Mr. Fries Man: Elevating Loaded Fries to a Gourmet Experience

Mr. Fries Man is a fast-casual restaurant franchise that has reimagined the classic French fry as a complete gourmet meal. Founded in 2016 by Craig and Dorothy Batiste in Gardena, California, the brand started from humble beginnings in their home kitchen.

Their concept of loaded fries—topped with a variety of proteins and signature sauces—quickly went viral on social media, which led to the opening of their first brick-and-mortar location in February 2017.

The company is headquartered at 14800 S. Western Avenue, #108, Gardena, CA 90249, and began franchising in 2020. The menu centers around freshly made-to-order French fries loaded with options like chicken, steak, shrimp, crab, and flavorful sauces—allowing customers to build their own indulgent fry-based meals.

Mr. Fries Man sets itself apart from other fast-casual concepts by turning a traditional side dish into the centerpiece of a customizable dining experience. Its focus on creative toppings, quality ingredients, and consistent social media engagement has helped foster a loyal and diverse customer base.

Training

Mr. Fries Man provides a structured training program for new franchisees to ensure they are well-prepared to operate their restaurants successfully. The training encompasses several key components:

1. On-the-Job Training (40 hours)
   Franchisees engage in hands-on training within an operational Mr. Fries Man restaurant. This practical experience covers daily operations, food preparation, customer service, and staff management.
2. Classroom Training (40 hours)
   In addition to practical experience, franchisees participate in classroom sessions that delve into business management, marketing strategies, financial planning, and adherence to company policies and procedures.
3. Grand Opening Support
   The franchisor offers assistance during the grand opening phase, providing guidance on promotional activities, operational setup, and initial customer engagement to ensure a successful launch.
4. Site Selection Assistance
   Franchisees receive support in selecting an optimal location for their restaurant, considering factors such as foot traffic, demographics, and market potential.
5. Marketing Support
   Ongoing marketing assistance is provided, including strategies for social media engagement and local advertising to promote the brand and drive customer traffic.

Territory Protection

Mr. Fries Man does not offer exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. According to the Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor reserves the right to open additional locations—either franchised or company-owned—even near existing franchise units. As a result, franchisees may encounter direct competition from other Mr. Fries Man outlets within the same market area.

This lack of territorial exclusivity enables the franchisor to grow the brand freely across various regions. While this strategy can boost brand visibility and customer awareness, it may also lead to oversaturation in certain markets. Potential franchisees should evaluate how this factor aligns with their business expectations and long-term goals.