Established
1974
Franchise Units
8
Minimum Investment
$535,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$1,100,000
Home Based
No
Description
Squeeze In is a well-known American breakfast and brunch restaurant franchise celebrated for its bold omelets, creative comfort food, and unmistakably fun dining atmosphere. Built on decades of brand loyalty and a fiercely loyal customer base, Squeeze In has carved out a distinctive niche in the highly competitive breakfast and casual dining segment by combining crave-worthy food, vibrant décor, and a community-driven brand personality.
Unlike traditional breakfast chains that rely on standardized menus and corporate rigidity, Squeeze In stands out for its playful culture, oversized portions, and inventive takes on classic breakfast favorites. The brand has become especially popular among millennials, families, and weekend brunch crowds who value experience as much as food quality. From colorful interiors to menu items with personality, every Squeeze In location is designed to be memorable, social-media friendly, and locally loved.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Squeeze In offers franchisees the opportunity to own a restaurant concept that has already earned trust, recognition, and repeat business across multiple U.S. markets. The brand’s longevity, combined with modern franchising systems, creates a balance of heritage and growth.
Key investment highlights include strong demand for breakfast and brunch dining, relatively efficient operating hours compared to late-night concepts, and menu pricing that supports healthy margins. Squeeze In locations benefit from high weekend traffic, strong word-of-mouth marketing, and a menu that encourages repeat visits.
The concept is designed to perform well in suburban markets, lifestyle centers, and high-visibility urban corridors. With a differentiated brand identity and a focus on guest experience, Squeeze In allows franchisees to compete effectively without being overshadowed by large national chains.
Background
Established Year: 1974
Founders: Larry and Jaime Trees
Squeeze In began its journey in 1974 as a single neighborhood breakfast spot built on hearty omelets, generous portions, and a welcoming, offbeat atmosphere. What started as a local favorite quickly grew into a cult-like brand known for its colorful personality and loyal customer following.
Over the decades, Squeeze In evolved from an independent restaurant into a franchised brand while maintaining its original spirit. The company focused on refining recipes, improving operational systems, and creating a franchising model that preserves consistency without sacrificing local charm.
Today, Squeeze In operates 8+ franchise locations across the United States, with a strong presence in Western and Southern markets. The brand operates within the Quick Service / Casual Dining – Breakfast & Brunch industry category and continues to expand selectively with qualified franchise partners
Support Training
Squeeze In provides franchisees with comprehensive, hands-on support designed to guide them from initial onboarding through long-term operations. The franchisor’s support structure is especially valuable for first-time restaurant owners as well as experienced multi-unit operators.
Pre-Launch Support
Franchisees receive assistance with site selection, lease review guidance, restaurant layout planning, and equipment specifications. The corporate team works closely with franchisees to ensure locations meet brand requirements and maximize customer flow and efficiency.
Training Program
Squeeze In offers an in-depth training program covering kitchen operations, food preparation, service standards, inventory management, labor scheduling, and point-of-sale systems. Training includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience in operating locations.
Operational Support
Ongoing operational guidance includes standard operating procedures, food safety protocols, cost control systems, and performance benchmarks. Franchisees receive regular updates to operational manuals to ensure consistency across the system.
Marketing & Brand Support
The franchisor provides brand-approved marketing assets, promotional campaigns, and guidance on local store marketing. Support includes digital marketing strategies, social media best practices, grand opening promotions, and community engagement ideas.
Ongoing Support
Franchisees benefit from continuous support through field visits, performance reviews, corporate communication, and access to a dedicated support team. The goal is long-term profitability, operational excellence, and brand consistency across all locations.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Squeeze In franchisee is an entrepreneur or investor with a passion for hospitality, food service, and customer experience. While prior restaurant experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory for success within the system.
Strong candidates are hands-on operators or multi-unit investors who value brand culture, team leadership, and operational discipline. Franchisees should be comfortable managing staff, overseeing daily operations, and actively engaging with their local community.
From a financial standpoint, franchisees should have sufficient capital to fund the initial investment and working capital requirements. Squeeze In is well-suited for owner-operators, family partnerships, and experienced restaurant groups looking to add a breakfast-focused concept to their portfolio.
Financial Detail
| Cost Head | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $535,000 – $1,100,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $535,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements & Build-Out | $250,000 – $500,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) | $120,000 – $220,000 |
| Signage & Branding | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Pre-Opening & Training Expenses | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $60,000 – $120,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~5% of Gross Sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fund | ~2% of Gross Sales |
| Franchise Term | Typically 10 years |
| Break-Even Timeline | ~18 – 30 months |
| Expected ROI | Market-dependent, strong potential |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Catering, Beverages |
