Casual Dining / Sit-Down Restaurants
Franchise ID: 81RkUoYkv49g3yrlCUVh9R

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

Simple, Honest, and Natural—Scratch Made Every Day

Franchise Overview

Overview

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is a leading casual dining franchise dedicated to offering wholesome American classics made from scratch every day. The restaurant emphasizes freshness and quality by preparing dishes in-house, avoiding the use of microwaves or freezers for most menu items. With family-friendly pricing and a welcoming atmosphere, Cheddar’s has established itself as a go-to destination for hearty meals and comfort food.

Key Features

  • Franchisees enjoy:
  • - A robust and diverse menu offering everything from hand-breaded chicken tenders to slow-cooked ribs.
  • - A proven, operationally streamlined business model with high customer retention rates.
  • - Nationally recognized brand support as part of the Darden Restaurants family.

User Experience

Guests at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen experience a warm, inviting environment designed for friends and families to gather. The focus on scratch-made meals is evident in every dish, delivering both taste and value. Attentive service, comfortable interiors, and generous portions encourage repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth.

Market Opportunity

With Americans seeking quality, affordable dining outside the home, Cheddar’s benefits from a strong market trajectory. The brand’s commitment to real ingredients and seasoned hospitality positions it to thrive in both established and emerging suburban markets. Franchisees leverage a combination of operational excellence and brand equity to build long-lasting, profitable locations.

Franchise Requirements

Initial Franchise Fee$50,000
Total Investment$1,600,000 - $2,700,000
Royalty Fee4% of gross sales
Marketing Fee0.75% of gross sales
Contract Term20 years, renewable
Net Worth Requirement$2,000,000 minimum
Liquid Capital Required$750,000 minimum
ExperienceMulti-unit restaurant experience preferred; strong management skills required
Financial Highlights
Average Unit Volume
$4,250,000
Average Profit Margin
14-18%
Typical Break Even
2-2.5 years
ROI (after 3 years)
18-25% after year 3
Quick Facts

Established

1979

Total Units

170+ locations

Headquarters

Orlando, FL, USA

Staffing

70-100 employees per restaurant

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