Entrepreneurial opportunities in the restaurant industry

(BPT) - While it’s clear the current pandemic has hit the traditional restaurant industry especially hard, restaurants and franchises that can pivot to succeed by offering drive-through, take-out and delivery options will likely weather the storm, and even thrive in the near future.

For restaurant managers and other employees currently unemployed or furloughed, however, the future can seem very far away.

Franchise opportunity

One option for those with experience or even just an interest in the restaurant industry involves a small investment in an iconic brand that has been around since 1934: Steak 'n Shake.

When so much remains uncertain, becoming a franchise owner in Steak 'n Shake means taking control of your own future. Their franchise owner program is giving people the opportunity to invest in themselves by taking on ownership of a franchise that offers high-quality products through take-out, drive-through, delivery, car hop, and catering.

This opportunity has already helped a number of people who never anticipated they would become business owners one day.

From customer to owner

Franchise owner Michael Boutot of Burlington, Kentucky, said that he was a weekly regular, every Sunday after church. “When I read about the franchise owner program online and saw how affordable it was, I jumped at the opportunity,” Boutot says.

What he didn’t know was that he would suffer a major stroke just three months into his training, which led to extended hospitalization and affected his life to the extent that he struggled with walking and talking.

“I remember thinking, there’s no way they’ll keep me on,” Boutot recalls.

But they did. Boutot could not believe that the executive team would continue to support him, regardless of his physical setbacks. “Being a franchise owner has given me the freedom to take charge of my life,” Boutot says.

From employee to owner

The opportunity also appealed to Krystal Davis from Arnold, Missouri.

“I’ve worked for Steak 'n Shake since I was 16 and always loved what I do. When the opportunity to franchise a restaurant became available, deciding to become an owner was a no-brainer for me,” says Davis. “We’re no longer living paycheck to paycheck, which I never thought would be possible. I’m more confident and have so much more knowledge in how to run a business now.”

Mattoon, Illinois native Sherry Hall has a similar story. She had worked at her hometown location for over 25 years, and always viewed her team and her customers as family. Although she loved her job, as she worked her way up to becoming a district manager, she assumed there were no further promotions available to her. Then she learned that she could become a franchise owner, and now owns the Mattoon location.

Unlike traditional franchise opportunities that require a significant upfront financial investment, their program offers ownership in an existing location in exchange for sweat equity and a nominal investment of only $10,000. After successful completion of the training period, franchise owners take one-half of all business profits.

How to become a franchise owner

Forty-five current franchise owners have the opportunity to make six-figure incomes while working for themselves and being an essential part of an iconic brand. In fact, there are franchise owners in the program who are on their way to earning over $200,000 in their first year.

There are available locations in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee.

What to expect:

• Established company restaurants
• A ready-to-go system set up to assist franchise owners in operating their restaurants
• Extensive on-the-job training
• Support from field-based operations
• Administrative services provided
• Creative and powerful marketing support

Requirements:

• Total investment of $10,000
• Achieving the Gold Standard of Service in your assigned restaurant
• No other business ventures
• Commitment to running the day-to-day business
• A passion for excellence and focus on pleasing customers
• A commitment to high performance and delivering quality products

If you’re dedicated to ensuring patrons are served the highest quality burgers and shakes while providing great customer service, and you’re a hands-on leader and results-oriented self-starter, this could be the right opportunity for you.

To learn more and to apply, visit SteaknShakeFranchise.com.