1964
300
$600,000
$35,000
$1,300,000
No
Huddle House is one of America’s most beloved neighborhood diner-style restaurant franchises, known for its warm hospitality, made-to-order comfort food, and 24-hour service model that brings communities together. Since its inception, Huddle House has built a reputation as a go-to destination for hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners served in a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. With over five decades of proven success, the brand has grown into a recognized name across small towns, highways, and suburban markets throughout the United States.
Huddle House offers franchise investors a powerful combination of timeless appeal and modern operational systems. Its diverse menu, flexible store formats, and community-focused culture make it a strong contender in the booming casual dining industry. The brand’s value-driven pricing and emphasis on quality, consistency, and friendly service have made it a staple in both local communities and travel corridors. For entrepreneurs seeking a trusted, well-supported restaurant franchise, Huddle House delivers a rewarding business model with a loyal customer base and national recognition.
Investing in a Huddle House franchise means joining a time-tested brand with over 50 years of operational excellence and a proven formula for success. The concept thrives in both rural and suburban markets, where consistent demand for affordable, family-friendly dining remains strong. Huddle House’s franchise system is built on flexibility—allowing franchisees to operate traditional dine-in locations, travel center units, or even conversions from existing restaurant spaces.
Franchisees benefit from a comprehensive support system, robust supply chain, and national marketing initiatives that drive visibility and foot traffic. The franchise model emphasizes simplicity in operations, consistent profitability, and scalability, making it an ideal choice for both first-time restaurant owners and experienced multi-unit operators. With its deep roots in community culture and a focus on comfort food that never goes out of style, Huddle House continues to deliver strong returns in the American dining landscape.
Huddle House was founded in 1964 in Decatur, Georgia, by John Sparks, who envisioned a friendly neighborhood diner where people could come together after community events to share a hot meal and good conversation. His idea was simple but powerful — create a welcoming space that served “Any Meal. Any Time.” That guiding philosophy continues to define the brand six decades later.
Over the years, Huddle House evolved from a single small-town diner into one of America’s most recognizable full-service family restaurant franchises. Known for its made-to-order breakfasts, hearty lunches, and classic dinners served all day, the brand captures the spirit of southern hospitality while appealing to diners across diverse markets.
In 2012, the brand began a new chapter under the ownership of Ascent Hospitality Management, a leading restaurant group known for developing and growing trusted American dining brands. This strategic acquisition accelerated Huddle House’s modernization—upgrading restaurant designs, menus, and technology while preserving the brand’s signature warmth and community connection.
Today, Huddle House operates more than 300 locations nationwide, with restaurants in small towns, suburban communities, and highway travel centers across the United States. Its footprint extends throughout the Southeast, Midwest, and parts of the West, where its 24-hour dining model and family-friendly atmosphere attract loyal guests daily.
The franchise has earned a strong reputation for consistency, affordability, and genuine hospitality, positioning it as a leader in the casual dining and breakfast franchise category. Supported by Ascent Hospitality’s extensive operational resources, Huddle House continues to expand strategically, offering entrepreneurs an opportunity to own a proven restaurant concept with national brand recognition and deep community roots.
Industry Category: Full-Service Restaurant / Family Dining / Breakfast-All-Day Franchise
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
Ownership: Ascent Hospitality Management
Franchise Units: 300+ (Franchised and Company-Owned Combined)
Founded: 1964
Founder: John Sparks
Huddle House offers one of the most comprehensive franchise support programs in the industry. From the moment you sign your franchise agreement, the corporate team provides end-to-end assistance to set you up for long-term success.
Pre-Launch Support:
Site selection assistance, including demographic and market analysis
Restaurant layout and design guidance
Construction and vendor coordination
Financing guidance through approved lenders
Operational & Training Support:
A robust 4-6 week training program for owners and managers at an approved training location
In-store support during your grand opening period
Comprehensive manuals covering daily operations, food preparation, staffing, and customer service
Marketing & Growth Support:
National and regional advertising campaigns
Digital marketing assets, social media templates, and loyalty programs
Ongoing field marketing and local store marketing tools to help attract customers
Regular updates on menu innovation and seasonal promotions
Ongoing Support:
Continuous field visits from experienced franchise business consultants
Access to advanced POS systems and analytics
Purchasing power through established vendor partnerships
Huddle House is best suited for entrepreneurs who are passionate about hospitality and community engagement. The ideal franchisee thrives in a customer-facing environment and values consistency, teamwork, and operational excellence.
Ideal Candidates May Include:
Experienced restaurant or hospitality owners seeking to expand with a proven brand
Investors with a passion for community-focused business ownership
Multi-unit operators looking to diversify their portfolio
First-time franchisees with strong leadership and management capabilities
Preferred Traits:
Desire to provide outstanding guest experiences
Willingness to be actively involved in operations
Ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team effectively
Commitment to maintaining brand standards and community reputation
Huddle House franchises perform best in markets with high local traffic, travel centers, and small towns—areas where a welcoming, all-day diner can become the heart of the community.
Total Investment: $600,000 – $1,300,000
Minimum Liquid Capital Required: $200,000
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Royalty Fee: 4.75% of gross sales
Marketing Fund Contribution: 1.5% of gross sales
Franchise Units: Over 300+ locations nationwide
Working Capital Requirement: $50,000 – $100,000
Expected ROI: Typically within 3–5 years
Break-Even Point: 18–30 months, depending on market and operational efficiency
Revenue Streams:
Dine-in and takeout services
Online and delivery orders
Catering and event services
Late-night and 24-hour operations in select locations
Huddle House offers flexibility in restaurant formats—from freestanding builds to end-cap or conversion models—helping franchisees reduce setup costs and adapt to varying market opportunities.
