Cost to Start a MOOYAH Burgers Fries & Shakes Franchise in 2026

MOOYAH Burgers Fries & Shakes franchise startup costs run $400K–$821K for a fast-casual burger concept built around fresh, never-frozen beef and a fully customizable menu. The relatively lean build-out range makes MOOYAH accessible to operators entering the fast-casual burger category.

Key takeaways

Total estimated startup cost: $400,000–$821,000 (fast-casual burger, fries, and shakes concept)
Franchise fee: $35,000
Ongoing royalty: 6% of gross sales; advertising fund contribution applies
80+ locations across the US; founded 2007 in Plano, TX; Brix Holdings portfolio brand
Listed on the SBA Franchise Directory — eligible for expedited SBA loan processing

MOOYAH Burgers Fries & Shakes is a fast-casual burger franchise founded in 2007 in Plano, Texas. The brand operates 80+ locations across the United States as part of the Brix Holdings portfolio. MOOYAH's model is built around fresh, never-frozen beef patties combined with a fully customizable bun, topping, and sauce system — a format designed to drive repeat visit frequency as customers personalize their order combination. The brand's focus on fries and hand-spun shakes as core menu items provides strong attachment revenue beyond the burger. The relatively lean build-out footprint keeps the investment range accessible compared to higher-capital fast-casual burger concepts. Prospective franchisees should review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436).

Total startup cost breakdown

Per the current FDD filed under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436), total estimated initial investment for a MOOYAH franchise runs $400,000–$821,000. The inline format with a focused menu keeps costs below larger multi-concept builds:

Franchise fee: $35,000
Real estate and leasehold improvements: $150,000–$380,000 (inline retail, food court, or end-cap)
Kitchen equipment (grills, fryers, shake machines, refrigeration): $70,000–$170,000
Furniture, fixtures, and interior design: $30,000–$80,000
Signage and branding: $15,000–$40,000
Technology and POS systems: $10,000–$25,000
Training and travel: $5,000–$20,000
Grand opening marketing: $5,000–$20,000
Working capital (3 months): $20,000–$50,000
Permits, insurance, professional fees: $10,000–$25,000

Ongoing fees

MOOYAH charges a 6% royalty on gross sales plus advertising fund contributions. The 6% rate is at the higher end of the fast-casual burger category and reflects MOOYAH's investment in national brand development and technology support. Operators should factor the royalty into unit-level proforma modeling before committing.

Financing options

MOOYAH is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. Financing paths:

SBA 7(a) loan: Covers franchise fee, leasehold improvements, kitchen equipment, and working capital per the SBA 7(a) program. The $400K–$821K range is well within standard 7(a) limits.
SBA Express loan: For lower-cost inline conversions at the lower end of the range, SBA Express (up to $500K) provides faster approval with minimal documentation.
Equipment financing: Grills, fryers, and shake machines can be financed separately over 5–7 years.
Working capital line of credit: Covers early ramp-up, pre-opening operating costs, and labor management.
Conventional commercial loan: For operators with existing fast-casual track record and strong personal financial profile.

Realistic ROI timeline

Fast-casual burger concepts at the $400K–$821K investment level typically target break-even within 24–36 months. MOOYAH's lower end of the investment range provides a faster path to breakeven relative to higher-capital better-burger builds. The shake and fries attachment revenue drives meaningful incremental dollars per transaction. Location in high-foot-traffic suburban retail or food court environments is the primary performance driver.

Who's a good fit

MOOYAH suits first-time or experienced fast-casual franchise operators who want an accessible entry point into the better-burger category. The Brix Holdings multi-brand support structure provides operational resources. Financial benchmarks typically include net worth of $400K+ and liquid capital of $120K+. Operators in suburban Texas, the South, and Mountain West states benefit from MOOYAH's existing brand recognition in those markets.

What lenders look for in a MOOYAH franchise application

MOOYAH is on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan eligibility review. At $400K–$821K, SBA 7(a) is the primary structure. Key underwriting factors:

Debt service coverage ratio (DSCR): SBA guidelines require a minimum 1.15×; most lenders require 1.25×+ in practice. MOOYAH's 6% royalty is at the high end for fast-casual burger — lenders model post-royalty net cash flow. AUV of $1.2M+ is typically needed to service $400K–$821K in debt at standard SBA 10-year terms at 1.25× DSCR. Source: SBA Standard Operating Procedure 50 10 7 (sba.gov).
Brix Holdings parent structure: MOOYAH operates as part of the Brix Holdings multi-brand franchise portfolio. Multi-brand parent ownership is a positive lender signal vs. standalone emerging brands — it indicates demonstrated system support, franchisee resources, and unit economics data across the portfolio.
Fresh beef supply chain: MOOYAH's fresh, never-frozen beef requirement creates higher food cost sensitivity vs. frozen-patty concepts. Lenders evaluate the perishable cost structure — pro formas should use conservative food cost assumptions (28–32% of revenue) to pass DSCR review.
Equity injection: SBA requires a minimum 10% injection from non-borrowed funds; fast-casual burger lenders typically target 20–25% ($80K–$205K within the $400K–$821K range). Operators with existing fast-casual or QSR experience may qualify for the lower injection floor.
SBA Express viability: For lower-range builds ($400K–$500K), SBA Express (up to $500K) provides faster approval and streamlined documentation — an efficient structure for inline format builds at the lower investment tier.

Deal structure note

At 6% royalty, the MOOYAH pro forma requires AUV validation from existing comparable units — lenders want Brix Holdings system-level AUV data, not just projections. SBA Express covers the lower range; full SBA 7(a) for builds above $500K.

Apply for franchise financing

ClearValue Lending works with fast-casual franchise operators on SBA 7(a), SBA Express, equipment, and working capital financing. Apply for franchise financing at Find my match. Your file routes to one matched lender.

Sources

MOOYAH is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan eligibility review. — SBA Franchise Directory
SBA 7(a) loans finance fast-casual restaurant franchise startups including leasehold improvements, kitchen equipment, franchise fee, and working capital. — SBA 7(a) Loan Program
All franchise cost and fee disclosures are governed by the FTC Franchise Rule requiring a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) be delivered at least 14 days before signing. — FTC Franchise Rule — 16 CFR Part 436
Qualifying restaurant kitchen equipment placed in service during the tax year may be immediately expensed under IRS Section 179. — IRS Publication 946

Frequently asked questions

How much does a MOOYAH franchise cost in 2026?

Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $400,000–$821,000. The franchise fee, leasehold improvements, and kitchen equipment are the primary cost drivers.

Who owns MOOYAH?

MOOYAH is part of the Brix Holdings restaurant portfolio, which also includes other fast-casual brands. Brix Holdings supports MOOYAH franchisees with operational, marketing, and technology infrastructure.

What is the MOOYAH royalty rate?

MOOYAH charges a 6% royalty on gross sales plus advertising fund contributions. The 6% rate is at the higher end of the fast-casual burger category — operators should model breakeven unit economics carefully.

Can I finance a MOOYAH franchise with an SBA loan?

Yes. MOOYAH is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) can cover the leasehold improvements, kitchen equipment, franchise fee, and working capital. SBA Express is available for lower-cost inline conversions.

What is MOOYAH's menu concept?

MOOYAH is built around fresh, never-frozen beef patties with a fully customizable bun, topping, and sauce system, complemented by hand-cut fries and hand-spun shakes. The customization model drives repeat visit frequency and the shakes and fries anchor strong attachment revenue per transaction.

What DSCR do lenders require for a MOOYAH franchise SBA loan?

SBA guidelines set a minimum DSCR of 1.15×; most SBA lenders require 1.25×+ in practice. At MOOYAH's 6% royalty rate, post-royalty net cash flow is the baseline for DSCR calculation — AUV of $1.2M+ is typically needed to service $400K–$821K in debt at 1.25× over a 10-year SBA term. Brix Holdings system-level AUV data supports lender pro forma review. Source: SBA Standard Operating Procedure 50 10 7 (sba.gov).

How much equity injection is required for a MOOYAH franchise SBA loan?

SBA requires a minimum 10% equity injection from non-borrowed funds. Fast-casual burger lenders typically target 20–25% at MOOYAH's investment range — approximately $80,000–$205,000 within the $400K–$821K build range. Operators with existing QSR or fast-casual track records may qualify at the lower injection floor. Source: SBA Standard Operating Procedure 50 10 7 (sba.gov).