Part of FRANticc's Casual & Family Dining Franchises coverage
US Locations
2,000+ (25 states)
Founded
1955
Ownership
Private
Individual Franchise
Not Offered
How Waffle House Actually Operates in the US
Waffle House, Inc.
25 states · not offered to the general public
Waffle House says on its own website that the general public cannot access franchise opportunities. Privately held since 1955, the company has published no application process, fee schedule, or FDD for someone looking to open a Waffle House.
Why There's No Waffle House Franchise Fee to Quote
- On its own website, Waffle House says it "does not offer Franchise opportunities to the general public". That is the company's position, not an aggregator's assumption.
- Privately held since its first restaurant opened in 1955, the company does not offer a franchise program to the general public.
- Waffle House has no public franchise fee or investment range because it does not offer a franchise program to the general public.
- Ads or listings claiming a "Waffle House franchise cost" are not sourced to the company. Waffle House's own statement disproves the underlying claim.
Casual-dining franchises that DO accept individual applications
For those seeking a casual restaurant built around an all-day format, these US brands are currently seeking franchisees, with investment figures drawn from their current FDDs.
Other well-known US chains with no franchise on offer
Waffle House is not alone among major brands in running or licensing its US locations instead of individually franchising them.
Data: Waffle House official corporate site, franchise-status statement (wafflehouse.com/surplus-properties); Waffle House company history page — founded 1955 in Avondale Estates, GA by Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner (wafflehouse.com/our-story).
If any data is incorrect, write to [email protected]
If any data is incorrect, write to [email protected]