Classic American burger and milkshake restaurant franchise, known for its steakburgers, hand-dipped milkshakes, and diner-style atmosphere.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
266
+
-13%
-13%
Franchise fee
?
$25,000
Investment
?
$316,000 - $2,695,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$1,729,000
+
6.4%
6.4%
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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.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Steak 'n Shake franchise is
$316,000 - $2,695,000.
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.
Steak ‘n Shake offers 3 types of franchises:
Format
Initial Investment Range
Non-Traditional
$316,000 to $715,000
In-line Quick Service Format
$454,000 to $1,364,000
Freestanding Quick Service Format
$1,207,909 to $2,695,052
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).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Construction Management / Fee
$0 to $35,000
Site Improvements
$90,000 to $482,074
Building or Leasehold Improvements
$612,359 to $1,342,341
Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment, & Signage
$394,550 to $576,342
Pre-Opening Expenses
$5,000 to $10,000
Additional Funds for three (3) months
$15,000 to $20,000
Inventory and Supplies for Opening
$10,000 to $15,000
Training Expenses (travel, meals & lodging)
$16,000 to $55,000
Architectural, Civil Engineering & Other Professional Fees & Permits
$35,000 to $88,050
Impact and Tap Fees
$5,000 to $11,245
Grand Opening Marketing Expenses
$0 to $25,000
Extension Fee
$0 to $10,000
TOTAL
$1,207,909 to $2,695,052
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Steak ‘n Shake offers 3 types of franchises:
Format
Initial Investment Range
Non-Traditional
$316,000 to $715,000
In-line Quick Service Format
$454,000 to $1,364,000
Freestanding Quick Service Format
$1,207,909 to $2,695,052
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).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Construction Management / Fee
$0 to $35,000
Site Improvements
$90,000 to $482,074
Building or Leasehold Improvements
$612,359 to $1,342,341
Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment, & Signage
$394,550 to $576,342
Pre-Opening Expenses
$5,000 to $10,000
Additional Funds for three (3) months
$15,000 to $20,000
Inventory and Supplies for Opening
$10,000 to $15,000
Training Expenses (travel, meals & lodging)
$16,000 to $55,000
Architectural, Civil Engineering & Other Professional Fees & Permits
$35,000 to $88,050
Impact and Tap Fees
$5,000 to $11,245
Grand Opening Marketing Expenses
$0 to $25,000
Extension Fee
$0 to $10,000
TOTAL
$1,207,909 to $2,695,052
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Steak 'n Shake's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Steak 'n Shake had 406 total units in 2025, of which 266 were franchised-owned and 140 company-owned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the royalty fee?
The royalty fee for a Steak 'n Shake franchise is 5.00%. In addition, you would have to pay the advertising (or national brand fund) fee of 1.00%.
What is the total investment?
The initial investment required for a Steak 'n Shake franchise is $316,000 - $2,695,000. 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.
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for a Steak 'n Shake franchise is $25,000. This is typically paid upfront as part of the total initial investment, after signature of the Franchise Agreeement.
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.
Territory Protection
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.