2010
15
$250,000
$30,000
$450,000
No
The Gyro Shack franchise brings the authentic taste of Greece to the American fast-casual dining scene, combining flavorful Mediterranean cuisine with a quick-service model that fits modern lifestyles. Known for its signature gyros, fresh ingredients, and made-to-order meals, Gyro Shack has become a beloved brand for those seeking high-quality, healthy, and convenient dining options.
What started as a humble drive-thru in Boise, Idaho, has grown into a rapidly expanding franchise that perfectly balances quality, speed, and flavor. Customers love Gyro Shack for its hand-carved meats, house-made sauces, and customizable wraps and bowls—all crafted from traditional Greek recipes. For entrepreneurs, the brand represents an exciting investment opportunity in the booming fast-casual and Mediterranean food markets across the USA.
Backed by a proven business model, strong brand recognition, and passionate leadership, Gyro Shack is positioning itself as a national contender among leading quick-service franchises.
Investing in a Gyro Shack franchise means joining a brand with a clear identity, strong market demand, and scalable systems. The U.S. fast-casual Mediterranean food market continues to grow as consumers seek healthier and flavorful alternatives to traditional fast food. Gyro Shack perfectly captures this trend by offering high-quality, freshly prepared meals at affordable prices.
Key reasons to invest:
Strong Market Demand: The Mediterranean/QSR market in the U.S. exceeds $2 billion and is expanding rapidly.
Streamlined Operations: A simplified menu and efficient kitchen layout ensure faster service, reduced waste, and lower labor costs.
Brand Loyalty: Gyro Shack’s focus on authenticity and flavor has built a strong repeat customer base.
Flexible Formats: Franchisees can choose from drive-thru, inline, or express models depending on their target market.
Comprehensive Support: The franchisor provides end-to-end support for site selection, marketing, and staff training.
The Gyro Shack was founded in 2010 by Colin and Trella Shillinger in Boise, Idaho. Initially launched as a family-owned food trailer serving authentic Greek gyros, it quickly gained a loyal local following. Recognizing the potential, the Shillingers expanded the concept into a brick-and-mortar and later adopted a franchise model to share their success with other entrepreneurs.
Today, Gyro Shack has over 15 franchise units across the United States, with continued growth in key regions such as the Pacific Northwest, Arizona, and Texas. The brand operates under The Gyro Shack Franchise LLC, a company dedicated to quality operations and national brand expansion.
Gyro Shack’s journey from a small local operation to a recognized franchise brand demonstrates its strong foundation and adaptability in the ever-evolving fast-casual industry.
Gyro Shack’s franchise system is designed to help every franchisee succeed—whether they are seasoned restaurateurs or new investors.
Pre-Launch Support
Site Selection Assistance: The team works closely with franchisees to find high-traffic, demographically ideal locations.
Design & Build-Out Guidance: Support for store layout, construction, and equipment sourcing.
Grand Opening Marketing: A complete marketing launch plan including social media campaigns, PR, and local outreach.
Operational Training:
Comprehensive Initial Training: Franchisees and key staff attend a multi-week training program at corporate headquarters and a certified store.
Operations Manual: Step-by-step guidance on daily operations, food preparation, and customer service.
Ongoing Field Support: Regular visits from franchise representatives to ensure consistency and profitability.
Marketing & Growth Support:
National Marketing Campaigns: Brand-level advertising and social media content creation.
Local Marketing Assistance: Guidance for community engagement, promotions, and sponsorships.
Technology Integration: Access to POS systems, online ordering, and digital marketing tools.
From pre-opening to long-term growth, Gyro Shack’s support structure ensures franchise owners never feel alone in their business journey.
The ideal Gyro Shack franchisee is a motivated, business-minded individual who values community engagement and operational excellence. While restaurant experience is beneficial, it’s not mandatory—what matters most is the drive to build a customer-focused business and uphold the brand’s reputation for quality.
Key traits of ideal franchise partners include:
Passion for food, hospitality, and customer service.
Strong organizational and leadership skills.
Willingness to follow proven systems and operational standards.
Financial capability to invest in a growing brand.
Interest in owning multiple units or expanding in high-growth markets.
Gyro Shack particularly appeals to entrepreneurs, family investors, and multi-unit operators seeking a streamlined food concept with scalable potential in both urban and suburban locations.
Gyro Shack offers a relatively low-cost entry point into the fast-casual restaurant industry compared to other national food franchises.
Estimated Investment Breakdown:
Total Investment: $250,000 – $450,000 (depending on location and format)
Minimum Liquid Capital Required: $100,000
Franchise Fee: $30,000
Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales
Marketing Fee: 2% of gross sales (for national marketing fund)
Average Store Size: 1,200 – 1,800 sq. ft.
Initial Inventory & Equipment: $60,000 – $100,000
Working Capital: $25,000 – $50,000
Financial Performance Expectations:
Average ROI: Typically within 2–3 years.
Break-Even Time: 12–18 months.
Revenue Streams: Dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, catering, and delivery partnerships (DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc.).
With a lean operating structure, competitive build-out costs, and strong consumer demand, Gyro Shack delivers a solid pathway to profitability for its franchise partners.
