The American fast-casual restaurant industry continues to thrive, with Mediterranean concepts rising as one of the most lucrative and health-forward opportunities. Among these, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill stands out as a strong contender for entrepreneurs seeking a scalable, brand-backed business. In this detailed 2025 franchise guide, we’ll break down what makes The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill franchise appealing, what to expect in terms of costs and profitability, the kind of support the brand offers, and whether it’s truly a smart investment in today’s restaurant market.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill has positioned itself as more than just another fast-casual restaurant. It combines the crave-worthy flavors of traditional Mediterranean cuisine—gyro, souvlaki, falafel, and fresh salads—with the efficiency and branding of a modern, franchise-ready business model. Its focus on fresh ingredients, customizable menu options, and fast service caters to both dine-in guests and the booming takeout and delivery segment.
What’s notable is the franchise’s emphasis on customer experience and authenticity. The concept was designed to replicate the warmth of a Greek family kitchen, while maintaining a clean, efficient, and tech-enabled operation that scales easily across U.S. markets.
With Americans continuing to shift toward balanced, protein-rich diets and global flavors, The Great Greek franchise is perfectly aligned with long-term food trends that support both demand and franchise longevity.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill was founded in 2011 in Henderson, Nevada, by two seasoned restaurateurs with Greek heritage and decades of combined experience in hospitality. Their goal was simple: to deliver a modern take on traditional Mediterranean dining while ensuring consistency, operational simplicity, and community connection.
The concept quickly gained popularity, leading to the development of a franchise program in 2016. In 2018, the brand became part of the United Franchise Group (UFG) family—a major player in franchising with multiple globally recognized brands. This partnership provided The Great Greek with a proven support infrastructure, refined systems, and a scalable growth model that allowed it to expand across dozens of U.S. states and into Canada.
As of early 2025, The Great Greek has over 50 operating locations with several more in development. Its footprint continues to grow rapidly, especially in high-demand markets such as Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California.
At its core, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is a fast-casual dining experience focused on three main pillars: freshness, hospitality, and speed. The brand’s menu is built on Mediterranean staples like grilled meats, rice bowls, fresh salads, and warm pita sandwiches—all made to order.
Unlike typical quick-service concepts, The Great Greek emphasizes handcrafted quality and real ingredients—olive oil, herbs, lean proteins, and fresh vegetables. The combination of quick service and gourmet flavors appeals to busy professionals, families, and health-conscious diners alike.
The restaurant’s flexible format also allows franchisees to adapt to local market demands, whether operating in urban centers, suburban plazas, or mixed-use developments. Its design features bright interiors, an open kitchen, and efficient kitchen layouts that keep operations streamlined and labor costs manageable.
Several reasons make The Great Greek an attractive investment for entrepreneurs in 2025:
Mediterranean cuisine has been one of the fastest-growing food segments in the United States. The emphasis on freshness, balance, and heart-healthy ingredients positions it perfectly for the wellness-oriented consumer. This demand isn’t seasonal or trend-based—it reflects a lasting shift in eating habits.
Being part of United Franchise Group gives The Great Greek a distinct competitive advantage. UFG’s decades of franchising expertise translate into operational guidance, marketing resources, and access to a proven business playbook that new operators can rely on.
The Great Greek offers adaptable layouts that fit diverse locations, from 1,500 sq. ft. inline stores to larger end-cap units with patio seating. The smaller footprint reduces rent costs and allows for faster build-outs—an important factor for new franchisees seeking quicker openings.
The business model is designed for simplicity. There’s no heavy cooking or full-service complexity, which means fewer employees are needed and training times are shorter. The streamlined kitchen layout helps reduce food waste and maintain consistency across all locations.
The franchise benefits from multiple revenue channels: dine-in, takeout, catering, and delivery. Catering, in particular, has become a strong driver of incremental sales, with corporate events and community gatherings boosting off-peak profitability.
Many franchisees who start with one location often choose to expand into multiple units within a few years. The combination of manageable overhead and growing consumer demand creates a pathway for strong portfolio growth.
Investing in The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill requires a moderate-to-high initial investment, depending on location and size.
Estimated Financial Breakdown (as of 2025):
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $39,500 |
| Total Initial Investment | $300,000 – $700,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $100,000 – $250,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Marketing Launch Budget | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Ongoing Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales |
| National Marketing Fund | 2% of Gross Sales |
The brand’s total investment range aligns competitively with other premium fast-casual franchises. Franchisees benefit from reasonable startup costs relative to potential revenue and profitability once the business stabilizes.
While actual performance depends on location, management, and local demand, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill’s business model allows for healthy profit margins typical of the fast-casual segment.
Successful units often achieve annual revenues ranging from $800,000 to $1.5 million, with average net margins in the 12–18% range after operational expenses. Catering and delivery can further lift topline sales, particularly in urban or corporate-heavy markets.
Break-even typically occurs within 18–30 months of operation, assuming strong local marketing and adherence to the franchise system.
The Great Greek menu design is both customer-friendly and operationally efficient. Offerings include signature gyros, rice bowls, salads, and grilled entrees—all customizable with fresh toppings and sauces.
The use of prepped ingredients and quick assembly lines minimizes kitchen bottlenecks. The brand also frequently introduces limited-time menu items and seasonal offerings, helping franchisees maintain excitement and repeat visits.
In addition, many locations integrate delivery partnerships and loyalty programs to build recurring customers and digital engagement.
The U.S. fast-casual restaurant market continues to outperform traditional dining segments. Analysts project steady annual growth through 2030, driven by convenience, affordability, and health-oriented menus.
Mediterranean food specifically ranks among the top three fastest-growing ethnic cuisines in America. This positions The Great Greek as a future-forward investment, particularly in regions where the concept remains underrepresented.
Top Market Opportunities for Expansion Include:
Texas (Dallas, Austin, Houston suburbs)
Florida (Tampa, Orlando, Miami metro)
California (Inland Empire, Orange County)
Arizona (Phoenix, Scottsdale)
The Carolinas and Midwest suburbs
FranchiseVoice.com’s Franchise Opportunities in the USA and Franchise Opportunities in Canada sections showcase available territories and upcoming openings.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill differentiates itself from other Mediterranean fast-casual chains through premium branding, high-quality ingredients, and strong operational discipline.
Unlike smaller regional players, its UFG partnership ensures better access to franchise financing, training, and supplier relationships. The balance between authentic flavor and franchisor support gives investors a brand that feels personal yet operates with corporate-level structure.
Its store design—bright, modern, and approachable—further reinforces brand recognition and customer loyalty.
No franchise investment is entirely risk-free. Entrepreneurs should weigh potential challenges such as:
Rising labor costs in major metro areas.
Local competition from other Mediterranean or health-focused restaurants.
Initial capital requirements that may stretch budgets depending on build-out costs.
Operational consistency—owners must remain engaged to maintain customer satisfaction.
However, with strong franchise support and proper site selection, The Great Greek’s proven playbook minimizes many of these risks compared to independent restaurant startups.
For entrepreneurs looking for a restaurant franchise that combines proven systems, health-driven demand, and strong scalability, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is an excellent contender.
Its association with United Franchise Group, efficient operating model, and alignment with lasting food trends make it a strong bet in the fast-casual space. With continued U.S. expansion, multiple revenue streams, and a recognizable brand story rooted in quality and community, the franchise offers real potential for profitability and growth.
For investors exploring restaurant ownership or diversification within their portfolio, this brand delivers a compelling mix of stability, scalability, and long-term relevance.
To explore available territories or learn more about opportunities in your region, visit Franchise Opportunities in the USA or Franchise Opportunities in Canada.
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