FREE Franchise Guide!
Franchise 500 2023
2023 Franchise 500 Rank
#202 Ranked #301 last year
See the Full List
Initial investment
$569K - $1.9M
Units as of 2023
322 Decrease 5% over 3 years

Schlotzsky’s is a restaurant founded in 1971 by Don and Dolores Dissman. It prides itself on a special menu that leaves customers full and satisfied. Schlotzsky's menu items include sandwiches, salads, soups, pizzas, vegetarian dishes, and desserts.

Schlotzsky’s has been in the franchise business since 1976, and it has over 300 franchise units in the United States. It is a fast food joint and a subsidiary of Focus Brands.

If you are looking to franchise a fast food restaurant, Schlotzsky's might be just what you are looking for. Before starting your Schlotzsky's franchise, you will complete comprehensive training to perfect your restaurant skills and experience.

Why You May Want to Start a Schlotzsky's Franchise

Schlotzsky's food items use quality ingredients, giving them a unique taste. The restaurants are designed to make Schlotzsky's an attractive hangout for family nights and date nights alike.

Customers are continually looking for a quick lunch or dinner due to busy work schedules. Many families now prefer take-out to home-prepared meals due to other commitments. Schlotzskys, being a well-known brand, gives franchisees an excellent opportunity to provide take-out meals to hungry diners.

Additionally, Schlotzsky’s has been ranked on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 every year since 2013. This ranking is based on an evaluation of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability.

You don't need prior restaurant or franchising experience to franchise with Schlotzsky’s. The company offers exclusive training to franchisees, both on the job and in classroom sessions. However, you will need a few experienced people on your team to run the restaurant with the greatest efficiency.

What Might Make a Schlotzsky's Franchise a Good Choice?

Before you make any investments, you should consult your financial planner and attorney to review your decision to franchise with Schlotzsky’s.

Franchisees need to meet company set liquid cash requirements, along with the financial investment required to open a Schlotzsky’s franchise. With your financial investment, you may receive third-party financing for your franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, and payroll. 

How To Start a Schlotzsky's Franchise

As you make your decision concerning franchising with Schlotzsky’s, make sure you take time to explore the opportunity. Research the brand and your local area to see if a franchise would do well in your community. You want to make sure that the community around you would react positively to a new fast food restaurant and that there’s not too much competition already.

Progression through the franchise process may look different for everyone, but you can expect various interviews and discussions with the executive management of Schlotzsky's. You may also receive a tour of corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia and an existing Schlotzsky's location. 

After final approval to franchise with Schlotzsky’s, the company will identify the most suitable location to build the franchise. Additionally, Schlotzsky’s will offer comprehensive training for four weeks to you and your team. This will help you  familiarize yourself with the franchise operations. Once you are through with the training, you will be ready to open the doors of your Schlotzsky's franchise.

Find Your Perfect Franchise

Company Overview

About Schlotzsky's

Industry Food
Related Categories Miscellaneous Sandwiches, Sandwiches
Founded 1971
Parent Company Focus Brands LLC
Leadership William Armstrong, Chief Brand Officer
Corporate Address 5620 Glenridge Dr. N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30342
Social Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Business Overview

Franchising Since 1976 (47 years)
# of employees at HQ 77
Where seeking

This company is offering new franchisees throughout the US.

# of Units 322 (as of 2023)

Information for Franchisees

Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Schlotzsky's franchise.

Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees

Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.

Initial Franchise Fee Information Circle
$35,500
Initial Investment Information Circle
$568,600 - $1,851,750
Net Worth Requirement Information Circle
$1,000,000
Cash Requirement Information Circle
$300,000
Veteran Incentives Information Circle
$15,500 off franchise fee
Royalty Fee Information Circle
6%
Ad Royalty Fee Information Circle
4%
Term of Agreement Information Circle
20 years
Is franchise term renewable? Yes
Take Our Free Franchise Quiz!

Financing Options

Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.

Third Party Financing Schlotzsky's has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll

Training & Support Offered

Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.

On-The-Job Training 36-200 hours
Classroom Training 18-50 hours
Ongoing Support
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Support
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App

Operations

Additional details about running this franchise.

Is absentee ownership allowed? No
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? Information Circle
No
Can this franchise be run part time? Information Circle
No
Are exclusive territories available? Information Circle
Yes
Take our quick quiz to find your ideal franchise

Interested in ownership opportunities like Schlotzsky's? Request a free consultation with a Franchise Advisor now.

Franchise 500 Ranking History

Compare where Schlotzsky's landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.

Additional Rankings

Curious to know where Schlotzsky's ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.

Sign Up for Our Franchise Newsletter

Stay up to date on the latest news and trends affecting the franchise industry.

Related Franchises

Are you eager to see what else is out there? Browse franchises that are similar to Schlotzsky's.

Schlotzsky's

description
Sandwiches, pizza, soups, salads

Edible

description
Sculpted fruit bouquets, chocolate covered fruit, smoothies, fruit salads, baked goods

Jersey Mike's Subs

description
Subs and Philly cheesesteaks

Related Franchise Content

Catch up on the latest franchise news, trends, and more.

Starting a Business

Your Ultimate Research Guide to the Crucial Steps Before Buying a Franchise

If you're thinking about becoming a franchisee, find out what you're getting yourself into by reviewing this quick guide.

Franchise

If You Want to Join a Franchise That Is Truly Diverse, These Are the Top 100 to Consider

These franchises are putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to inclusivity.

Franchise

These Are the Top Companies That Support Franchises in 2023

From banking to marketing to event planning, find out who to hire to help your business thrive.

Franchise

Would You Turn Your Small Business Into a Franchise? Here's Why Everyone From Hardware Stores to Hot Dog Shops Are Doing It.

When you've put your blood, sweat and tears into building an independent business, it's hard to know if converting to franchise is selling out, or buying into something better. We talked to business owners across industries about how they made the decision, and to franchisors on why they're pursuing the conversion strategy.

Franchise

How Immigrating From Argentina to the Bronx at 11 Prepared Her For Life as a Franchisee

Vanesa Ellis was no expert in mosquitos or lawn care, but other experiences made her a perfect fit for two home-care brands.

See more franchise content
Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022