler’s franchising website does not list any of the brand’s investment information. However, according to third-party sources, the cost required to open a Sizzler franchise can range from $1.5 million to $2.5 million, which covers the cost of construction, equipment, signage and initial marketing expenses. Additionally, the brand is reported to have a franchise fee of $45K and an ongoing royalty fee of 6% of gross sales.

For more up-to-date information, contact the Sizzler leadership team directly. 

Who’s On Sizzler’s Leadership Team?

• Chris Perkins — President and Chief Services Officer
• Forbes Collins — COO
• Tim Perkins — Chief Strategy Officer
• Michael Tebo — Senior Director of Operations
• Stephen Zarubi — Vice President of Franchise Operations
• Don Henry — VP of Purchasing and Distribution
• Sasha Shennikov — Director of Marketing

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Sizzler?

• Sizzler: Revisit This Summer
• Sizzler Begins to Find its Customers Again
• Sizzler reaches back almost 40 years for a re-introduction to lapsed customers
• Sizzler aims for a renaissance by unabashedly embracing its past

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