Arby's Franchise — Veteran Cost & Requirements (2026)
From that first We Have The Meats greeting to the last satisfied customer each night, Arby's brings premium sandwiches to over 3,300 communities nationwide. This is hands-on restaurant ownership with a 60-year track record of success and innovation.
What Is Arby's?
Arby's offers honorably discharged veterans 50% off the standard franchise fee.
Running an Arby's means leading a team of 15-25 people serving premium sandwiches in a fast-casual environment. Your day starts early, prepping roast beef, checking inventory, and making sure your crew is ready for the lunch rush. You'll split time between the front counter connecting with regulars and the back office managing schedules, ordering, and financials. Success comes from maintaining consistent quality while building a reliable team. Revenue flows from dine-in, drive-thru, and increasingly, digital orders through the Arby's app. The business follows traditional QSR patterns – breakfast and lunch rushes, steady afternoon traffic, and dinner service. Multiple revenue streams include dine-in, drive-thru, catering, and delivery partnerships.
Quick Facts
Founded
2015
Franchising Since
2015
Total Locations
3365
Headquarters
Georgia
Location Type
Commercial Location
Semi-Absentee
No
SBA Approved
Yes
Arby's Franchise Cost Breakdown (2026)
The total investment to open a Arby's franchise starts at $644,950. Here's what that covers and what you'll need to qualify.
Investment Breakdown
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Fees and Expenses During Training | $5,000 | $23,400 |
| Total Development & Franchise Fees / Training | $11,250 | $73,400 |
| Lease Deposits and Payments | $12,000 | $50,000 |
| Site Costs | $0 | $451,000 |
| Landscaping | $0 | $45,000 |
| Total Site and Real Estate (excluding purchase/lease) | $12,000 | $546,000 |
| Civil & Architectural Drawings / Professional Fees | $40,000 | $150,000 |
| Zoning / Permitting Costs | $1,000 | $112,000 |
| Building Costs | $400,000 | $850,000 |
| Equipment | $225,000 | $325,000 |
| Computer Hardware and Software/ POS | $32,000 | $55,000 |
| Décor Package | $11,000 | $35,000 |
| Signage & Drive Thru | $25,000 | $88,000 |
| Total Building / Construction / Equipment | $536,000 | $1,615,000 |
| Pre-Opening Wages | $21,300 | $41,200 |
| Opening Inventory | $18,000 | $26,000 |
| Insurance | $8,400 | $14,400 |
| Working Capital / Additional Funds | $33,000 | $100,000 |
| Rent (one month) | $4,000 | $10,000 |
| Business Licenses, Health Permits, Utilities Deposits | $1,000 | $25,000 |
| Total Pre-Opening / Operating Deposits | $85,700 | $216,600 |
The initial franchise fee is $37,500 (eligible for a 50% veteran discount), but the real conversation is about total investment. Opening an Arby's requires $644,950 to $2.45 million, covering everything from site build-out to equipment, training, and working capital. The wide range depends mainly on whether you're building new or converting an existing restaurant space. Ongoing fees include a 4% royalty on gross sales and a 4.2% marketing contribution. You'll need $500,000 in liquid capital and a $1 million net worth to qualify. We'll map out your specific investment scenario during consultation, including potential financing options through SBA-approved lenders.
Beyond your initial investment, you'll pay a standard royalty on gross sales. The true monthly cost of ownership includes additional fees most buyers don't account for until they're already in.
→ We break down your realistic monthly overhead during your consultation.
What Do Arby's Franchise Owners Make?
Arby's includes an Item 19 Financial Performance Representation in their Franchise Disclosure Document — which means they voluntarily share revenue and earnings data from their franchise system.
This franchise provides detailed financial performance data in their FDD. During your consultation, we'll help you understand the full picture and connect you directly with the franchisor and current owners to discuss real-world results.
Not every franchise provides this level of transparency. The fact that Arby's does tells you something about their confidence in franchisee performance.
But raw numbers don't tell the full story. What matters is how those numbers apply to your market, your investment level, and your operating model.
Why Veterans Succeed with Arby's
Running an Arby's is about operational excellence and team leadership – getting the details right while keeping the bigger picture in focus. The daily rhythm demands someone who can handle pressure, maintain standards, and build a culture where people want to do their best work. This isn't just about serving sandwiches. It's about creating a place where families gather, where first jobs teach real skills, and where your team knows they're part of something bigger than themselves. The satisfaction comes from building something that matters in your community while creating opportunities for others to grow.
Military Fit Analysis
Military Fit Score
Best Suited For
Leadership experience is crucial here – you're managing a diverse team and complex operations. Those who've handled logistics, managed inventory systems, or led teams through high-pressure situations tend to excel. If you've coordinated multiple moving parts while maintaining strict standards, you'll recognize familiar patterns in this business.
🎖️ Veteran & Military Discount
Arby's participates in the VetFran program and offers a 50% discount on the franchise fee for qualified veterans, active duty, and military spouses.
Arby's offers honorably discharged veterans 50% off the standard franchise fee.
This discount applies to the initial franchise fee. Combined with SBA veteran loan programs and VA small business resources, your actual out-of-pocket investment could be significantly lower than the listed range.
→ We calculate your true cost — including available discounts, financing options, and veteran-specific programs — during your consultation.
Is Arby's the Right Franchise for Your Background?
Every veteran's transition is different. Your MOS, leadership experience, and financial goals all factor into which franchise makes sense. We've helped veterans across every branch find franchise businesses that match their strengths — not just their budget.
Talk to a veteran franchise consultant who's been where you are.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arby's
How much does a Arby's franchise cost?
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Does Arby's offer a veteran or military discount?
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Is Arby's a home-based franchise?
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Can you run a Arby's franchise semi-absentee?
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What do Arby's franchise owners make?
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Is Arby's a good franchise for veterans?
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What is Arby's's FDD and where can I read it?
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Veteran-Friendly Franchises Similar to Arby's
Your Next Chapter Starts with a Conversation
You've done the research. You've looked at the numbers. Now the question is whether Arby's — or one of 500+ franchises in our network — is the right fit for where you're headed.
In 30 minutes, we'll cover:
- Whether this franchise matches your skills & goals
- What the FDD reveals that most buyers miss
- Your true cost after veteran discounts & financing
- 2-3 alternative franchises worth comparing
Free. No obligation. Veteran to veteran.