1947
100
$1,300,000
$40,000
$2,500,000
No
Frisch’s Big Boy is a legendary name in the American restaurant industry, known for its hearty meals, classic Big Boy burgers, and warm, family-friendly dining experience. With a history that dates back over 75 years, Frisch’s has built an enduring legacy as a trusted destination for comfort food lovers. The franchise offers a unique opportunity to own and operate a piece of Americana — a beloved brand that blends nostalgia with modern innovation.
Frisch’s Big Boy stands out as a full-service diner franchise offering everything from breakfast classics to burgers, shakes, and home-style meals. The brand’s consistency, quality, and welcoming atmosphere have made it a household name across the Midwest and beyond. As the demand for family-oriented casual dining continues to rise, owning a Frisch’s Big Boy franchise allows entrepreneurs to leverage a powerful brand with deep emotional connections to generations of American families.
Investing in a Frisch’s Big Boy franchise means aligning yourself with a proven restaurant model, a loyal customer base, and a strong support network. Unlike many new entrants in the fast-casual space, Frisch’s brings decades of operational experience, brand recognition, and a menu that has stood the test of time.
Franchise owners benefit from:
Brand Strength: A name recognized and loved by millions across the USA.
Operational Excellence: Proven systems that streamline restaurant management and profitability.
Multi-Daypart Revenue Model: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus designed for consistent sales throughout the day.
Marketing Power: National and regional campaigns that amplify brand visibility and drive traffic.
Continuous Innovation: A commitment to menu evolution and technology integration to stay relevant in today’s market.
Frisch’s Big Boy is one of America’s most iconic restaurant brands, proudly serving communities since 1947. Founded by Dave Frisch in Cincinnati, Ohio, the franchise began as a humble family-style eatery offering hearty meals made from scratch. Dave’s passion for quality ingredients, generous portions, and friendly service quickly turned Frisch’s into a local favorite and set the stage for national expansion.
The restaurant gained fame for its Big Boy burger, a double-decker sandwich that became a cultural phenomenon and the centerpiece of the menu. Over the decades, Frisch’s expanded its offerings to include classic breakfast platters, sandwiches, milkshakes, and all-day comfort food options that appeal to every generation.
By staying true to its roots while embracing innovation, Frisch’s Big Boy successfully evolved from a regional diner into a recognized franchise brand with over 100 locations across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, and a growing presence throughout the Midwestern and Southeastern United States.
In 2015, the brand entered a new era of growth when it was acquired by NRD Capital, a private equity firm known for revitalizing legacy restaurant chains. Under this ownership, Frisch’s has modernized its restaurant designs, introduced drive-thru and digital ordering systems, and focused on expanding franchise development nationwide.
Today, Frisch’s Big Boy operates within the Full-Service Family Dining segment, offering an inviting, family-friendly atmosphere with multi-daypart dining — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — to ensure consistent daily revenue streams.
Headquarters: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Industry: Full-Service / Casual Dining Franchise
Founded: 1947
Founder: Dave Frisch
Franchise Units: 100+ and expanding across the Midwest and Southeast
Ownership: NRD Capital (since 2015)
Frisch’s Big Boy provides one of the most comprehensive franchise support systems in the restaurant industry. Their goal is to ensure that every franchisee feels confident, prepared, and well-equipped to run a successful operation from day one.
Pre-Opening Support:
Real estate and site selection guidance
Restaurant design, layout, and construction assistance
Vendor and equipment sourcing
Pre-launch marketing and community engagement strategies
Initial Training:
Intensive, hands-on operational training for franchise owners and key staff
Management systems, food preparation, safety, and guest service training
POS and technology system setup
Ongoing Support:
Continuous field support and business coaching
National advertising and digital marketing programs
Regular menu innovation and seasonal promotions
Access to supplier discounts and quality assurance programs
Franchisees can rely on Frisch’s for consistent, data-driven guidance throughout every stage of ownership.
Frisch’s Big Boy seeks passionate, hands-on entrepreneurs who share the brand’s commitment to great food, genuine hospitality, and community engagement. As a franchisee, you’ll be part of a legacy that has delighted families for generations — and your role will be to carry that legacy forward while ensuring operational excellence and guest satisfaction.
The ideal Frisch’s Big Boy franchisee isn’t just an investor — they’re a leader, community ambassador, and business operator who takes pride in creating memorable dining experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned restaurateur or a motivated entrepreneur entering the foodservice industry for the first time, Frisch’s offers the systems, support, and training to help you succeed.
Key Attributes of an Ideal Franchisee:
Hospitality Passion: A genuine enthusiasm for food, guest service, and creating a welcoming, family-style environment.
Operational Discipline: Strong leadership and organizational skills to manage day-to-day operations, staff, and quality standards.
Business Acumen: Experience in restaurant management, multi-unit operations, or small business ownership preferred but not mandatory.
Financial Readiness: Ability to meet the franchise’s financial requirements, including initial investment, working capital, and ongoing operational funding.
Community Mindset: Desire to engage with local schools, families, and organizations to build strong brand loyalty and neighborhood presence.
Commitment to Brand Standards: Willingness to follow Frisch’s proven systems and maintain consistency in service, food quality, and brand image.
Investment & Ownership Type:
Frisch’s Big Boy welcomes both single-unit operators who want to be actively involved in day-to-day operations and multi-unit investors seeking to develop territories across the Midwest and Southeast USA.
Ideal Territories:
Franchise expansion opportunities are strongest in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and neighboring states, with room for growth in new suburban and highway-access locations across the USA.
Franchisee Mindset:
A successful Frisch’s franchisee is driven by long-term growth, operational excellence, and a desire to uphold one of America’s most beloved restaurant traditions. They view each guest as family, each meal as a reflection of quality, and each restaurant as a pillar of the community.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the estimated financial investment required to own and operate a Frisch’s Big Boy franchise in the United States. These figures are based on current averages within the franchise system and may vary depending on restaurant size, location, and market conditions.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 | One-time fee granting the right to operate under the Frisch’s Big Boy brand and access its systems. |
| Total Initial Investment | $1,300,000 – $2,500,000 | Comprehensive range including build-out, equipment, signage, furniture, training, and initial inventory. |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $500,000 | Required cash liquidity to cover startup expenses and working capital needs. |
| Net Worth Requirement | $1,000,000+ | Recommended total net worth to qualify as a franchisee. |
| Royalty Fee | 4% of Gross Sales | Ongoing fee for brand usage, operational systems, and corporate support. |
| National Marketing Fund | 2% of Gross Sales | Contributes to regional and national advertising campaigns to promote the brand. |
| Local Marketing Budget | $25,000 – $50,000 | Initial local marketing to build awareness and drive customer traffic pre- and post-launch. |
| Leasehold Improvements | $400,000 – $800,000 | Includes construction, design, interior build-out, and furniture/fixtures. |
| Equipment, Fixtures & Signage | $250,000 – $400,000 | Kitchen equipment, POS systems, lighting, exterior/interior signage. |
| Initial Inventory | $20,000 – $40,000 | Food, beverages, packaging, and operational supplies. |
| Training Expenses | $10,000 – $20,000 | Travel, lodging, and expenses during initial training at corporate headquarters. |
| Working Capital (First 3 Months) | $100,000 – $200,000 | Cash reserves to cover staffing, utilities, and initial operational costs. |
| Average Unit Volume (AUV) | $1,500,000 – $2,200,000 | Average gross annual sales per restaurant (depending on market and location). |
| Expected ROI (Return on Investment) | 20% – 25% | Typical ROI for mature, well-managed franchise units. |
| Average Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 Months | Estimated timeline to reach profitability, depending on operational performance. |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Drive-Thru, Takeout, Delivery, Catering, Merchandise | Multiple daypart and channel-based income opportunities. |
Key Financial Highlights:
Multi-Daypart Sales: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus drive steady daily revenue.
Scalable Model: Options for single-unit or multi-unit development.
Strong Brand Equity: A trusted, nostalgic brand with 75+ years of customer loyalty.
Operational Efficiency: Proven systems that keep food and labor costs optimized.
Summary:
Owning a Frisch’s Big Boy franchise requires a total investment of $1.3 million to $2.5 million, offering access to a nationally recognized brand, comprehensive support, and strong profit potential. With multiple revenue streams and consistent customer demand, Frisch’s presents an attractive opportunity for investors seeking stability and growth in the American casual dining industry.
