This is our international website

Ground Round Grill & Bar Opportunity

USA & CAN

Established

1969

Franchise Units

25

dollar

Minimum Investment

$350,000

dollar

Franchise Fee

$35,000

dollar

Total Investment Range

$2,000,000

Home Based

No

Description

The Ground Round Grill & Bar franchise is one of America’s most iconic and enduring casual dining restaurant concepts, known for delivering hearty meals, cold drinks, and a welcoming neighborhood experience. Since its inception, Ground Round has become synonymous with quality comfort food, friendly service, and a relaxed bar-and-grill atmosphere that appeals to families, friends, and sports fans alike.

With over five decades of heritage, Ground Round Grill & Bar offers a time-tested business model backed by strong brand recognition and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. The franchise operates in the highly competitive yet rewarding casual dining and bar segment, combining the best elements of a full-service restaurant with the profitability of a bar and entertainment venue.

Every Ground Round location offers an inviting environment — with two distinct sections: a family-friendly dining area and a sports bar lounge, giving franchise owners the flexibility to attract a wide customer base throughout the day. From juicy burgers and classic American entrées to craft beers and cocktails, Ground Round caters to a diverse audience seeking great food and good times under one roof.

Why Invest in the Ground Round Grill & Bar Franchise?

Investing in the Ground Round Grill & Bar franchise means joining one of the most established and recognized names in American dining. The brand’s legacy, coupled with modern systems and local market adaptability, creates a strong foundation for long-term success.

Key reasons to invest include:

  • Proven Brand Heritage: Ground Round has been serving communities across America since 1969, making it one of the longest-standing casual dining franchises in the nation.

  • Dual Revenue Streams: The split-room concept—family dining and sports bar—ensures consistent traffic throughout the day and multiple customer segments.

  • Menu Flexibility: A diverse menu featuring burgers, steaks, ribs, seafood, and signature cocktails that appeal to all demographics.

  • Community-Focused Model: Ground Round franchises often serve as neighborhood hubs, hosting local events, game nights, and fundraisers to build lasting customer loyalty.

  • Franchisee Empowerment Model: Operated under a cooperative ownership structure, Ground Round allows franchisees more control and participation in the brand’s direction, unlike traditional top-down franchising.

  • Comprehensive Support System: From site selection to marketing and operational management, Ground Round ensures franchise owners are never alone in their journey.


Background

Established Year: 1969
Founder: Howard Johnson’s (originally launched as part of the Howard Johnson Company)
Current Ownership: Ground Round Independent Owners Cooperative, LLC (formed in 2004)
Headquarters: Freeport, Maine, USA
Industry Category: Casual Dining, Restaurant & Bar Franchise
Franchise Units: Over 25 locations across the United States

Ground Round began its journey in 1969 under the Howard Johnson Company umbrella, introducing a fresh, family-friendly take on dining that paired quality meals with a relaxed, value-driven environment. The brand grew rapidly through the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a household name in many American communities.

In 2004, Ground Round made a historic transition by becoming a franchisee-owned cooperative — a rare and empowering structure where franchise owners have equity in the brand and decision-making power in the system’s growth. This unique model ensures transparency, stronger collaboration, and a shared commitment to success among all members.

Today, Ground Round Grill & Bar continues to thrive across the USA, combining its rich legacy with modern dining experiences, digital engagement, and localized marketing strategies to attract new generations of customers.


Support Training

Ground Round’s support system is designed to guide franchisees from day one through every phase of their business journey. The brand’s leadership team, composed of experienced restaurateurs and cooperative board members, provides hands-on training and ongoing assistance to ensure operational excellence and profitability.

Pre-Launch Support:

  • Site selection and lease negotiation guidance

  • Restaurant design, layout, and construction assistance

  • Access to approved vendors and supply chains

  • Pre-opening marketing and local launch planning

Comprehensive Training:

  • 3–4 week intensive training program covering operations, menu management, customer service, POS systems, and bar management

  • On-site support during the grand opening phase

  • Ongoing management workshops and webinars for continued learning

Marketing & Branding Support:

  • National marketing initiatives and social media assets

  • Grand opening campaigns tailored to local demographics

  • Loyalty programs and digital marketing integration

  • Access to marketing templates, branding materials, and vendor partnerships

Ongoing Operational Support:

  • Regular performance reviews and business consulting

  • Technology integration for POS, inventory, and analytics

  • Menu innovation and seasonal updates

  • Peer collaboration and shared best practices through the cooperative network

Ground Round’s cooperative structure ensures franchisees not only receive support from the corporate team but also from fellow owners who share insights, experiences, and success strategies.


Ideal Candidate

The Ground Round Grill & Bar franchise attracts individuals with a passion for hospitality, community, and hands-on business ownership. Whether you’re a seasoned restaurateur or an investor seeking an established franchise with a strong legacy, Ground Round provides a path to ownership that is both profitable and personally rewarding.

Ideal candidates include:

  • Entrepreneurs or professionals with restaurant or hospitality experience

  • Investors seeking a stable, community-driven brand with long-term growth potential

  • Multi-unit operators in food service or bar franchises

  • Individuals passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and building local relationships

  • Franchisees with strong leadership skills and the ability to manage teams

  • Investors with a minimum liquid capital of $250,000–$350,000 and net worth of $750,000+

Ground Round encourages owner-operators who are committed to local engagement, staff development, and maintaining the brand’s high standards of quality and hospitality.


Financial Detail

Total Estimated Investment: $1,200,000 – $2,000,000 (depending on size and location)
Minimum Investment Required: $350,000
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Royalty Fee: 4% of gross sales
Marketing/Advertising Fee: 2% of gross sales
Average Unit Size: 5,000 – 6,500 sq. ft.
Working Capital Required: $100,000 – $200,000
Estimated ROI: 20–25% annually (depending on market conditions)
Break-even Time: Typically within 24–36 months
Revenue Streams:

  • Dine-in food and beverage sales

  • Alcohol and bar service

  • Takeout and delivery programs

  • Event hosting and catering

  • Merchandise and brand licensing



This site is protected by Google reCAPTCHA