Established
2017
Franchise Units
3
Minimum Investment
$290,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$450,000
Home Based
No
Description
MacCheesy's has become one of America’s most exciting emerging fast-casual restaurant concepts, built around the country’s timeless love for gourmet mac and cheese. Known for its creative flavor combinations, fresh ingredients, and a fun, inviting dining experience, MacCheesy's has positioned itself as a standout brand in the specialty comfort-food segment. As consumers increasingly look for unique, chef-crafted meals served quickly and affordably, MacCheesy's continues to rise as a franchise that delivers both emotional appeal and strong business fundamentals.
With a menu built around America’s most nostalgic dish — reimagined with premium ingredients, artisanal sauces, signature toppings, and bold recipes — the brand has carved its own lane in a growing niche: upscale comfort food with broad market appeal. Its strong social media presence, approachable brand identity, and operationally efficient kitchen model make it a compelling franchise opportunity for first-time operators and seasoned restaurant investors alike.
In a competitive fast-casual landscape, MacCheesy's stands out for its simplicity, scalability, and revenue potential, appealing to families, students, young professionals, and anyone seeking delicious comfort food served fast.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
MacCheesy's offers a rare opportunity to join a concept with high consumer demand and low operational complexity. Unlike traditional restaurant models requiring extensive menu training, large teams, or specialized equipment, MacCheesy's operates on a streamlined system designed for speed, consistency, and profitability.
Key reasons investors choose MacCheesy's:
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Strong Brand Differentiation: A unique, specialty concept centered around mac and cheese — a category with universal appeal and minimal direct competition.
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Proven Fast-Casual Model: Efficient operations, strong margins, and a menu designed for low food waste and fast throughput.
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Scalable Multi-Unit Potential: Locations thrive in college towns, suburban centers, food courts, and high-traffic retail corridors.
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High Customer Loyalty: Comfort-food destinations naturally drive high repeat business.
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Marketing Power: Eye-catching menu items and viral-worthy visuals fuel organic online growth and strong customer engagement.
Background
Established Year:
MacCheesy's was founded in 2017, born from the idea of creating a fast-casual restaurant centered around gourmet mac and cheese — a comfort food that resonates across generations.
Founder:
The brand was created by Cody Smith, an entrepreneur who recognized a gap in the market for a specialty concept that could elevate mac and cheese with bold recipes, premium ingredients, and a fun, approachable dining experience.
Brand Journey & Company History:
What began as a single restaurant in the Midwest quickly grew into a local favorite, celebrated for its creative flavors, signature sauces, and generous portions. The concept gained momentum through community support and strong social media presence, which helped propel MacCheesy's from a standalone restaurant into a franchisable brand with enormous growth potential. Over the years, the company has invested heavily in menu development, operational systems, and branding — creating a polished, scalable model that resonates with both customers and franchisees.
Franchise Active Units:
MacCheesy's currently operates 3 active restaurant locations, with additional units under development. Its early-stage growth offers a rare opportunity for franchisees to secure prime territories while the brand is expanding nationwide.
Ownership:
MacCheesy's remains privately owned and founder-led, allowing the brand to maintain its culinary creativity, operational discipline, and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences across every location.
Market Presence in the USA:
The brand performs exceptionally well in suburban neighborhoods, college towns, shopping districts, and high-traffic retail corridors. With Americans increasingly drawn to elevated comfort food and specialty fast-casual concepts, MacCheesy's is positioned to continue growing across both new and established markets.
Industry Category:
Fast-Casual Restaurant • Comfort Food Franchise • Specialty Dining • Quick Service Restaurant (QSR)
Support Training
MacCheesy's provides a comprehensive support system designed to help franchisees launch confidently, operate efficiently, and scale successfully.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site Selection Assistance: Guidance on demographics, traffic patterns, and ideal trade areas.
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Lease Negotiation Support: Assistance reviewing terms to ensure optimal long-term value.
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Architectural Layout & Store Design: Brand-standard designs, kitchen layouts, and workflow optimization.
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Pre-Opening Project Management: Vendor coordination, equipment sourcing, and project timelines.
Operational Training
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Initial Training Program: Hands-on instruction at a flagship location covering food preparation, kitchen operations, customer service, staffing, inventory management, and POS usage.
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Management Training: Leadership coaching, labor planning, performance management, and operational efficiency systems.
Marketing & Brand Support
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Grand Opening Marketing Plan to generate immediate community buzz.
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Digital Marketing Assets: Social media templates, brand photography, advertising guidance, and promotional strategies.
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National Branding & Campaigns: Access to system-wide campaigns to maintain strong brand awareness.
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated Franchise Success Coach for regular performance reviews and operational advice.
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Menu Innovation & R&D: New recipes, LTOs, and seasonal promotions developed by the corporate team.
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Continuous Training: Updated materials, refresher courses, webinars, and leadership development.
Ideal Candidate
MacCheesy's is a strong fit for entrepreneurs who want a business with personality, simplicity, and broad consumer appeal. While restaurant experience is helpful, it is not required thanks to the brand’s streamlined operations and strong training program.
Ideal candidates include:
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First-time business owners seeking an easy-to-operate food concept.
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Experienced QSR or fast-casual operators looking to add a high-margin specialty brand to their portfolio.
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Multi-unit investors aiming to develop territories with strong expansion potential.
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Entrepreneurs passionate about hospitality, customer experience, and local community engagement.
Key strengths for success:
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Strong management skills
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Commitment to quality and service standards
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Ability to lead and motivate teams
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Financial capacity to support startup and growth
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Desire to build a recognizable, community-loved brand
MacCheesy's works especially well in markets near schools, universities, shopping plazas, entertainment districts, and neighborhoods with strong family demographics.
Financial Detail
| Cost Category | Amount (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $290,000 – $450,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $250,000+ |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 – $40,000 |
| Royalties | 5% – 6% of gross sales |
| Brand/Marketing Fund | 1% – 2% of gross sales |
| Store Size Requirement | 1,200 – 2,000 sq. ft. |
| Leasehold Improvements | $120,000 – $200,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & Smallwares | $60,000 – $90,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Signage | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Pre-Opening Marketing | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital (First 3 Months) | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Expected Break-Even Timeline | 6 – 12 months |
| Estimated ROI Timeline | 24 – 36 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, Catering, Seasonal LTOs |