The Counter
The Counter is a franchise offering full-service or non-traditional restaurants featuring customizable build-your-own burgers with over 312,000 combinations, signature burgers, sandwiches, salads, side dishes, desserts, ice-cream shakes, and non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages like beer and wine, using proprietary recipes and high-quality ingredients in a modern industrial setting. Franchisees operate under the comprehensive Counter System, adhering to strict standards for food preparation, operations, marketing, and intellectual property use to emphasize quality, nutrition, and customer choice. The business model targets the general public, particularly health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to fast food, serving lunch and dinner year-round in competitive markets including fast casual and full-service dining.
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
6% royalty + 2.5% ad fund (up to 4%) + $55/mo POS support + up to $75/mo data fees
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
This franchise did not provide Item 19 financial performance data.
Be careful if you are interested in investing. The lack of financial performance representations may indicate limited data or varying results across franchises.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How The Counter Compares to Other Fast Food Franchises
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Counter Current | $247K - $484K | $25K | 6.0% | 1 |
| 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.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for The Counter franchisees (2012 - 2019)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
Unlock Franchisee Contact Database
2 franchisee contacts on file. Upgrade to see names, locations, phone numbers, and matched SBA loan data.
Upgrade to Pro$199/year · Cancel anytime
Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
Primarily franchisee claims of misrepresentation, fraud, and violations of state franchise laws (e.g., FIPA, WFIPA, Texas acts); franchisor claims for breach of contract, unpaid royalties and fees, termination disputes, and post-termination non-compliance.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
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 The Counter franchise?
The total initial investment to open a The Counter franchise ranges from $246,925 to $483,525. This includes a franchise fee of $25,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.0% of gross sales.
How many The Counter franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, The Counter has 1 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 2006.
Can you get an SBA loan for a The Counter franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for The Counter franchises. Historical data shows 8 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for The Counter franchisees, with an average loan amount of $979,813. The historical default rate is 0.0%.
Is The Counter a good franchise to buy?
The Counter shows several positive indicators: 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 The Counter?
Talk to a franchise advisor to get personalized guidance and learn if The Counter is the right fit for you.
Talk to an Advisor