Farmer Boys: Redefining Farm-Fresh Dining in Fast Casual

Farmer Boys is a standout in the fast-casual dining scene, known for delivering farm-fresh takes on classic American fare. The restaurant was founded in 1981 by the Havadjias brothers, immigrants from Cyprus, who opened the first location in Perris, California.

From its beginnings, the brand emphasized freshness and quality, values that continue to guide its growth.Headquartered in Riverside, California, Farmer Boys has expanded its footprint across California, Nevada, and Arizona. The brand began franchising in 1997, enabling it to grow while remaining true to its core mission of serving wholesome, flavorful meals made with care.

Its diverse menu includes everything from award-winning burgers and all-day breakfast to sandwiches, salads, and sides—often made with ingredients sourced directly from local farms.

What makes Farmer Boys unique is its seamless blend of full-service hospitality with fast-casual efficiency. The brand offers a hybrid experience, combining the comfort of a sit-down meal with the convenience of drive-thru service, integrated third-party delivery, takeout, and online ordering.

Training

Farmer Boys® provides a structured suite of training programs to ensure franchisee success and operational consistency across its locations. The Franchisor offers the following types of training:

1. Initial Training Program: This foundational program spans approximately 12 weeks and includes around 45 hours per week of training. It covers on-site food preparation, portion control, cooking and packaging procedures, sanitation, marketing, customer service, system standards, equipment maintenance, and reporting techniques. It is conducted at the Franchisor’s headquarters or other designated locations and must be completed prior to the restaurant opening. Franchisees are required to cover their own travel and living expenses.
2. On-Site Opening Assistance: At the time of opening, the Franchisor provides two weeks to one month of on-site training at the restaurant. This training, carried out by an experienced manager, helps the franchisee's team with real-time guidance during launch. While this is free for the standard duration, any extended training must be reimbursed by the franchisee.
3. Additional Training: Periodically, the Franchisor may require or offer optional additional training sessions to franchisees and their management teams. These may include new procedures, product recipes, or operational improvements. Sessions are typically capped at two per year, not exceeding three days each, and may occur regionally or nationally.
4. Training for Replacement Managers: Any newly hired or replacement Operating Principals or Designated Managers must complete the Initial Training Program to the Franchisor’s satisfaction. If a franchisee's restaurant falls out of compliance with system standards, the Franchisor can mandate retraining.

Territory Protection

Farmer Boys® provides limited territorial protection to its franchisees under specific conditions. For each individual restaurant, the Franchisor grants a defined “Territory” typically consisting of a one-mile radius surrounding the licensed location.

Within this area, the Franchisor and its affiliates agree not to open or franchise any additional traditional Farmer Boys® restaurants.

However, the protection is not absolute and comes with several exceptions. For instance, the Franchisor retains rights to establish restaurants in special venues like airports, malls, amusement parks, or educational institutions, even within a franchisee's designated territory.