Arby’s Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs
Arby’s stands as a significant player in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, recognized for its unique positioning and innovative approach to fast food. Founded in 1964, Arby’s has grown to become the second-largest sandwich restaurant brand in the world.
The brand, which is part of the Inspire Brands family, operates from its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
Arby’s differentiates itself through its Fast Crafted® restaurant services, blending the efficiency of quick-service with the quality and personalized care characteristic of fast-casual dining experiences.
Arby’s franchise opportunities offer a compelling investment for those looking to enter the QSR market. The brand’s franchise system benefits from its long-standing industry presence since 1965, capitalizing on proven operational efficiencies, a recognized brand name, and a menu that promises both quality and convenience.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Arby’s franchise? It costs on average between $652,000 - $2,457,000 to start a Arby’s 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.
Arby’s offers 2 investment options:
| Type of Restaurant | Initial Investment Range |
|---|---|
| Free-Standing Leased Restaurant | $868,550 to $2,456,600 |
| Non-Free-Standing Leased Restaurant | $651,550 to $1,379,600 |
The detailed investment estimate below summarizes the estimated initial investment for a Non-Free-Standing Leased Restaurant.
For more information on the costs required to start an Arby’s franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Development Fee | $6,250 to $12,500 |
| Franchise Fee | $0 to $37,500 |
| Fees and Expenses During Training | $10,000 to $25,000 |
| Lease Deposits and Payments | $12,000 to $50,000 |
| Site Costs | $0 to $4,000 |
| Civil & Architectural Drawings / Professional Fees | $6,000 to $67,400 |
| Zoning / Permitting Costs | $1,000 to $18,000 |
| Building Costs | $236,000 to $500,000 |
| Equipment | $225,000 to $325,000 |
| Computer Hardware and Software / POS | $32,000 to $42,000 |
| Décor Package | $11,000 to $35,000 |
| Signage & Drive Thru | $25,000 to $45,000 |
| Pre-Opening Wages | $21,300 to $41,200 |
| Opening Inventory | $18,000 to $26,000 |
| Insurance | $10,000 to $16,000 |
| Working Capital / Additional Funds | $33,000 to $100,000 |
| Rent – One Month | $4,000 to $10,000 |
| Business Licenses, Health Permits, Utilities Deposits | $1,000 to $25,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $651,550 to $1,379,600 |
Arby’s Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
What funding options are available for a Arby’s franchise?
Most franchise buyers in Arby’s’s investment range finance their unit through an SBA 7(a) loan, with some multi-unit operators using SBA 504 loans for real estate. Buyers with rollable retirement funds sometimes use a ROBS structure to reduce debt service. See SharpSheets’ financial model hub for funding guidance.
How long does it take to pay back a Arby’s franchise investment?
Payback periods for franchises in Arby’s’s category typically run 3-7 years, depending on investment level, location performance, and financing structure. Actual payback varies significantly by unit performance and debt service obligations.
Who owns Arby’s?
Arby’s is owned by Inspire Brands, a large restaurant company that also owns other well-known brands like Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic Drive-In, Jimmy John’s, and Dunkin’.
Inspire Brands was formed in 2018, and its portfolio includes a variety of restaurant chains across different segments of the food industry.
Arby’s was one of the founding brands of Inspire Brands, having been acquired by the company’s predecessor, Roark Capital Group, in 2011 before Inspire Brands was established.
SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: June 2026
Disclaimer
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