Wienerschnitzel Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Wienerschnitzel is the world’s largest hot dog chain. Founded in 1961 by John Galardi in Southern California, it has grown to serve over 120 million hot dogs annually. The chain is famous not just for hot dogs but also for its signature chili that enhances many menu items.
Headquartered in Southern California, Wienerschnitzel retains strong ties to its roots. The franchise offers a variety of food items, including hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, fries, snacks, and breakfast options.
It also features Tastee-Freez soft-serve treats, providing both savory and sweet choices for a broad customer base seeking quick, satisfying meals.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Wienerschnitzel franchise? It costs on average between $299,000 – $1,462,000 to start a Wienerschnitzel franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $5,000 – $32,000 |
| Net Rent | $7,500 – $36,000 |
| Equipment Furniture, Furnishings, Fixtures | $7,700 – $300,000 |
| Small wares | $4,400 – $6,500 |
| Opening inventory | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Training | $0 – $11,600 |
| Local Marketing at Opening | $0 – $5,000 |
| Insurance | $3,000 – $21,000 |
| Uniforms | $1,500 |
| Security Deposits | $3,500 – $13,000 |
| Real Estate Improvements | $250,000 – $1,000,000 |
| CPA/Lawyer | $1,500 – $7,500 |
| Additional Funds Three months | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Total | $299,000 – $1,462,000 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Wienerschnitzel franchise? A Wienerschnitzel franchised restaurant makes on average $1,132,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $1,132,000 yearly revenue for similar other food and beverage franchises. Below are 10 Wienerschnitzel competitors as a comparison:
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We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Wienerschnitzel Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Wienerschnitzel locations are there?
As of the latest data, Wienerschnitzel has approximately 320 locations across 12 states in the U.S., with 69% of them located in California (222 locations). Texas follows with around 14% of the total locations.
What is the total investment required to open a Wienerschnitzel franchise?
The total investment required to open a Wienerschnitzel franchise ranges from $299,000 to $1,462,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Wienerschnitzel franchise?
For a Wienerschnitzel franchise, the ongoing royalty fee is 5% of gross sales. Additionally, there is a marketing fee of 4% of gross sales, which contributes to the advertising and promotional efforts on both a national and local level.
These fees are standard for all franchisees and are designed to support the brand’s growth and visibility while maintaining operational consistency across all locations.
What are the financial requirements to become a Wienerschnitzel franchisee?
To become a Wienerschnitzel franchisee, you need a minimum net worth of $600,000 and at least $300,000 in liquid capital. These financial requirements ensure you have the necessary resources to invest in the franchise and support initial operations effectively.
How much can a Wienerschnitzel franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Wienerschnitzel franchise are approximately $1.13 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $1.13 million yearly revenue can result in $169,500 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Wienerschnitzel?
Wienerschnitzel is owned by the Galardi Group, a private company founded by John Galardi. After his passing in 2013, his family continued to run the company, with Cynthia Galardi-Culpepper, his ex-wife, assuming the role of CEO.
The Galardi Group is based in Irvine, California, and also owns other brands, including Tastee-Freez and The Original Hamburger Stand. The company remains family-owned and operates as a private entity.
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