Steak 'n Shake, established in 1934 by A.H. "Gus" Belt in Normal, Illinois, is a renowned American restaurant chain celebrated for its premium steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes.
The company is currently headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Since its inception, Steak 'n Shake has expanded its presence across the United States and internationally, offering a unique blend of fast-food convenience and classic diner ambiance.
The franchise began its expansion in 1939, allowing entrepreneurs to operate their own Steak 'n Shake restaurants under the brand's established name and business model.
The menu primarily features steakburgers made from a blend of T-bone, sirloin, and round steaks, along with a variety of milkshakes, fries, and other classic American fare.
What sets Steak 'n Shake apart from its competitors is its commitment to quality and transparency. The founder's original practice of grinding steaks into burgers in front of customers exemplified this dedication, ensuring patrons of the product's authenticity and freshness.
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Steak ‘n Shake offers 3 types of franchises:
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Steak ‘n Shake Freestanding Quick Service Format franchise. For more information on the costs required to start a Steak ‘n Shake franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Steak 'n Shake provides a comprehensive, multi-week training program for its Franchise Partners, ensuring they are well-prepared to operate their restaurants effectively.
This extensive training encompasses various aspects of restaurant management, including day-to-day operations, customer service excellence, and quality control measures.
The program is designed to equip franchisees with the necessary skills and knowledge to uphold the brand's standards and deliver a consistent dining experience to customers.
In addition to the initial training, Steak 'n Shake offers ongoing support to its franchisees. This includes field-based operations assistance, administrative services such as payroll and accounting, and creative marketing support.
Steak 'n Shake offers territory protection to its franchisees, particularly those engaged in multi-unit development plans. For these franchisees, the company establishes a development agreement that outlines specific territories and schedules for franchise openings.
This ensures franchisees can operate within an exclusive area, reducing the risk of internal competition. This approach helps maintain the profitability and sustainability of each location by avoiding market saturation.
Territorial rights are essential for preserving brand integrity while fostering a supportive environment for franchisees. This protection strengthens the relationship between the franchisor and its partners, promoting long-term business success.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
All you need to know about this franchise
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Below are some of
Steak 'n Shake
key competitors in the
Burger
sector.
266
$25,000
$316,000
$2,695,000
n.a.
$1,729,000
$xxx,xxx
70.5%
n.a.
20.0%
n.a.
Wayback Burgers
$200K - $500K
131
$35,000
$209,000
$703,000
n.a.
$0
$xxx,xxx
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
BURGERFI
Over $500K
93
$45,000
$610,000
$1,043,000
n.a.
$1,319,000
$xxx,xxx
67.9%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
Wahlburgers
Over $500K
106
$40,000
$1,140,000
$2,755,000
n.a.
$0
$xxx,xxx
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
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JL Beers
Over $500K
3
$50,000
$1,223,000
$3,308,000
n.a.
$1,440,000
$xxx,xxx
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
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