Veteran-Friendly Food Franchise Opportunities
Cooks are the unsung heroes of the military. Without Mess Specialists and Culinary Specialists providing food and rations to troops, the volunteers in the armed forces would be stuck eating MREs and ramen noodles throughout their military careers.
Those who have served their country by serving their fellow service members may consider looking to private industry to put their talents to work. Those with stronger management and administrative skills are ideal candidates for franchise opportunities. Below is a list of a few restaurants that offer financial incentives to veterans for franchise opportunities in the food industry.
Franchise Opportunities for Veterans in the Food Industry
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s claims an average net sales of over $1.1 million per year. The restaurant has also been on Entrepreneur magazine’s list of the 500 best franchises for many years. It is obvious there is success to be had at Moe’s, and veterans can take advantage of a $10,000 discount on the initial franchise fee of $30,500.
Qdoba Mexican Eats
Qdoba opened its first restaurant in 1995 and has grown to over 850 facilities. The licensing fee is $30,000 to $40,000 over a 10-year term. However, veterans receive a 20% discount.
Schlotzsky’s
This Austin, Texas staple has been around since 1971 and has expanded to 250 locations in 20 states. The company has ranked on Entrepreneur magazine’s list of the 500 best franchises. Veterans receive $15,500 off the initial $35,500 franchise fee. Schlotzsky’s parent company is Focus Brands, which also represents Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, Carvel, Jamba, McAllister’s, and Moe’s.
Philly Pretzel Factory
This is available as a franchise, with a $1,776 veterans discount off the initial $40,000 fee. Philly Pretzel Factory boasts a small but tasty menu, and as anyone who has ever eaten a soft pretzel knows, there’s always room for more. The company began franchising in 2004 and claims that 45% of its franchisees operate multiple locations.\
Honey Baked Ham Company
Michigan-based Honey Baked Ham Company sells hams, turkeys, and roasts for all occasions. They also provide a lunch menu for people looking for a quick bite. The family-owned company has been in business since the 1950s and has expanded its franchise empire to about 500 locations. Market opportunities exist in every state except California, which has an abundance of storefronts operating. The average annual net sales for the franchises are about $750,000.
The development fee for the first Honey Baked Ham Company location is $20,000, with $10,000 per store thereafter and $5,000 for seasonal stores. Veterans get a $5,000 discount on the initial franchise fee.
RELATED:
- The UPS Store Waives Franchise Fee for Veterans For Limited Time
- Top Franchises for Veterans
- Patriot Bootcamp
- Choose Veteran-Owned Businesses as the Economy Normalizes
- SBA Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program
- The VA’s Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Program
About the author
Lori Waddell serves as Co-director of an emergency response COAD in Montana, a freelance writer, and an Air Force Key Spouse. She is passionate about empowering communities and individuals through knowledge and resources. She currently lives in Montana with her husband and two children.
