Established
1974
Franchise Units
50
Minimum Investment
$1,500,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$3,500,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Quaker Steak & Lube franchise represents one of the most recognizable names in American casual dining, blending bold flavors, motorsports culture, and a high-energy sports-bar atmosphere. Famous for its award-winning wings, signature sauces, and immersive automotive-themed décor, the brand delivers a dining experience that goes beyond food—turning each location into a social destination.
Positioned at the intersection of casual dining and sports entertainment, Quaker Steak & Lube appeals to families, sports fans, bikers, and groups seeking a fun, lively environment. Its menu balances crowd-pleasing classics with innovative offerings, while its strong bar program and event-driven marketing keep customers coming back. For franchise investors, the brand offers a proven operating model, national recognition, and multiple revenue streams within a well-established category of the U.S. restaurant industry.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Iconic Brand Recognition – Decades of brand equity built around wings, motorsports culture, and Americana dining
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Differentiated Experience – Automotive memorabilia, racing themes, and interactive events create strong emotional connection
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Diverse Revenue Streams – Dine-in, bar sales, events, catering, merchandise, and off-premise dining
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Scalable Footprint – Flexible restaurant formats suited for suburban and destination locations
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Event-Driven Traffic – Bike nights, trivia, sports viewing, and promotional challenges drive repeat visits
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Franchise-Ready Systems – Structured processes designed to support multi-unit growth and operational consistency
Background
- Established Year: 1974
- Founders: Bruce Bozey and Mike Bruggeman
- Industry Category: Casual Dining / Sports Bar / American Restaurant
- Franchise Active Units: 50
Quaker Steak & Lube began in Sharon, Pennsylvania, with a vision inspired by classic service stations and automotive culture. Over time, the brand evolved into a full-service casual dining concept known nationwide for its wings, signature sauces, and energetic dining rooms.
Support Training
Quaker Steak & Lube offers a comprehensive franchise support system focused on preparing owners for long-term operational success.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
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Restaurant design standards and build-out coordination
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Equipment specifications and vendor sourcing assistance
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Pre-opening marketing and launch planning
Training Programs
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In-depth operational training for franchisees and managers
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Kitchen systems, food preparation, and quality control standards
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Front-of-house service training and guest experience management
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Bar operations, beverage controls, and compliance guidance
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and regional marketing initiatives
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Promotional calendars, seasonal campaigns, and event toolkits
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Digital marketing guidance and local store marketing strategies
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Brand assets, creative templates, and social media direction
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise business consultants
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Operational audits and performance reviews
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Menu development updates and innovation support
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Continued education and leadership development programs
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Quaker Steak & Lube franchisee is a hands-on or semi-absentee operator with strong leadership skills and a passion for hospitality.
Best-Suited Candidates Include:
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Multi-unit restaurant operators or experienced hospitality managers
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Investors with strong people-management and customer-service focus
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Entrepreneurs who value brand standards and operational discipline
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Owners interested in community-driven, event-based restaurant concepts
Key Attributes:
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Adequate financial capacity to meet investment requirements
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Commitment to maintaining brand culture and guest experience
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Willingness to engage in local marketing and community outreach
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Preference for high-visibility suburban or destination locations
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $1.5 million – $3.5 million |
| Minimum Investment | Around $1.5 million |
| Franchise Fee | Approx. $40,000 |
| Restaurant Build-Out & Infrastructure | $900,000 – $2.2 million |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) | $250,000 – $600,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $150,000 – $350,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~5% of gross sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fund Contribution | ~2% of gross sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 24 – 36 months |
| Expected ROI | Market & operations dependent |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-in food, bar sales, events, catering, merchandise |
All financial figures are indicative estimates and may vary based on location, restaurant size, and local market conditions.
