1983
2
$500,000
$45,000
$1,200,000
No
Friend of a Farmer is a pioneering farm-to-table restaurant franchise that celebrates America’s love for wholesome, locally sourced, and freshly prepared food. Built around a passion for community, sustainability, and authentic home-style cooking, the brand has become a symbol of comfort and quality in the casual dining industry. With its rustic charm, warm interiors, and menu inspired by farm-fresh ingredients, Friend of a Farmer creates a dining experience that feels like a visit to the countryside—right in the heart of the city.
For over three decades, the brand has been dedicated to connecting diners with the richness of local agriculture and handcrafted meals. As consumer demand for sustainable, locally sourced food continues to grow, Friend of a Farmer stands at the forefront of this trend, offering entrepreneurs an opportunity to join a brand that blends hospitality, environmental responsibility, and strong financial performance. Whether in a busy urban setting or a suburban community, each restaurant embodies authenticity and timeless American values.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in a Friend of a Farmer franchise means joining a proven concept that resonates deeply with today’s conscious consumers. The farm-to-table dining movement isn’t just a trend—it’s a lasting shift toward healthier, sustainable eating, and Friend of a Farmer has mastered this philosophy long before it became mainstream.
The franchise’s strong brand recognition, loyal customer base, and flexible restaurant formats make it a compelling investment opportunity. Franchise owners benefit from decades of operational excellence, a unique menu rooted in farm-fresh ingredients, and a hospitality culture that prioritizes guest experience above all else.
Moreover, with increasing market preference for transparency in food sourcing and local partnerships, Friend of a Farmer offers franchisees the opportunity to be part of a business that not only drives profits but also supports local farmers and communities.
Key investment advantages include:
A respected legacy brand with over 30 years of recognition.
Strong appeal among health-conscious and eco-friendly diners.
Scalable business model adaptable to diverse markets.
Comprehensive training and ongoing support system.
Marketing strategies tailored to modern dining trends and local engagement.
Established Year: 1983
Founders: Terry and Gail Walther
Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
Current Franchise Units: 2 Company-Owned Locations
Industry Category: Casual Dining / Farm-to-Table Restaurant
Friend of a Farmer was founded in 1983 by husband-and-wife team Terry and Gail Walther, long before the “farm-to-table” movement became a national dining trend. The brand was born out of a simple yet powerful idea — to bring the freshness and authenticity of the American countryside into an urban setting. The first restaurant opened its doors in the Gramercy Park neighborhood of Manhattan, offering handcrafted, seasonal dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Over the years, Friend of a Farmer has built a devoted following of New Yorkers and tourists alike who crave wholesome, comforting meals served in a warm, rustic environment that feels like home. Its interiors reflect a classic farmhouse aesthetic, complete with wood beams, brick walls, and vintage décor that transport diners to a simpler, more authentic time.
After decades of steady growth and critical acclaim, the brand expanded with a second location in Brooklyn, New York, continuing its mission to serve sustainable, locally grown food prepared with care. Today, Friend of a Farmer is preparing to franchise, offering passionate entrepreneurs across the USA the chance to bring its proven concept, culinary excellence, and farm-fresh philosophy to their own communities.
The franchise is positioned within the rapidly growing casual dining and sustainable restaurant sector, an industry projected to continue expanding as more consumers seek transparency, local sourcing, and authenticity in their dining choices. By combining decades of hospitality experience with modern operational systems, Friend of a Farmer is perfectly poised for nationwide growth.
Friend of a Farmer provides comprehensive guidance to ensure every franchisee is equipped for success from day one. The franchise team walks new owners through every phase—from pre-launch to ongoing operations—with hands-on mentorship and real-world experience.
Pre-Launch Support:
Site selection assistance and location analysis.
Guidance in lease negotiation and restaurant design.
Vendor sourcing and setup of local supply chains for fresh ingredients.
Assistance with hiring and team recruitment.
Operational Training:
In-depth training at a flagship location on day-to-day operations, menu preparation, and service protocols.
Staff training programs to ensure consistency in guest experience.
Technology training covering POS systems, inventory management, and customer engagement tools.
Marketing & Growth Support:
Launch marketing campaign including grand opening strategy, PR outreach, and digital advertising.
Access to a national marketing framework while empowering local customization.
Social media templates, email marketing guidance, and content creation support.
Ongoing Support:
Continuous operational evaluations and field visits.
Seasonal menu updates and new recipe development.
Ongoing franchisee webinars, workshops, and leadership meetings.
This 360° support structure ensures franchise owners can confidently focus on growth while maintaining the integrity and consistency of the Friend of a Farmer brand.
Friend of a Farmer seeks passionate entrepreneurs who share the brand’s love for authentic food, sustainability, and genuine hospitality. This opportunity suits individuals who want to make a meaningful impact in their local communities while operating a rewarding business.
The ideal franchisee should possess:
A passion for farm-fresh, high-quality dining experiences.
Prior experience in hospitality, restaurant management, or business leadership (preferred but not mandatory).
A customer-first mindset and commitment to building community connections.
The ability to manage a team and uphold quality standards.
Financial stability and the willingness to invest in a long-term brand vision.
Preferred locations:
Friend of a Farmer thrives in high-traffic urban neighborhoods, suburban town centers, and affluent small towns where diners appreciate wholesome, artisanal meals and cozy, rustic ambiances.
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $500,000 – $1,200,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $150,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $45,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Brand Fund Contribution | 2% of gross sales |
| Working Capital | $75,000 – $100,000 |
| Build-Out & Infrastructure | $250,000 – $700,000 |
| Equipment & Furnishings | $75,000 – $200,000 |
| Training & Initial Setup | Included in Franchise Fee |
| Expected ROI | 20% – 25% annually (varies by market) |
| Break-Even Time | 18 – 30 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, catering, private events, branded merchandise |
