1996
3
$400,000
$30,000
$750,000
No
Cruisers Grill is a beloved American casual dining franchise that has been delighting guests with freshly prepared burgers, fries, sandwiches, salads, and signature sauces since its founding. Rooted in a fun, beach-inspired atmosphere, Cruisers Grill captures the spirit of great food served with genuine hospitality — a winning formula that has earned it a loyal following across the USA.
With a focus on quality ingredients, made-to-order meals, and an inviting neighborhood vibe, Cruisers Grill delivers a dining experience that’s both nostalgic and modern. The franchise combines a proven operational model with a powerful brand identity that appeals to families, young professionals, and food lovers alike.
Whether in bustling cities or coastal towns, Cruisers Grill franchises stand out as local favorites — offering not just meals, but memories.
Investing in a Cruisers Grill franchise means joining an established American brand with a strong reputation for consistency, flavor, and community connection. Here’s why it’s a top choice for food entrepreneurs and investors:
✅ Proven Business Model: Decades of success in casual dining, built on operational excellence and menu consistency.
🍔 Popular Menu: A strong lineup of burgers, sandwiches, fries, salads, and shakes — all crafted with fresh ingredients.
👨🍳 Strong Brand Identity: Recognized for its fun, laid-back dining concept that resonates with American diners of all ages.
💼 Comprehensive Franchise Support: From training to marketing, franchisees benefit from an experienced corporate team.
📈 High Growth Potential: The casual dining and burger segment remains one of the most resilient sectors in the U.S. food industry.
❤️ Community-Centric: Cruisers Grill thrives on being part of local communities, ensuring loyal customer relationships.
Founding and Early Success
Cruisers Grill was established in 1996 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, quickly becoming a local favorite among beachgoers, visitors, and families. The restaurant's appeal lay in its casual, beach-inspired atmosphere and a menu featuring mouth-watering burgers, handspun shakes, marinated chicken chunks, quesadillas, and more. This combination of great food and a relaxed setting contributed to its near-instant popularity.
Ownership Transition and Expansion
In 2007, Bobby Handmaker acquired Cruisers Grill. Under his ownership, the brand expanded, adding two more locations on Florida's First Coast. Handmaker streamlined operations and introduced a franchise program in 2010, aiming to extend the brand's reach beyond its original location.
Franchise Development
By 2010, Cruisers Grill had established itself as a promising candidate for franchising. Handmaker assembled a team of seasoned managers to support the brand's growth and ensure consistent quality across potential franchise units. Despite these efforts, as of 2011, the company had yet to find the ideal franchisee, having turned down three potential candidates.
Brand Identity and Community Engagement
Cruisers Grill is renowned for its commitment to fresh, made-from-scratch food. The restaurant prides itself on preparing its own dressings, marinades, sauces, and hand-breading its famous fish sandwiches. Notably, Cruisers Grill operates without heat lamps, ensuring that food is served fresh and hot. The atmosphere is designed to be family-friendly, featuring great music, TVs, and a welcoming environment that encourages guests to relax and enjoy their meals .
Current Status
As of the latest available information, Cruisers Grill operates three locations. The brand continues to be a cherished part of Jacksonville Beach's dining scene, known for its consistent quality and community involvement. While the franchise program was initiated over a decade ago, there is no publicly available information indicating the current status of new franchise openings.
Cruisers Grill ensures every franchise partner is set up for success with a comprehensive support system covering every stage of ownership:
Site selection guidance and demographic analysis.
Assistance with lease negotiation and restaurant layout design.
Vendor setup, supply chain coordination, and equipment sourcing.
In-depth operational training at a certified Cruisers Grill location.
Hands-on food preparation, service standards, and POS system training.
Management development and staff hiring assistance.
Grand opening marketing campaign to build buzz in the local community.
Access to national marketing strategies, social media toolkits, and creative assets.
Ongoing brand promotions and digital marketing support.
Dedicated franchise business consultant for continuous improvement.
Regular performance reviews, operational updates, and menu innovations.
Access to technology upgrades and cost optimization programs.
Cruisers Grill’s proven training systems and corporate mentorship ensure franchisees operate efficiently from day one, maintaining quality and customer satisfaction.
Cruisers Grill is looking for passionate entrepreneurs who share its commitment to quality, service, and community engagement. The ideal franchisee is:
🔹 An Experienced Operator: Prior experience in the restaurant, hospitality, or retail industry is beneficial.
🔹 Financially Qualified: Has the financial capability to invest in a full-service restaurant business.
🔹 Community-Oriented: Loves engaging with the local community and building lasting relationships.
🔹 Team Leader: Can recruit, train, and motivate staff to deliver Cruisers Grill’s signature service.
🔹 Passionate About Food & People: Believes in serving great meals and creating memorable guest experiences.
Ideal Locations: High-traffic suburban areas, college towns, urban neighborhoods, and tourist destinations across the USA.
| Financial Element | Estimated Range / Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $400,000 – $750,000 | Includes build-out, equipment, and initial operating costs |
| Minimum Investment Required | $400,000 | Minimum to open a single-unit franchise |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 – $40,000 | One-time payment to the franchisor for brand licensing |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | $200,000 – $400,000 | Renovation, kitchen setup, dining area, and décor |
| Pre-Opening Marketing Budget | $15,000 – $25,000 | Grand opening campaigns, local advertising |
| Working Capital | $30,000 – $50,000 | To cover operating expenses during initial months |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales | Paid monthly to franchisor |
| Marketing / Advertising Fee | 2% of gross sales | Supports national and regional campaigns |
| Expected ROI | 25% – 35% | Based on average unit performance |
| Break-Even Time | 18 – 30 months | Depending on location, traffic, and management |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, online delivery, catering, branded merchandise | Multi-channel revenue for diverse income |
