2000
5
$228,500
$35,000
$488,500
No
If you’re seeking a vibrant, fast-casual restaurant brand that's carved out its own unique niche in the U.S. market, look no further than Hansel ’n Griddle. This dynamic dining concept offers a broad menu of freshly cooked-to-order items—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and delivery—all served under one roof. With its flexible day-part coverage and appealing, creative menu, Hansel ’n Griddle positions itself not simply as another burger or sandwich shop, but as a destination for any meal, any time.
The brand is built on quality, speed, variety, and fresh-made appeal—attributes that matter to today’s consumer. As a franchisee, you’ll be stepping into a concept that has already proven its relevance, with operations optimized for dine-in, take-out, and delivery, and the agility to adapt its menu to changing consumer demand. If you’re ready to serve up something different—and profitable—Hansel ’n Griddle offers a compelling doorway into the fast-casual food-and-beverage space.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Distinct Positioning: Unlike many fast-casual brands that focus on a single category like burgers or pizza, Hansel ’n Griddle breaks the mold by offering an expansive, cooked-to-order menu that spans breakfast through dinner.
Adaptable Menu & Multiple Day Parts: With more than 70 fresh menu items—including breakfast platters, paninis, wraps, burgers, salads, and soups—the brand appeals to a wide audience and every appetite.
Delivery-Ready Operations: A strong portion of sales comes from delivery, with locations reporting up to half their revenue through this channel—showing how well the brand aligns with digital ordering trends.
Proven Growth Potential: Hansel ’n Griddle has built a solid foundation in New Jersey and surrounding regions, with expansion now underway in new U.S. markets.
Affordable Entry Point: With a relatively moderate investment compared to other restaurant models, this concept offers accessibility for first-time investors or experienced operators alike.
Strong Regional Brand Recognition: Known for its fresh food, casual vibe, and community-driven approach, the brand enjoys local credibility and customer loyalty.
Founded & Ownership: Hansel ’n Griddle was established in the early 2000s and purchased in 2005 by entrepreneur Nick Komandis. His hands-on leadership and operational know-how helped refine the concept into a replicable franchise model.
Brand Journey: Starting from a single New Brunswick, New Jersey location, the brand evolved into a strong local favorite serving students, professionals, and families. Its success came from high-quality ingredients, quick service, and flexible meal options throughout the day.
Market Presence: Hansel ’n Griddle currently operates multiple locations in New Jersey, several of which are franchised, and continues to target expansion into nearby states and urban centers.
Industry Category: Fast-casual restaurant, focusing on cooked-to-order meals, delivery, and multi-day-part service.
Menu Concept: Over 70 menu options featuring breakfast items, sandwiches, wraps, paninis, burgers, salads, smoothies, and more—all made fresh in-house.
Target Market: University towns, downtown business districts, and suburban communities with high delivery demand and foot traffic.
Hansel ’n Griddle’s journey from a local favorite to a growing franchise brand is a testament to its operational strength, customer appeal, and scalability.
Pre-Launch Support
Site Selection Assistance: Guidance on choosing high-traffic, delivery-friendly locations near campuses, offices, and residential zones.
Store Design & Setup: Comprehensive build-out guidelines including kitchen layout, equipment list, and brand interior design specifications.
Pre-Opening Training: Intensive training program for owners and managers covering operations, food prep, POS systems, and customer service standards.
Marketing Launch Strategy: Complete marketing playbook for local promotions, social media activation, grand openings, and initial delivery platform setup.
Supplier Network Access: Support with approved vendors and supply chains to ensure consistency in quality and cost efficiency.
Ongoing Support
Operational Assistance: On-site support during launch and ongoing guidance on optimizing kitchen workflow, staffing, and delivery efficiency.
Menu Innovation: Regular rollout of new seasonal items and product improvements based on market research and consumer feedback.
Marketing Programs: Access to brand-wide promotions, social media content templates, and local advertising strategies.
Technology Integration: Tools for managing digital orders, analytics, and delivery partnerships to maximize efficiency.
Franchise Community: Continuous learning through franchisee meetings, mentorship, and performance benchmarking programs.
With this full-circle support, franchisees are positioned for operational success and long-term growth.
The most successful Hansel ’n Griddle franchisees share a mix of entrepreneurial drive, management skill, and passion for hospitality.
The ideal candidate should have:
Strong leadership and team-management capabilities.
Prior experience in food service, quick-service, or hospitality (preferred but not mandatory).
Passion for fresh food, customer service, and fast-paced operations.
Ability to handle multi-shift operations (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and delivery).
Financial discipline and readiness to manage working capital effectively.
Interest in community involvement and local marketing initiatives.
Commitment to maintaining quality standards and brand values.
Best suited for:
Owner-operators, multi-unit investors, and entrepreneurs seeking a scalable restaurant brand with strong regional roots and national potential.
| Category | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 | One-time franchise license fee |
| Estimated Initial Investment | $228,500 – $488,500 | Includes build-out, equipment, opening inventory, and working capital |
| Minimum Investment Required | $228,500 | Entry-level cost depending on location and store size |
| Royalty Fees | As per FDD | Based on gross sales |
| Marketing Fees | As per FDD | Contributes to brand-level and local marketing |
| Average Unit Size | 1,500 – 2,000 sq. ft. | Typical layout for dine-in and take-out |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Take-out, Delivery, Catering | Multi-channel income model |
| Expected ROI | 2 – 4 years | Based on market, traffic, and cost efficiency |
| Break-Even Timeline | 18 – 36 months | Depending on operational performance |
| Franchise Units | 5+ (and growing) | Primarily in New Jersey and surrounding states |
Hansel ’n Griddle’s accessible investment range, strong day-part coverage, and delivery-driven model make it a great entry into the fast-casual segment for aspiring restaurateurs.
