1991
6
$282,500
$30,000
$724,500
No
Daphne's California Greek offers a compelling and proven opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a stake in the lucrative Mediterranean fast-casual segment. Established in 1991 and brilliantly re-envisioned for the modern, health-conscious consumer, Daphne's has defined the intersection of fresh, flavorful Greek cuisine and the innovative, wellness-focused ethos of California dining.
This is more than just a restaurant; it’s a lifestyle brand. Our menu is meticulously crafted to feature authentic Greek flavors—think traditional Gyros, robust Fire Feta dip, and savory kabobs—while incorporating a strong emphasis on customizable, nourishing options. A significant portion of our offerings are kept under 700 calories, accommodating a variety of popular dietary needs including low-carb, high-protein, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
Daphne’s is perfectly positioned to capture market share in the booming healthy quick-service restaurant (QSR) category. The brand enjoys a long-standing reputation, particularly in its California home base, where it has consistently been recognized for its quality and flavor. As a franchisee, you gain access to a streamlined operational model, a proven supply chain, and a highly differentiated menu that stands out from generic burger and taco concepts, making us a smart, resilient investment in the competitive U.S. food service landscape.
Investing in a Daphne's California Greek franchise places you at the forefront of several major consumer trends, ensuring long-term viability and growth potential:
High-Growth Market: The Mediterranean food sector is one of the fastest-growing cuisine categories in the U.S., driven by consumer demand for perceived healthier, fresh, and globally inspired options.
Established Brand Equity: With roots dating back to 1991, Daphne’s is a recognizable brand with a loyal customer following, offering instant credibility and reducing the initial effort required to build a customer base from scratch.
Differentiated Menu Concept: The "California Greek" fusion is a unique selling proposition (USP) that allows for menu flexibility and broader appeal than traditional Greek restaurants, incorporating items like California-style salads and customizable bowls.
Operational Simplicity: The fast-casual model emphasizes streamlined kitchen operations, minimizing labor needs and complexity while maximizing speed and consistency—critical factors for profitability.
Robust Corporate Backing: Daphne’s operates under the umbrella of experienced restaurant ownership, providing franchisees with professional support in real estate, development, supply chain management, and ongoing marketing.
Company Overview:
Name: Daphne’s California Greek
Founded: 1991 as Daphne’s Greek Café
Founder: George Katakalidis
Headquarters: Carlsbad, California, USA
Industry: Fast-casual dining
Cuisine: Mediterranean and California fusion
Franchise Units:
As of October 2025, Daphne’s California Greek operates 6 locations in California:
Simi Valley
Thousand Oaks
Redondo Beach
Temecula
Ontario
Roseville
The brand has experienced significant downsizing from its peak of over 60 locations across California, Arizona, and Colorado. In early 2024, all remaining locations in Orange County and San Diego County were closed.
Brand Evolution:
1991: George Katakalidis established Daphne’s Greek Café in Carlsbad, California, introducing Southern California to Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
2010: The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with approximately 60 locations across California and Arizona.
2010: Bill Trefethen, through Wreath Equity LLC, acquired the brand out of bankruptcy. He rebranded the concept to Daphne’s California Greek, emphasizing a fusion of California and Greek cuisines with a focus on fresh, health-conscious offerings.
2014: The brand was sold to Victory Park Capital, a Chicago-based investment firm. Under their ownership, Daphne’s continued to operate, though the number of locations declined over time.
2024: As of April 2024, Daphne’s California Greek operates six locations in California: Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Redondo Beach, Temecula, Ontario, and Roseville.
Market Presence:
While Daphne’s California Greek once had a broader footprint, it now focuses on a select number of locations in California. The brand's emphasis remains on delivering high-quality Mediterranean cuisine with a Californian twist, catering to a niche market that appreciates fresh and healthful dining options.
Future Outlook:
Despite a challenging history, Daphne’s California Greek continues to operate with a commitment to quality and innovation. The brand's focus on fresh ingredients and a fusion of flavors positions it uniquely in the fast-casual dining sector. While expansion plans are not publicly detailed, the brand's ongoing operations suggest a strategy centered on sustainable growth and brand revitalization.
Daphne's is committed to ensuring every franchisee is fully equipped for success through a multi-faceted, comprehensive support and training program:
Site Selection & Real Estate: Assistance with location scouting, demographic analysis, and lease negotiation guidance to secure the best possible site (end-cap, inline, or non-traditional formats).
Design & Construction: Detailed prototype architectural plans, equipment specifications, and approved vendor lists to streamline the build-out process and ensure brand consistency and efficient kitchen flow.
Initial Training (Academic): A mandatory, intensive program for the franchisee and management team, covering everything from Daphne’s philosophy, advanced kitchen skills, inventory management, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and compliance.
Operational Manuals: Access to detailed, up-to-date operating procedures, recipes, and best practices.
Supply Chain Management: Leveraging corporate purchasing power for high-quality, specialized ingredients (like imported olives and spices) at competitive prices through approved, reliable distributors.
Field Support: Regular scheduled visits from Franchise Business Consultants (FBCs) to assist with operations analysis, quality control, labor efficiency, and local problem-solving.
Menu & R&D: Ongoing support from the corporate food and beverage team to develop and roll out limited-time offers (LTOs) and new menu items, keeping the brand exciting and relevant.
Grand Opening Marketing: A dedicated marketing package to drive awareness and traffic during the crucial opening period.
Local Store Marketing (LSM) Programs: Training and tools to execute effective hyper-local marketing strategies, community engagement, catering sales, and digital advertising.
Technology Stack: Assistance with setting up proprietary POS systems, loyalty programs, online ordering, and third-party delivery integration to manage multiple revenue streams efficiently.
Daphne's is seeking highly motivated, entrepreneurial partners who meet the following criteria:
Business Background: Prior multi-unit restaurant management, retail, or P&L management experience is highly preferred. The ideal candidate understands the nuances of the fast-casual industry and managing labor/food costs.
Passion & Cultural Fit: A genuine passion for healthy eating, Mediterranean cuisine, and a commitment to high-quality ingredients and outstanding customer service. Must be enthusiastic about embodying the "California Greek" lifestyle brand.
Investment Capability: Must meet the minimum liquidity requirements and possess the financial capacity to fund the total investment, including working capital for the first several months of operation.
Location Preference: Candidates interested in multi-unit development agreements are strongly desired, particularly in high-growth, underserved territories outside of the existing California base (e.g., Texas, Florida, the Pacific Northwest, and Mid-Atlantic states).
Operational Commitment: Must be a hands-on operator or commit to hiring an experienced, trained general manager to ensure daily adherence to Daphne’s rigorous quality and service standards.
The financial requirements for establishing a Daphne’s California Greek franchise are competitive within the specialized fast-casual segment, offering a strong value proposition for the brand equity and proven model provided.
Financial Component | Estimated Range (USA Market) | Details & Explanation |
|---|---|---|
Total Investment Required | $282,500 - $724,500 | This range includes the Franchise Fee, leasehold improvements, equipment, initial inventory, training costs, and working capital. Specific costs are detailed in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). |
Minimum Investment / Cash Required | $282,500 (Liquidity) | The estimated liquid capital required to cover initial expenses before financing. |
Franchise Fee | $30,000 | A one-time fee granting the rights to use the Daphne’s trademarks, system, and initial training/support package. |
Infrastructure Cost (Build-Out) | Varies widely based on location | Typically the largest component of the investment, covering leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E). |
Working Capital (3-6 Months) | Included in Total Investment | Necessary funds to cover operational expenses (payroll, utilities, rent) until the business achieves the break-even point. |
Royalty Fees | 5% - 6% of Gross Sales (Estimate) | Paid weekly/monthly to the franchisor for ongoing support, brand maintenance, and system improvements. Exact percentage is provided in the FDD. |
Marketing / Ad Fund Contribution | 1% - 2% of Gross Sales (Estimate) | Funds pooled for system-wide marketing, digital campaigns, and brand development efforts. Exact percentage is provided in the FDD. |
Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Online Ordering, Third-Party Delivery, and Corporate/Event Catering. | The diverse menu and modern operational setup allow for robust revenue generation across multiple platforms. |
Expected ROI / Break-Even Time | Confidential & Performance Dependent | Financial performance representations (FPRs) are available in Item 19 of the FDD and depend heavily on location, management, and market conditions. |
