Established
1952
Franchise Units
50
Minimum Investment
$1,400,000
Franchise Fee
$60,000
Total Investment Range
$2,500,000
Home Based
No
Description
Metro Diner is a well-recognized American comfort food restaurant brand celebrated for its hearty portions, welcoming atmosphere, and nostalgic diner experience. Known for serving crave-worthy breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner favorites, Metro Diner has built a loyal customer base across the United States by blending classic diner traditions with modern operational efficiency.
The brand is especially famous for its all-day breakfast offerings, indulgent comfort classics, and made-from-scratch approach that resonates with families, working professionals, and weekend brunch crowds alike. From fried chicken and waffles to homestyle meatloaf and burgers, Metro Diner delivers familiar flavors executed consistently across locations.
Positioned in the casual dining / family dining segment, Metro Diner benefits from broad demographic appeal and strong repeat traffic. Its approachable menu, mid-range pricing, and community-focused brand identity make it a compelling option for investors seeking a proven restaurant concept with nationwide recognition and scalable growth potential.
Why Invest in the Metro Diner Franchise?
Investing in a Metro Diner franchise offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to own a well-established American diner brand with strong name recognition and a loyal customer following.
Key investment advantages include:
• All-Day Dining Demand – Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner service drives steady traffic throughout the day
• Broad Customer Appeal – Families, professionals, seniors, and students all connect with the brand
• Comfort Food Category Strength – Classic American dining remains resilient across economic cycles
• Proven Restaurant Model – Standardized systems, recipes, and operational playbooks
• Strong Average Unit Volumes – Casual dining format supports higher ticket sizes than QSR concepts
• Scalable Footprint – Suitable for freestanding buildings, end-caps, and high-visibility retail corridors
Background
Brand Name: Metro Diner
Industry Category: Casual Dining / Family Dining Restaurants
Established Year: 1992
Franchising Launch: Mid-2000s
Founders: Mark Davis and Brian Hutchinson
Ownership: Acquired by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
Metro Diner began as a single neighborhood diner in Jacksonville, Florida, founded with the goal of delivering honest, comforting food in a friendly, no-frills environment. What started as a local favorite quickly gained traction as word spread about its generous portions and welcoming service.
As the brand matured, Metro Diner expanded beyond Florida and entered multiple U.S. markets through franchising. The acquisition by Cracker Barrel further strengthened the brand’s operational discipline, supply chain efficiencies, and long-term strategic positioning.
Today, Metro Diner operates over 50 locations across multiple U.S. states, with a strong presence in the Southeast and continued brand awareness nationwide. The concept is positioned as a reliable, community-centric dining destination offering consistent quality and value.
Support Training
Metro Diner franchisees benefit from a comprehensive support system designed to guide owners from site selection through daily operations.
Pre-Launch Support
• Market analysis and territory guidance
• Site selection and lease review assistance
• Restaurant layout and build-out specifications
• Equipment sourcing and vendor coordination
• Pre-opening staffing guidance
Training Program
• Initial training for owners and managers
• On-site operational training at certified locations
• Kitchen systems, food prep, and recipe execution
• Service standards and guest experience training
• Labor management and scheduling systems
Operational Support
• Standard operating procedures and manuals
• Inventory control and food cost management
• POS system integration and reporting
• Quality control and brand compliance reviews
Marketing & Ongoing Support
• National brand marketing strategies
• Local store marketing guidance
• Promotional calendar and menu rollouts
• Ongoing field support and performance coaching
Ideal Candidate
Metro Diner is best suited for experienced, hands-on operators who understand hospitality and people management.
Ideal candidates typically include:
• Multi-unit restaurant operators or experienced managers
• Hospitality professionals seeking ownership
• Investors with strong leadership and operational focus
• Individuals passionate about food, service, and community engagement
Preferred qualifications:
• Strong people-management and customer service skills
• Willingness to be involved in day-to-day operations
• Financial capacity to meet investment requirements
• Ability to follow established systems and brand standards
Metro Diner performs best in suburban and urban trade areas with strong breakfast and family dining demand.
Financial Detail
| Investment Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Initial Investment | $1.4 million – $2.5 million |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $750,000+ |
| Net Worth Requirement | Typically $1.5 million+ |
| Franchise Fee | ~$60,000 |
| Real Estate & Leasehold Improvements | $600,000 – $1.1 million |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) | $300,000 – $500,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| Grand Opening & Local Marketing | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Training & Travel Expenses | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $100,000 – $200,000 |