Established
1996
Franchise Units
80
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$750,000
Home Based
No
Description
Sandella's Flatbread is a well-established fast-casual restaurant concept that blends fresh ingredients, customizable flatbreads, wraps, paninis, and salads with an efficient, small-footprint operating model. Built for today’s health-conscious and on-the-go consumers, Sandella’s Flatbread occupies a strong niche between traditional quick-service restaurants and premium fast-casual dining.
The brand is especially known for its presence in non-traditional locations such as airports, universities, hospitals, military bases, travel plazas, and corporate campuses—areas where speed, consistency, and compact design are critical. Its flexible formats, streamlined kitchens, and broad menu appeal make it a compelling franchise opportunity in the evolving U.S. foodservice market.
For entrepreneurs seeking a scalable restaurant franchise with lower build-out costs, simplified operations, and strong brand recognition, Sandella’s Flatbread offers a proven pathway into the fast-casual dining sector.
Why Invest in Sandella’s Flatbread Franchise?
Investing in Sandella’s Flatbread provides franchisees with a balanced mix of brand credibility, operational efficiency, and growth flexibility.
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Proven fast-casual concept with broad demographic appeal
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Health-forward menu featuring customizable flatbreads, wraps, salads, and breakfast items
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Strong positioning in high-traffic non-traditional venues
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Smaller footprints that reduce real estate and construction costs
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Simplified kitchen operations with limited labor requirements
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Flexible store formats including inline, kiosk, and food court models
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Support from an experienced franchisor with national presence
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Opportunity to expand into multiple units and protected territories
Background
Established Year: 1996
Founders: The Sandella family
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Restaurant / Flatbread & Wrap Concept
Brand Journey & History:
Sandella’s Flatbread was founded in the mid-1990s with a simple yet differentiated idea—bringing fresh, made-to-order flatbreads and wraps into high-traffic environments where traditional full-service restaurants were not practical. The brand quickly gained traction in airports and institutional settings, where speed, quality, and consistency are essential.
Over the years, Sandella’s Flatbread refined its menu, optimized its operating systems, and expanded through franchising. The concept has continuously adapted to changing consumer preferences by incorporating healthier ingredients, customizable options, and breakfast offerings for all-day revenue potential.
Ownership & Market Presence:
The brand operates and franchises across the United States, with a strong footprint in airports, colleges, hospitals, and travel hubs. Sandella’s Flatbread is widely recognized in the non-traditional restaurant segment and continues to pursue growth through strategic franchise partnerships.
Franchise Active Units: Approximately 80+ active locations, primarily operating in non-traditional venues such as airports, universities, hospitals, military bases, and travel centers across the United States.
Support Training
Sandella’s Flatbread offers comprehensive franchise support designed to guide owners from site selection through daily operations and long-term growth.
Pre-Launch Support:
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Site evaluation and location guidance, especially for non-traditional venues
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Restaurant layout and design specifications
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Equipment recommendations and vendor sourcing
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Assistance with permits, approvals, and pre-opening requirements
Training Programs:
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Initial franchisee training covering operations, food preparation, and brand standards
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On-site opening support to ensure smooth launch
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Management and staff training focused on speed, quality, and consistency
Operational Support:
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Standardized recipes and preparation procedures
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Inventory management systems and cost controls
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Ongoing operational guidance and performance reviews
Marketing & Brand Support:
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National brand standards and promotional guidance
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Local marketing strategies tailored to high-traffic environments
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Menu innovation and seasonal offerings
Ongoing Support:
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Dedicated franchise support team
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Continuous menu development and operational updates
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Growth planning for multi-unit franchisees
Ideal Candidate
Sandella’s Flatbread is best suited for entrepreneurs and operators who value efficient systems and structured environments.
Ideal Candidates Include:
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Multi-unit operators seeking expansion into non-traditional foodservice locations
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Hospitality or foodservice professionals with operational experience
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Investors looking for a scalable restaurant concept with lower overhead
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Entrepreneurs comfortable working within airports, campuses, or institutional settings
Key Traits:
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Strong business management and organizational skills
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Commitment to brand standards and food quality
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Ability to manage staff in fast-paced environments
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Financial capability to meet investment requirements
Location Preference:
Franchisees should be open to operating in non-traditional, high-traffic venues, though select traditional locations may also be available depending on market demand.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Details (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $350,000 – $750,000 |
| Minimum Investment | $250,000+ liquid capital (varies by location) |
| Franchise Fee | ~$30,000 |
| Build-Out & Infrastructure Cost | $180,000 – $400,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $90,000 – $180,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Opening Budget | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $40,000 – $90,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales (approx.) |
| Brand / Marketing Fund | 1–2% of gross sales |
| Average Unit Size | 600 – 1,200 sq. ft. |
| Expected ROI | Market & location dependent |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Flatbreads, wraps, breakfast menu, beverages, combo meals, catering |
