1939
170
$218,000
$30,000
$503,000
No
Country Kitchen Restaurants is a cherished American dining institution, offering hearty comfort food since 1939. With a rich history rooted in small-town hospitality and a commitment to quality, the brand has evolved from its humble beginnings into a nationwide franchise opportunity. Known for its all-day breakfast, classic American meals, and warm, welcoming atmosphere, Country Kitchen continues to be a favorite destination for families and travelers alike.
Established Brand Legacy: With over 85 years in the industry, Country Kitchen has built a reputation for quality and consistency, making it a trusted name in American dining.
Diverse Revenue Streams: The menu caters to various tastes, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, along with seasonal specials, ensuring year-round customer engagement.
Flexible Location Options: Franchisees can choose from standalone locations, travel plazas, or hotel integrations, allowing for adaptability to different markets.
Proven Operational Model: The franchise offers a time-tested business model with established operational procedures, reducing the learning curve for new owners.
Comprehensive Support: From site selection to ongoing marketing, Country Kitchen provides robust support to its franchisees, ensuring sustained business growth.
Country Kitchen Restaurants is a well-established, American casual dining brand with a rich history and a strong presence in the USA. Understanding its origins, growth, and market positioning provides valuable insight for prospective franchisees.
Founded: 1939
Founders: Bill Johnson and Bill Goodman
Origin Story: Country Kitchen started as a small hamburger stand in Cincinnati, Ohio. The founders focused on serving high-quality, affordable meals with a welcoming atmosphere—a philosophy that continues to define the brand today.
Franchising Since: 1958
Franchise Units: Approximately 170 locations across 26 states in the USA
Growth Philosophy: The brand expanded gradually, emphasizing operational consistency, customer satisfaction, and community engagement.
Current Ownership: Country Kitchen International, Inc., headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin
Management Role: Oversees franchise development, operational guidelines, brand standards, and marketing initiatives, ensuring all franchisees maintain the quality and reputation of the brand.
Industry Category: Casual Dining / Family Restaurants
Target Market: Families, travelers, and local community members seeking hearty, comfort-style American cuisine
Geographic Presence: Spread across both urban and rural locations, with a strong foothold in small towns and community-centered markets
Known for all-day breakfast, classic American meals, and a warm, inviting atmosphere
Recognized as a trusted and nostalgic brand in the USA, often associated with quality, consistency, and friendly service
Positioned as a family-friendly casual dining option with strong local customer loyalty
Early Years: From its first location in Cincinnati, the brand grew steadily by focusing on food quality and service
Expansion: Through franchising, Country Kitchen expanded its footprint across multiple states, adapting to both small-town and suburban markets
Modern Era: Today, it is a respected franchise opportunity, combining a legacy of American dining with modern operational support and marketing strategies
Country Kitchen Restaurants is a legacy brand in the American casual dining industry. With over 80 years of history, a strong franchise network, and a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, it offers franchisees the opportunity to invest in a well-recognized and trusted restaurant brand.
Country Kitchen Restaurants places strong emphasis on helping its franchisees succeed. Their support system is designed to guide you from the initial planning stages to ongoing operations, ensuring you have the tools and knowledge needed to run a profitable restaurant.
Before opening your restaurant, Country Kitchen provides extensive guidance to ensure your location is positioned for success:
Site Selection Assistance: Franchise consultants help identify the most profitable locations based on traffic patterns, demographics, and market potential.
Lease & Contract Support: Guidance on negotiating lease agreements and legal considerations.
Restaurant Design & Layout: Experts assist in designing a layout that optimizes kitchen workflow, seating capacity, and overall customer experience.
Permits & Licensing: Assistance in obtaining necessary health, safety, and business permits.
Franchisees receive structured training to develop operational expertise and management skills:
Initial Training Program: Covers day-to-day operations, food preparation standards, customer service, and management practices.
Hands-On Kitchen Training: Franchisees and key staff learn standardized cooking methods and recipes to maintain menu consistency.
Point-of-Sale & Technology Training: Instruction on using POS systems, inventory management software, and reporting tools for smooth operations.
Once your restaurant is running, continuous operational support ensures long-term success:
Field Support Representatives: Regular visits by experienced professionals to review operations, provide guidance, and ensure adherence to brand standards.
Operational Manuals: Detailed manuals covering procedures for staff management, customer service, inventory control, and quality assurance.
Problem-Solving Assistance: Access to a network of experts for troubleshooting day-to-day challenges.
Country Kitchen provides franchisees with strategies and tools to attract and retain customers:
National Marketing Campaigns: Participation in brand-wide promotions to drive awareness and customer engagement.
Local Marketing Assistance: Guidance for area-specific advertising, community events, and digital marketing.
Social Media & Online Presence: Support in leveraging social media, review sites, and online ordering platforms to maximize visibility.
Approved Suppliers: Access to a network of reliable vendors for food ingredients, equipment, and restaurant essentials.
Cost Management: Guidance on inventory control and procurement to maintain profitability without compromising quality.
Refresher Courses & Workshops: Opportunities for franchisees and staff to update skills and stay current with industry trends.
Operational Updates: Training on new menu items, technology upgrades, and best practices.
Summary:
Country Kitchen ensures franchisees are never left on their own. From selecting the right location to daily operations, marketing, and continuous improvement, the brand provides structured, hands-on support and training to maximize the franchisee’s chances of long-term success.
Investing in a Country Kitchen Restaurant franchise requires more than capital—it demands the right mindset, skills, and commitment. The ideal franchisee is someone who aligns with the brand’s values, understands the foodservice industry, and is passionate about delivering an exceptional dining experience.
Operational Understanding: While prior restaurant experience is a plus, franchisees with a solid background in business management, operations, or hospitality can also succeed.
Leadership Skills: Ability to lead a team effectively, manage staff, and maintain high operational standards.
Financial Acumen: Capable of handling budgets, managing cash flow, and analyzing performance metrics.
Customer-Focused: Committed to providing a warm, welcoming environment for all guests, reflecting the brand’s small-town hospitality ethos.
Quality-Oriented: Enthusiastic about maintaining consistent food quality and service standards.
Community Engagement: Interested in building strong relationships with the local community, encouraging repeat business and loyalty.
Investment Readiness: Ability to meet the total investment range of $218,000 – $503,000, including franchise fees, infrastructure costs, and working capital.
Access to Working Capital: Sufficient liquidity to manage operations during the first few months before achieving break-even.
Long-Term Financial Commitment: Willingness to invest for sustained growth, not just short-term gains.
Location Flexibility: Open to establishing a restaurant in urban, suburban, or rural markets with potential for high customer traffic.
Market Awareness: Ability to analyze local demographics, competition, and demand to optimize restaurant performance.
Commitment & Dedication: Willing to devote time and effort to running a business that may require long hours, especially in the startup phase.
Adaptability & Resilience: Able to handle challenges, adapt to operational changes, and continuously improve business performance.
Alignment with Brand Values: Shares Country Kitchen’s focus on quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
The ideal Country Kitchen franchisee is a motivated entrepreneur with a blend of business acumen, passion for hospitality, financial capability, and a commitment to the brand’s standards. This individual is ready to embrace the responsibilities of operating a casual dining restaurant while fostering community engagement and long-term profitability.
| Financial Component | Details / Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $218,000 – $503,000 (depends on location, size, and construction/renovation costs) |
| Minimum Investment Required | $218,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 (one-time, grants rights to operate under the Country Kitchen brand) |
| Royalty Fees | 4% of gross sales (ongoing fee for brand support and operational guidance) |
| Advertising / Marketing Fees | 1% of gross sales (national & local marketing campaigns) |
| Infrastructure / Setup Costs | Varies by location; includes kitchen equipment, furniture, signage, décor, POS systems |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $150,000 (to cover salaries, utilities, inventory, and initial operating expenses) |
| Expected ROI | Varies depending on location, operations, and market conditions |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 2–3 years |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in services, takeout & delivery, catering, retail merchandise |
