ARBY'S
Arby’s is a quick-service restaurant franchise where franchisees operate restaurants offering deli-inspired sandwiches, such as roast beef varieties, along with complementary side items, desserts, and beverages. The business model requires franchisees to adhere to standardized site selection, construction, training, operations, and marketing protocols managed by Arby’s Franchisor, LLC, with ongoing royalties and advertising fees supporting system-wide support and national advertising through AFA. The target market includes consumers looking for fast, affordable, meat-focused meals in free-standing or non-traditional locations.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
4% royalty + 2.22%-4% Advertising and Marketing Service Fee + $25/mo Order Ahead Platform fee (optional) + $59/yr Learning Management System fee
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Extracted Item 19 Section
How ARBY'S Compares to Other Fast Food Franchises
Key Insights
- Top 10 largest franchise system in Fast Food
- Lower than average SBA loan default rate in Fast Food
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ARBY'S Current | $645K - $2.5M | $38K | 4.0% | 2,316 |
| Burger King | $2.1M - $4.7M | $50K | 4.5% | 19,732 |
| MCDONALD'S | $1.5M - $2.6M | $45K | N/A | 12,772 |
| AFC | $45K - $151K | $6K | 9.5% | 3,572 |
| SONIC DRIVE-IN | $1.7M - $3.1M | $15K | 5.0% | 3,441 |
| JIMMY JOHN'S | $366K - $728K | $35K | 6.0% | 2,647 |
Fast Food Average 127 franchises | $605K - $1.5M | $35K | 6.1% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 127 Fast Food franchises by location count.
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for ARBY'S franchisees (2010 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a ARBY'S franchise?
The total initial investment to open a ARBY'S franchise ranges from $644,950 to $2,451,000. This includes a franchise fee of $37,500. Ongoing royalty fees are 4.0% of gross sales.
How many ARBY'S franchise locations are there?
As of the 2024 FDD, ARBY'S has 2,316 franchise locations.
Can you get an SBA loan for a ARBY'S franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for ARBY'S franchises. Historical data shows 73 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for ARBY'S franchisees, with an average loan amount of $690,681. The historical default rate is 4.1%.
Is ARBY'S a good franchise to buy?
ARBY'S shows several positive indicators: established brand with 2,316+ locations, transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in ARBY'S?
Talk to a franchise advisor to get personalized guidance and learn if ARBY'S is the right fit for you.
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