2012
40
$90,000
$25,000
$150,000
No
The Fried Green Tomatoes Franchise is a fast-growing food concept that brings authentic Southern charm to America’s favorite comfort foods. Known for its iconic fried green tomatoes, hand-breaded chicken, and famous fried pickles, this brand has built a loyal following at fairs, festivals, and food courts across the nation.
Founded with a simple vision—to serve crispy, golden, fresh-made Southern fare that reminds people of home—Fried Green Tomatoes has evolved into a nationally recognized franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs who love food, fun, and freedom.
This is not your typical restaurant franchise. Fried Green Tomatoes has mastered a low-overhead, mobile-driven business model that allows franchisees to serve thousands of customers at major events, fairs, and pop-ups—without the heavy costs of traditional brick-and-mortar operations. With high margins, simple operations, and a proven recipe for success, this franchise is ideal for driven individuals ready to tap into the booming food truck and festival dining market.
Investing in a Fried Green Tomatoes franchise means joining one of America’s most beloved Southern comfort food brands. Here’s why franchisees are lining up:
Proven Concept with National Recognition: Fried Green Tomatoes has been featured at state fairs, on national media outlets, and at major food festivals across the USA, gaining a reputation for mouthwatering quality and consistency.
Low Start-Up Costs: The mobile model eliminates high rent, staffing, and utility expenses typical in restaurant operations.
Flexible Business Model: Operate as a food truck, concession trailer, or permanent location depending on your market and lifestyle preferences.
Strong Profit Margins: Simple ingredients and fast service translate into excellent margins and quick returns on investment.
Ongoing Support: Comprehensive training, supply chain guidance, marketing strategies, and operational tools make franchise ownership simple—even for first-time entrepreneurs.
Founded: 2012
Founder: Holly Cooper
Headquarters: Tennessee, USA
Franchise Units: 40+ operating across the United States
Fried Green Tomatoes began as a small fair concession trailer in Tennessee, founded by food enthusiast and entrepreneur Holly Cooper, whose mission was to share the taste of true Southern cooking. Her signature fried green tomatoes recipe became an instant hit, leading to rapid growth across fairs and festivals nationwide.
After gaining national media attention and recognition for outstanding flavor and customer satisfaction, the brand began franchising, offering individuals the chance to own a piece of this uniquely Southern experience. Today, Fried Green Tomatoes has franchisees serving across multiple states—from Florida to Texas—each bringing local flavor and community engagement to their markets.
The brand operates within the Fast Casual / Food Truck / Specialty Fried Foods category and is recognized for blending traditional recipes with modern franchise systems.
Fried Green Tomatoes provides one of the most comprehensive franchise support systems in the industry. From your first inquiry to your grand opening and beyond, the corporate team is committed to your success.
Pre-Launch Support:
Site selection and event sourcing guidance
Trailer or truck setup assistance
Access to preferred vendors and equipment suppliers
Hands-on onboarding and operations planning
Training Program:
Franchisees attend a detailed operational training at company headquarters in Tennessee. Training covers menu preparation, food handling, customer service, sales strategies, safety standards, and event operations.
Operational & Marketing Support:
Custom marketing materials and local PR support
Social media marketing templates and online visibility campaigns
POS system setup and inventory management training
Access to the brand’s national promotional campaigns
Ongoing Support:
Continuous field support and refresher training sessions
Franchise advisory calls and best-practice sharing across the network
New product introductions and menu innovations
This turnkey franchise system allows even those without prior food experience to quickly launch, operate, and scale their business with confidence.
The Fried Green Tomatoes franchise attracts passionate, hands-on entrepreneurs who value independence, community connection, and the joy of serving authentic Southern comfort food. This is not your typical restaurant owner profile—it’s for people who love being out in the field, engaging with customers, and creating memorable experiences at events, festivals, and local gatherings.
Here’s the ideal profile of a Fried Green Tomatoes franchisee:
You don’t need a culinary degree or restaurant background to succeed—but you should love great food and enjoy making people smile. The most successful franchisees share a genuine enthusiasm for Southern-inspired cooking and take pride in offering consistent quality and service.
This business is designed for individuals who thrive on independence. Whether you’re operating a concession trailer, food truck, or fixed location, you’ll enjoy the freedom to manage your schedule and choose the events and markets that fit your goals.
Fried Green Tomatoes thrives at fairs, festivals, and public gatherings—places that bring people together. Ideal owners are outgoing, personable, and able to connect with customers to build repeat business and brand loyalty in their region.
While the concept is simple, event operations require attention to detail—from logistics and prep to setup and service. Franchisees who are organized and proactive will find managing multiple events smooth and highly rewarding.
A strong candidate should have access to at least $90,000 in liquid capital and a total investment capability of around $150,000. Franchisees looking for additional growth potential can expand into multiple trailers or event territories for increased profitability.
Operating at outdoor events means adjusting to changing conditions—weather, crowds, and locations. Those who stay positive, flexible, and solution-driven find the experience exciting and financially rewarding.
Because of its manageable operations and family-friendly nature, Fried Green Tomatoes is a great fit for couples, families, or close-knit teams who want to run a business together and enjoy shared success.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the estimated investment and financial commitments associated with owning a Fried Green Tomatoes franchise in the United States. These figures are based on the brand’s current franchise disclosure estimates and industry standards for mobile food operations.
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 | One-time fee granting rights to operate under the Fried Green Tomatoes brand, including access to recipes, training, and support. |
| Total Initial Investment | $90,000 – $150,000 | Includes all setup costs such as trailer, equipment, initial inventory, and working capital. |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $90,000 | Recommended cash available to cover initial expenses and operations. |
| Equipment & Trailer Setup | $40,000 – $70,000 | Cost of a fully branded mobile food trailer or truck, including fryers, refrigeration, and signage. |
| Training & Onboarding | $5,000 – $10,000 | Covers travel, accommodation, and corporate training fees during the onboarding process. |
| Working Capital (First 3 Months) | $10,000 – $20,000 | To support operating costs such as staffing, event fees, and inventory replenishment. |
| Marketing & Launch Budget | $3,000 – $7,000 | Local promotions, signage, event fees, and social media marketing. |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales | Paid monthly to the franchisor for ongoing operational and marketing support. |
| National Marketing Fund | 1% of Gross Sales | Contributes to brand-wide campaigns and digital marketing programs. |
| Expected ROI (Return on Investment) | 20% – 35% Annually | Based on average performance of active franchisees operating in established markets. |
| Average Gross Revenue (Annual) | $200,000 – $400,000+ | Depending on event schedule, territory, and local market performance. |
| Break-Even Point | 6 – 12 Months | Average time to recover initial investment, depending on event volume and management efficiency. |
| Franchise Term | 10 Years (Renewable) | Franchise agreement renewable upon mutual consent and brand compliance. |
| Revenue Streams | Multiple | Food truck sales, festivals, fairs, private events, catering, and seasonal operations. |
