Established
1992
Franchise Units
20
Minimum Investment
$1,800,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$3,200,000
Home Based
No
Description
Santa Fe Cattle Co. is a well-established American steakhouse franchise known for its bold Southwestern flavors, generous portions, and casual, family-friendly dining experience. Positioned in the highly resilient casual dining segment, the brand combines premium steaks, classic American comfort food, and a lively bar atmosphere that appeals to a wide demographic—from families and professionals to travelers and local communities.
What sets Santa Fe Cattle Co. apart is its balance between upscale food quality and approachable pricing. The concept is designed to deliver consistent guest experiences, strong repeat traffic, and solid unit-level economics. With a menu centered on hand-cut steaks, ribs, burgers, seafood, and signature appetizers, the brand has built a loyal following across multiple U.S. markets. For entrepreneurs seeking a recognizable restaurant brand with proven systems and scalable operations, Santa Fe Cattle Co. offers a compelling franchise opportunity in the competitive but rewarding foodservice industry.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in a Santa Fe Cattle Co. franchise means entering a mature, demand-driven restaurant category with a concept that has already demonstrated long-term consumer appeal.
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Operates in the stable casual dining and steakhouse segment with consistent year-round demand
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Strong brand identity built around quality steaks, hearty portions, and a relaxed Western theme
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Menu engineered for broad appeal and repeat visits
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Alcohol sales and bar service enhance average ticket size and margins
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Proven operational model suitable for suburban, highway, and secondary markets
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Ideal for multi-unit growth with standardized systems and supply chains
Background
Santa Fe Cattle Co. was founded 1992 emerging as a Western-themed steakhouse concept focused on delivering high-quality meals in a comfortable, casual environment. The founders envisioned a restaurant that combined the premium feel of a steakhouse with the approachability of a neighborhood grill.
Over the years, the brand expanded through franchising, establishing a presence across multiple U.S. states, particularly in the Midwest and Southern regions. Santa Fe Cattle Co. has operated under experienced restaurant ownership groups that emphasize consistency, food quality, and operational discipline.
Industry Category: Casual Dining / Steakhouse Restaurants
Market Presence: United States
Franchise Model: Single-unit and multi-unit development opportunities
Brand Journey: From a regional steakhouse to a recognized franchise concept with repeat customer loyalty
Franchise Active Units (USA): Approximately 20 operating locations
Support Training
Santa Fe Cattle Co. offers a structured support system designed to help franchisees launch, operate, and grow their restaurants efficiently.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and market evaluation
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Restaurant design, layout standards, and build-out assistance
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Vendor and supply chain setup
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Pre-opening planning and checklist support
Training & Operations
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Comprehensive initial training for owners and management
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Kitchen operations, food preparation, and quality control systems
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Service standards, staff scheduling, and cost management
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POS systems, inventory controls, and reporting tools
Marketing & Brand Support
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Brand marketing guidelines and creative assets
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Grand opening promotional strategies
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Local store marketing support
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Ongoing menu development and promotional campaigns
Ongoing Support
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Field support and operational reviews
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Continuous training updates
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Business coaching to improve profitability and performance
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Santa Fe Cattle Co. franchisee is a hands-on or semi-absentee owner with a passion for hospitality and team leadership.
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Experience in restaurants, hospitality, or multi-unit operations preferred
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Strong people-management and customer service mindset
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Financially capable of supporting a full-service restaurant investment
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Interested in community-focused locations with steady traffic
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Motivated to follow proven systems while maintaining local engagement
This opportunity is well suited for both first-time restaurant owners with strong management skills and seasoned operators seeking to expand their portfolio.
Financial Detail
| Cost Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $1,800,000 – $3,200,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $500,000+ |
| Real Estate & Build-Out | $900,000 – $1,600,000 |
| Equipment & Furniture | $350,000 – $600,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $40,000 – $75,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~5% of Gross Sales |
| Brand Marketing Fee | 1% – 2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 30 – 42 months |
| Expected ROI (Stabilized Unit) | 18% – 25% annually* |
