Shake Things Up, Franchise with a legend
The Steak ‘n Shake franchise model is designed for investors looking to build on their portfolios with a scalable, high-growth opportunity.
Top 5 Reasons for Multi-Unit Franchise Ownership
Simple Operating Model
Brand-defining Innovations
Prime, Premium Ingredients
Flexible Restaurant Formats
World-Class Franchise support
Future-Focused & Tech-Driven Innovations
From elevating ingredients to empowering customers with next-gen payment methods, delivery, and charging stations — Steak ‘n Shake is committed to the future of our franchisees.
Pay Your Way, Today
First national restaurant to accept Bitcoin — because the future of food should include the future of finance.
Fill Up While You Recharge
Bringing Tesla Superchargers to every location possible and leading the charge in EV convenience.
The Gold Standard — Premium Ingredients & Preparation
It’s no secret that Steak ‘n Shake is committed to quality — from serving fries cooked the authentic way in 100% beef tallow to our Original Steakburger and more.
01
First national chain to fry exclusively in 100% Beef Tallow for bold flavor and clean ingredients.
02
A switch to 100% Grade-A Wisconsin Butter sourced from a family farm on our journey to remove seed oils.
03
First to launch retail Grass-Fed and Wagyu Beef Tallow, available exclusively in our restaurants & online.
The Key Numbers Driving Our Future
At Steak ‘n Shake, the numbers speak for themselves. From impressive performance metrics to the growth of multi-unit owners, our franchisees are building lasting success.
$1.815M
Average Unit Volume*
Franchise Eligibility**
$400K+
Minimum Liquidity
$1M+
Minimum Net Worth
4
Unit Minimum
* This information reflects the 2024 Average Net Sales for: (a) 59 Steak ‘n Shake Restaurants operated by traditional franchisees that have all been in continuous operation for at least 24 consecutive months as of December 25, 2024; and (b) 155 Steak ‘n Shake Restaurants operated by Franchise Partners that have all been in continuous operation for at least 24 consecutive months and been in continuous operation as Franchise Partner Restaurants for at least 12 consecutive months as of December 25, 2024. Financial information provided is based on the unaudited results for the 12-month period ended December 25, 2024, for the 155 Franchise Partner Restaurants. Restaurant profit before occupancy, depreciation, administrative expenses, interest, and taxes. Please refer to Item 19 of our April 25, 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document for more information. This advertisement is not an offer to sell a franchise. An offer can be made only by means of a Franchise Disclosure Document that has been registered and approved agency in your state, if your state requires such registration.
**Will vary by commitment.
The Proof is in the Praise
Steak ‘n Shake has been setting the standard for premium steakburgers for decades. But don’t just take our word for it — here’s what industry experts and food critics have to say:
Built for Investors, Backed by Legacy
Success in franchising isn’t just about the brand; it’s about the business model behind it. Steak ‘n Shake combines a brand legacy nearly 100 years strong with an innovative, scalable system designed for investors that want to grow.
Nearly 100 Years
- Since 1934, Steak ‘n Shake has become a trusted brand customers recognize and love
- Immediate credibility and competitive edge
Built To Grow
- Efficient, self-service model minimizes labor challenges and optimizes profitability
- Technology-driven workflows empower focus on strategic growth rather than day-to-day operations
Simple Model
- Franchise structure designed to support aggressive scalability
- Streamlined operations and strong unit economics set you up for lasting success
Steak ‘N Shake University
- Hands-on training & support from our dedicated franchise team
- Turnkey online training that fuels consistency and scalable growth
The Sizzle Behind the Industry
With billions in annual revenue and consistent market growth, the opportunity to taste success has never been hotter. Here’s a close-up look at the market potential in store for you according to the latest IBISWorld industry report.*
$166.1B
Total Industry Revenue
4.2%
Annual Market Growth
(Last 5 Years)
*IBISWorld report: Burger Restaurants in the US – Market Research Report (2014-2029)
Don’t Stop at One —
Discover the Power of Multi-Unit Ownership
When you join Steak ‘n Shake, you’re tapping into a legacy brand with strong market appeal. We make multi-unit ownership a strategic and rewarding investment. Here’s why expanding with us is a smart move:
More Locations, More Profit
- Leverage economies of scale
- Reduce operational costs per location
- Increase overall profitability
Own Your Market, Build Your Legacy
- Establish a strong local or global presence
- Take advantage of customer loyalty
- Long-term growth opportunity
From Dream to Reality:
Your Steps to Steak 'n Shake Ownership
Becoming a Steak ‘n Shake franchise owner is an exciting journey, and we’ve simplified the process to guide you every step of the way.
Here’s How It Works:
1. Connect
Submit the web form, and our team will reach out to schedule a brief introductory call.
2. Quality
After speaking with our team, complete our application confirming your investment and operational readiness. Then, receive and review our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and engage in discussions with Franchise Owners and Executive Team Members.
3. Discover
Visit us at Steak ‘n Shake Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana! Meet our leadership team, finalize your due diligence, and map out next steps by confirming your market(s) and development timeline.
4. Commit
Sign the Steak ‘n Shake Franchise Development Agreement, secure your territory and begin the site selection process with the Steak ‘n Shake real estate team.
5. Launch
Open your doors to the community with a bang! We’ll provide on-site support and marketing to ensure your grand opening is a success, as well as ongoing support to keep your business on track.
Savor Success with a Steak 'n Shake Franchise Opportunity
Get in touch with our friendly team today for more information.
Our Legacy
01
Founded in 1934 by Gus Belt in Normal, Illinois, on Route 66, Steak ‘n Shake pioneered the of premium burgers and handspun milkshakes as a meal.
02
By wheeling a barrel of steaks such as round, sirloin, and T-bones to grind in front of guests, Gus coined the slogan “In Sight It Must Be Right.”
03
Nearly 100 years later, Steak ‘n Shake is still innovating and committed to serving the country’s best, freshest, & tastiest burgers, fries, and shakes.
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