Established
2014
Franchise Units
5
Minimum Investment
$180,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$350,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Meatballs, Etc. franchise offers a refreshing twist on the Italian fast-casual dining segment by putting one universally loved comfort food front and center—meatballs. Built around bold flavors, customizable meals, and efficient operations, Meatballs, Etc. has positioned itself as a modern, approachable brand that appeals to today’s convenience-driven diners without sacrificing authenticity or quality.
The concept blends classic Italian-American recipes with a streamlined service model, allowing customers to enjoy handcrafted meatballs, signature sauces, fresh pasta, subs, bowls, and sides in a fast, casual environment. With rising demand for focused menus and customizable comfort food, Meatballs, Etc. stands out as a niche brand with strong emotional appeal and broad demographic reach.
For entrepreneurs looking to enter the restaurant franchise space with a differentiated concept, scalable operations, and strong brand identity, Meatballs, Etc. presents a compelling investment opportunity in the growing fast-casual Italian category across the United States.
Why Invest in the Meatballs, Etc. Franchise?
Investing in Meatballs, Etc. means tapping into a concept that combines menu simplicity, strong margins, and customer familiarity—three pillars of a successful food franchise.
Key investment advantages include:
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Focused, high-demand menu centered on a comfort food with mass appeal
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Fast-casual positioning aligned with modern dining trends
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Customizable offerings that drive repeat visits and upselling
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Operational efficiency with simplified food prep and inventory
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Flexible footprint options, suitable for urban, suburban, and non-traditional locations
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Growing demand for Italian-inspired quick-service concepts in the U.S. market
Background
Brand Name: Meatballs, Etc.
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Industry Category: Fast-Casual Restaurant / Italian-Inspired Dining
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Established Year: 2014
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Founders: Industry professionals with backgrounds in Italian cuisine and restaurant operations
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Franchise Active Units: Approximately 5+ locations
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Ownership: Privately held
Brand Journey & Company History
Meatballs, Etc. was founded with a simple but powerful idea: build a restaurant concept around one iconic product and execute it exceptionally well. By focusing on handcrafted meatballs made from quality ingredients and pairing them with a variety of sauces and formats, the brand quickly built a loyal following.
As consumer preferences shifted toward fast-casual dining and customizable meals, Meatballs, Etc. refined its model to support scalability and franchising. Today, the brand continues to expand its footprint in the United States, targeting high-traffic areas and underserved markets seeking differentiated dining options.
Support Training
Meatballs, Etc. offers comprehensive franchise support designed to help owners launch confidently and operate efficiently from day one.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and market analysis
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Restaurant layout, design, and build-out assistance
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain setup
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Pre-opening marketing strategy and launch planning
Training & Operational Support
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Hands-on initial training covering food preparation, kitchen systems, and service standards
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Front-of-house and back-of-house operational procedures
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POS systems, inventory management, and cost controls
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Staff hiring, training, and scheduling best practices
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and local marketing playbooks
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Digital marketing guidance (social media, local SEO, promotions)
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Ongoing brand campaigns and seasonal menu promotions
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise support team
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Performance benchmarking and operational reviews
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New product development and menu innovation
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Continuous training updates and operational refinements
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Meatballs, Etc. franchisee is someone who values quality food, structured systems, and hands-on business ownership.
This opportunity is well-suited for:
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Entrepreneurs seeking entry into the restaurant franchise space
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Multi-unit operators looking to diversify their portfolio
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Owner-operators passionate about hospitality and food service
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Investors with strong local market knowledge and leadership skills
Preferred qualities include:
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Strong people management and customer service mindset
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Willingness to follow brand systems and operational standards
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Financial capability to meet investment requirements
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Interest in developing single or multiple locations in the U.S.
Financial Detail
| Cost / Fee Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $180,000 – $350,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | ~$180,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements / Build-Out | $90,000 – $160,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & Fixtures | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Furniture, Signage & Décor | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Initial Marketing / Grand Opening | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fund | 2% of gross sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months |
| Expected ROI | Competitive for fast-casual segment |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering |