Deli-style restaurant franchise known for its sandwiches, salads, and artisan bread, offering a diverse menu with a focus on quality ingredients.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
280
+
-6%
-6%
Franchise fee
?
$35,000
Investment
?
$648,000 - $1,951,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$1,045,000
+
5.1%
5.1%
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As part of the Focus Brands family, which includes well-known franchises such as Auntie Anne’s, Jamba, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Cinnabon, Carvel, and McAlister’s Deli, Schlotzsky’s Bakery Café is a significant player in the American fast-casual dining industry. Renowned for being the originator of the Original® oven-baked sandwich, Schlotzsky’s has built a strong reputation.
Schlotzsky’s Bakery Café was established in 1971 by Don and Dolores Dissman, opening its first location in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas.
The restaurant chain boasts an array of made-to-order menu items, including artisanal pizzas, expertly prepared sandwiches, refreshing salads, indulgent calzones, robust soups, and a variety of delightful food and drink options to suit a wide range of tastes.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Schlotzsky’s Bakery Café started franchising in 1976 and has since grown to over 330 locations across the United States, continually expanding its reach and concept.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Schlotzsky’s Bakery Café franchise is
$648,000 - $1,951,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Schlotzsky’s offers 3 types of franchises:
Type of Restaurant
Initial Investment
Small Format Restaurant
$648,065 – $934,170
Large Format Restaurant
$855,625 – $1,494,325
Freestanding Restaurant
$1,348,545 – $1,951,300
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Schlotzsky’s franchised Freestanding Restaurant. For more information on costs required to start a Schlotzsky’s franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$35,500
Construction and Build Out Costs
$909,000 – $1,130,000
Permitting
$4,250 – $13,700
Equipment Package
$139,000 – $181,300
Millwork
$12,800 – $29,900
Furniture
$11,670 – $33,500
Menu Board, Graphics and Interior Signage
$5,300 – $22,900
Exterior Signage
$85,000 – $149,000
Computer System
$20,600 – $53,700
Smallwares
$11,700 – $15,400
TV/Music
$3,200 – $4,200
Architect/Engineer
$21,200 – $37,300
Rent
$5,000 – $10,800
Grand Opening Marketing
$15,000 – $25,000
Legal and Accounting Fees
$2,500 – $10,000
Insurance
$1,825 – $9,100
Misc. Opening Costs/Office Supplies
$500 – $1,500
Security Deposits
$500 – $8,000
Management Training Program Fee
$0 – $10,000
Travel and Living Expenses during Training
$10,000 – $40,000
On-Site Training Fee
$0 – $9,600
Opening Inventory
$15,000 – $21,800
Cinnabon Express Bakery Initial Franchise Fee
$0 – $8,000
Cinnabon Express Bakery
$0 – $40,100
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$39,000 – $51,000
Total Initial Investment
$1,348,545 – $1,951,300
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Schlotzsky’s offers 3 types of franchises:
Type of Restaurant
Initial Investment
Small Format Restaurant
$648,065 – $934,170
Large Format Restaurant
$855,625 – $1,494,325
Freestanding Restaurant
$1,348,545 – $1,951,300
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Schlotzsky’s franchised Freestanding Restaurant. For more information on costs required to start a Schlotzsky’s franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$35,500
Construction and Build Out Costs
$909,000 – $1,130,000
Permitting
$4,250 – $13,700
Equipment Package
$139,000 – $181,300
Millwork
$12,800 – $29,900
Furniture
$11,670 – $33,500
Menu Board, Graphics and Interior Signage
$5,300 – $22,900
Exterior Signage
$85,000 – $149,000
Computer System
$20,600 – $53,700
Smallwares
$11,700 – $15,400
TV/Music
$3,200 – $4,200
Architect/Engineer
$21,200 – $37,300
Rent
$5,000 – $10,800
Grand Opening Marketing
$15,000 – $25,000
Legal and Accounting Fees
$2,500 – $10,000
Insurance
$1,825 – $9,100
Misc. Opening Costs/Office Supplies
$500 – $1,500
Security Deposits
$500 – $8,000
Management Training Program Fee
$0 – $10,000
Travel and Living Expenses during Training
$10,000 – $40,000
On-Site Training Fee
$0 – $9,600
Opening Inventory
$15,000 – $21,800
Cinnabon Express Bakery Initial Franchise Fee
$0 – $8,000
Cinnabon Express Bakery
$0 – $40,100
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$39,000 – $51,000
Total Initial Investment
$1,348,545 – $1,951,300
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Schlotzsky’s Bakery Café's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Schlotzsky’s Bakery Café had 308 total units in 2025, of which 280 were franchised-owned and 28 company-owned.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Before launching a Schlotzsky’s restaurant, franchisees participate in a comprehensive training program. This program encompasses all critical elements of restaurant management, including operational procedures, customer service excellence, and marketing tactics.
The training aims to equip franchisees with the necessary skills and knowledge to run their businesses successfully.
Beyond the initial training, Schlotzsky’s emphasizes the value of ongoing education. They offer continuous support and training sessions to keep franchisees current with the latest operational methods and brand standards, ensuring long-term success and consistency across the franchise network.
Territory Protection
Schlotzsky’s Bakery Café does not offer franchisees an exclusive territory. However, franchisees are granted a territory with specific protected rights, referred to as an "Area of Protection."
Franchisees are authorized to operate their restaurant solely at an approved location.
If the restaurant location is not approved when the Franchise Agreement is signed, the franchisee must choose a site that meets Schlotzsky’s site selection criteria within a designated site selection area. This area is determined individually for each franchisee. It is important to note that franchisees do not have exclusive or protected rights within this site selection area.
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