Top 5 breakfast restaurant franchises
Breakfast restaurant franchises are a rising force in the food service industry. They fulfill the growing demand for convenient, delicious breakfast options that fit into busy schedules. As more people prioritize breakfast as a vital part of their day routine, breakfast-focused franchises have an undeniable edge. Today’s consumers seek fresh, comforting food with plenty of options — from classic pancakes to health-conscious bowls and hearty breakfast sandwiches. For potential investors, this demand opens up significant opportunities within the breakfast franchise restaurants space, with proven business models, established brand recognition, and a built-in customer base that encourages repeat visits.
This article takes an in-depth look at five leading breakfast restaurant franchise opportunities that have carved out unique niches and attracted loyal followings. For each franchise, we’ll cover their history, investment costs, support structures, and what makes them a standout choice in today’s competitive breakfast and brunch market.
Best breakfast restaurant franchises
| № | Name of Brand | Founded | Initial investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eggs Up Grill | 1986 | $752,000-$988,000 |
| 2 | Scramblers | 1989 | $540,000-$834,000 |
| 3 | Tim Hortons | 1964 | $124,000-$2,137,500 |
| 4 | Shelly's Tea Rooms | 2007 | $206,325-$279,945 |
| 5 | EggBred | 2020 | $275,000-$499,750 |
Eggs Up Grill
Founded in: 1986
Franchising Commenced: 2005
Franchise Outlets: More than 170 (existing and in development)
Initial Investment: $752,000-$988,000
Royalty Fee: 5% of gross sales
Eggs Up Grill began as a small community diner with big ambitions. The restaurant quickly became known for its family-friendly atmosphere, serving classic breakfast dishes with a personal touch. The founders believed in the simple idea of providing a warm, inviting place where guests could start their day with hearty, comforting meals.
The franchise’s focus on community has been at the heart of its growth, turning each location into a neighborhood gathering spot. Eggs Up Grill’s menu is extensive, offering everything from savory skillets to fluffy waffles and southern-inspired favorites like biscuits and gravy. The brand’s dedication to quality ingredients and consistent flavors has cultivated a loyal customer base, allowing for smooth expansion across the Southeastern United States.
Eggs Up Grill emphasizes its support system for franchisees, with detailed training programs covering everything from hiring practices to operational standards and local marketing strategies. Its goal is to create a seamless onboarding experience for new franchisees, empowering them to maintain the brand’s commitment to quality and customer care. Eggs Up Grill is an ideal breakfast restaurant franchise for those looking to build strong connections with their local community while running a proven, profitable business model.
Scramblers
Founded in: 1989
Franchising Commenced: 2005
Franchise Outlets: Approximately 30
Initial Investment: $540,000-$834,000
Royalty Fee: 4% of gross sales
Scramblers began as a family business with a simple yet imaginative vision: to reinvent classic breakfast dishes with a creative twist. Founded in Toledo, Ohio, Scramblers quickly gained attention for its unique takes on morning staples, such as skillets loaded with fresh vegetables and cheese-stuffed omelets. In addition to its eclectic menu, Scramblers incorporates an upbeat, vibrant decoration that keeps the dining environment light-hearted and fun — a hit with families and brunch-goers alike.
The brand’s menu balances Midwest heartiness with innovative touches that appeal to contemporary tastes. Examples include dishes like avocado toast topped with radish slivers and superfood-infused smoothie bowls. Scramblers also caters to early risers with a robust coffee selection that includes locally roasted beans and seasonal flavors, giving franchisees an edge in attracting both casual diners and those looking for a quick morning fix.
Scramblers offers a strong support structure, starting from initial training to personalized marketing strategies aimed at connecting with the local community. Franchisees are encouraged to bring local flair to their locations, making each Scramblers a unique reflection of its neighborhood while staying true to the core values of creativity and freshness. This flexibility, combined with a fun and inviting brand personality, makes Scramblers a smart choice for entrepreneurs eager to bring a touch of whimsy to their local breakfast scene.
Tim Hortons
Founded in: 1964
Franchising Commenced: 1965
Franchise Outlets: Over 5,300 worldwide
Initial Investment: $124,000-$2,137,500
Royalty Fee: 4.5% to 6% of gross sales
Tim Hortons, named after its hockey-player founder, is not just a franchise — it’s a cultural icon in Canada and beyond. Initially conceived as a coffee and donut shop in Hamilton, Ontario, Tim Hortons expanded to become one of North America’s most beloved breakfast brands, now recognized worldwide. Known for its affordability and quality, the brand has been a go-to breakfast spot for generations of Canadians and has built a loyal following in other countries as well.
Tim Hortons offers more than just coffee and donuts; its menu now includes breakfast wraps, oatmeal, and an extensive lineup of breakfast sandwiches. Tim Hortons maintains its reputation by prioritizing high-quality ingredients and providing consistent, reliable service. This commitment to excellence makes it a trusted name for consumers and a robust option for franchisees.
As a franchisee, partnering with Tim Hortons means becoming part of a legacy brand with immense customer loyalty and recognition. The brand’s extensive training and support cover operational efficiency, employee training, and regional marketing, which includes social media, billboards, and any local promotion resources. So, franchisees have the resources to succeed. With its deep-rooted brand equity and nearly universal appeal, Tim Hortons offers franchisees a powerful combination of brand strength and enduring customer loyalty in the franchise breakfast restaurants market.
Shelly's Tea Rooms
Founded in: 2011
Franchising Commenced: 2016
Franchise Outlets: Over 70 internationally
Initial Investment: from £36,000
Royalty Fee: 5% of monthly revenue
Shelly’s Tea Rooms invites customers to indulge in the elegance and charm of a traditional English tea experience. Founded in the South East Side of England, Shelly’s Tea Rooms began as a small family-run business focused on recreating the art of the British tea service. Known for its vintage decor, polished silverware, and a refined menu that includes traditional favorites like cream teas, crumpets, and delicate pastries, Shelly’s provides a timeless atmosphere that transports guests to another era.
Shelly’s Tea Rooms distinguish themselves by focusing on quality and authenticity. Franchisees receive training not only in operations but also in the finer points of tea preparation, sourcing British teas, and recreating the ambiance of a classic tea room. The brand prides itself on delivering an experience that blends heritage with a touch of sophistication, appealing to patrons looking for a premium breakfast or brunch experience.
With its focus on the high-end market, Shelly’s Tea Rooms allows franchisees to capture a niche yet highly loyal customer base. Franchisees who love the aesthetics and refined service of traditional tea culture will find Shelly’s Tea Rooms to be an exceptional choice, offering an elevated breakfast experience with the charm and intimacy of English countryside hospitality.
EggBred
Founded in: 2020
Franchising Commenced: 2020
Franchise Outlets: Several, rapidly growing across the U.S.
Initial Investment: $275,000-$499,750
Royalty Fee: 5-6% of gross sales
EggBred is a trendsetting franchise that has gained traction with its fresh, health-conscious take on breakfast. Originating in California, this brand combines the city’s dedication to sustainability with its passion for locally-sourced ingredients, curating a menu that feels both nourishing and indulgent. From protein-packed breakfast bowls to avocado-laden toasts and artisanal sandwiches, EggBred caters to a younger demographic that values both flavor and nutrition.
EggBred locations are minimalist and modern, with an eco-friendly design ethos that aligns with the brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The carefully curated menu focuses on organic, seasonal ingredients, and every aspect of the dining experience reflects the brand’s forward-thinking mentality, from the biodegradable packaging to the environmentally-conscious decor. EggBred has become a staple for health-conscious diners and social media-savvy customers seeking fresh, Instagram-worthy meals.
For franchisees, EggBred provides extensive support that includes branding guidelines, social media assistance, and eco-friendly operational strategies. This brand is ideal for franchisees passionate about sustainability and innovation, offering a chance to bring a modern breakfast concept to communities looking for nutritious, eco-conscious dining options.
Reasons to start breakfast restaurant franchise
Constant Demand: Breakfast is a daily ritual for most people, providing a reliable customer base across different demographics.
Customer Loyalty: Breakfast routines foster loyalty, with customers often sticking to familiar spots.
Appeal to a Diverse Market: Breakfast and brunch menus attract families, working professionals, and health-conscious diners alike.
Room for Culinary Creativity: Breakfast menus offer flexibility, allowing franchises to showcase seasonal and specialty items.
Less Competitive Operating Hours: Most breakfast and lunch restaurant franchises close earlier, making operations more manageable and allowing franchisees a better work-life balance.
Built-in Brand Recognition: Recognized brands attract customers immediately, reducing the time needed to build a steady base.
Strong Support from Established Brands: Breakfast franchise restaurants come with established training and resources to aid new franchisees.
Conclusion
Breakfast franchises represent an excellent entry point into the restaurant industry, offering a blend of demand, customer loyalty, and growth potential. From iconic companies like Tim Hortons to modern concepts like EggBred, there are options for every type of investor. Each of the franchises discussed above has carved out a special niche, providing unique offerings that appeal to a variety of consumer tastes and preferences. The growing demand for quality breakfast and brunch makes this a promising segment, rich with opportunities to join the thriving community of breakfast-focused franchisees.
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Written by
Topfranchise.com Editorial Team
The Topfranchise.com editorial team consists of professionals with years of experience in franchising, providing verified information for entrepreneurs and investors.
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