Arby's franchise startup costs run $334K–$2.6M for a sandwich-focused QSR. Arby's is owned by Inspire Brands and operates more than 3,500 US locations. Multi-unit development agreements are common in the brand's franchise pipeline.
Arby's is a sandwich QSR franchise founded in 1964 in Boardman, Ohio, built around roast beef and differentiated sandwich offerings — a positioning that has helped the brand carve out distinct identity in a burger-dominated QSR landscape. As of 2026, Arby's operates more than 3,500 locations in the US, the majority franchised. The brand is owned by Inspire Brands, the Atlanta-based restaurant group that also owns Sonic, Dunkin', Buffalo Wild Wings, Baskin-Robbins, and Jimmy John's. Arby's development pipeline skews toward experienced multi-unit operators — the brand actively pursues franchisees who can develop multiple locations under area development agreements rather than single-unit owner-operators.
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:
Arby's franchisees pay a 4% royalty on net sales plus a 4.2% advertising fund contribution — for a combined 8.2% of net sales. Arby's royalty rate is among the lower tiers in QSR, reflecting the brand's emphasis on attracting experienced multi-unit operators who can scale efficiently. Inspire Brands' advertising platform supports Arby's national campaigns and digital marketing, including the brand's social media presence and limited-time menu promotions that drive traffic.
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 listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. Common financing paths:
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:
For multi-unit Arby's development agreements, lenders structure financing on a location-by-location basis — the development agreement alone does not constitute a loan commitment for future units. Each new unit requires a new loan application. Working capital lines of credit across the portfolio are common for Inspire Brands multi-unit operators to manage cash flow between build cycles. Confirm the financing structure for each individual location with a franchise-specialist lender.
ClearValue Lending works with QSR franchise operators — including multi-unit development agreements — on SBA and equipment financing structures. Apply at Find my match. Your file routes to one matched lender.
Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $334,000–$2,600,000. The wide range reflects conversions of existing food service buildings at the low end vs. ground-up new construction at the high end.
Arby's is owned by Inspire Brands, the Atlanta-based restaurant group that also owns Sonic, Dunkin', Buffalo Wild Wings, Baskin-Robbins, and Jimmy John's.
Arby's charges a 4% royalty on net sales plus a 4.2% advertising fund contribution, for a combined 8.2% of net sales — one of the lower royalty structures in QSR.
Yes. Inspire Brands actively targets experienced multi-unit operators for Arby's development. Area development agreements committing to multiple locations over a defined timeline are the standard new-franchisee structure.
Yes. Arby's is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) is the standard path for this investment range, covering franchise fee, construction or conversion costs, equipment, and working capital.
SBA guidelines set a minimum DSCR of 1.15× — the business must generate $1.15 in operating cash flow for every $1.00 in annual debt service. Most SBA lenders require 1.25×+ on QSR franchise loans. Arby's FDD Item 19 financial performance data is used to underwrite projections for new locations. Source: SBA Standard Operating Procedure 50 10 7 (sba.gov).
SBA 7(a) requires a minimum 10% equity injection. Lenders commonly require 15–20% for higher-investment new-build Arby's locations. Conversion deals at the lower end of the $334K–$2.6M range may qualify with 10%. Multi-unit development agreements require capital depth to fund subsequent units — lenders evaluate your full development plan, not just the first location. Source: SBA Standard Operating Procedure 50 10 7 (sba.gov).