Cost to Start an Arby's Franchise in 2026

Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment for an Arby's franchise runs $334,000–$2,600,000. The wide range reflects conversion of existing food service buildings at the low end vs. ground-up construction of a new standalone location at the high end:

• Franchise fee: $37,500
• Real estate and leasehold improvements: $100,000–$1,500,000 (conversion vs. new build)
• Equipment (cooking, refrigeration, slicing, POS): $150,000–$500,000
• Signage and exterior: $30,000–$80,000
• Drive-through equipment: $20,000–$60,000
• Initial inventory and supplies: $10,000–$25,000
• Training and travel: $10,000–$20,000
• Technology: $10,000–$25,000
• Working capital: $40,000–$100,000
• Miscellaneous pre-opening: $20,000–$60,000

Arby's requires prospective franchisees to demonstrate net worth of $1,000,000 or more and liquid capital of $500,000 or more. For multi-unit development agreements — which Inspire Brands strongly prefers for new Arby's operators — financial qualifications scale with the number of units committed. Restaurant group operators, former QSR executives, and experienced multi-location franchisees of other brands make up the core of Arby's development pipeline.

Arby's is on the SBA Franchise Directory under its Inspire Brands parent, enabling expedited SBA eligibility review. The $334K–$2.6M range spans converted food-service buildings to ground-up new construction — a critical distinction for lenders. Key underwriting factors:

• Debt service coverage ratio (DSCR): SBA guidelines require a minimum 1.15× DSCR; most lenders require 1.25×+ on QSR franchise loans. Arby's FDD Item 19 financial performance data is used to evaluate projections for new locations — lenders analyze comparable-market store data rather than your own operating history for first-unit applications.
• Equity injection (10–20%): SBA 7(a) requires minimum 10% equity injection. Lenders commonly require 15–20% for higher-investment new-build Arby's locations. Conversion-format deals at the lower end of the investment range may qualify with 10%.
• Multi-unit development agreement structure: Inspire Brands strongly prefers multi-unit development agreements for new Arby's operators. Lenders financing a multi-unit commitment will evaluate your financial capacity to fund multiple locations — not just the first unit. Capital depth and demonstrated operating experience across other QSR concepts improves underwriting outcomes.
• Net worth and liquidity ($1M+ / $500K+): Arby's sets published minimum thresholds. Lenders will independently verify via personal financial statement, two years of tax returns, and bank statements. Liquidity matters more than total net worth — cash and near-cash assets are weighted heavily.
• Construction vs. conversion risk: Ground-up Arby's builds at the $2M+ end of the range introduce construction lending complexity (draw schedules, project completion risk). Lenders prefer conversion deals for first-time Arby's operators. Ground-up deals require demonstrated construction management experience or a credentialed general contractor relationship.