Running a restaurant is tough. Starting from scratch? Even tougher. That’s where franchising comes in, and if burgers are your game, Wayback Burgers might be one of the more accessible, lower-barrier options out there. With a growing footprint across more than 35 U.S. states, a manageable price tag, and solid brand recognition in the fast-casual burger space, Wayback Burgers is carving out its space alongside heavy hitters.
When you choose to go the franchise route, you’re buying into a system with real costs, commitments, and expectations. The Swoop team is here to help break down what it takes to start a Wayback Burgers franchise, what the economics look like, and how to get set up for success, from costs to funding options.
Founded in 1991 and franchising since 2009, Wayback Burgers (under Jake’s Franchising LLC) is headquartered in Cheshire, Connecticut. While it’s not yet a household name like McDonald’s or Five Guys, it has steadily built a solid reputation in the fast-casual burger category.
Today, Wayback Burgers operates in more than 180 locations globally, with restaurants known for cooked-to-order burgers, hand-dipped milkshakes, hot dogs, and a throwback diner feel. That nostalgia, combined with a streamlined model and relatively modest startup requirements, is a key part of what’s drawing in franchisees.
Let’s talk qualifications. Wayback isn’t the most demanding franchise to join, but it’s still not for everyone.
To qualify, you’ll need:
The company prefers hands-on operators, especially those aiming to open multiple locations. While restaurant experience is helpful, what matters more is being growth-minded, financially stable, and willing to dive into the daily grind of running a business.
Here’s the big question, and a big reason Wayback is often seen as an “entry-level” burger brand. Its costs are relatively approachable.
Depending on the size, design, and location of your unit, your total startup costs will likely fall between $256,000 and $850,000. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into that range:
| Cost Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $75,000 | $350,000 |
| Equipment | $85,000 | $255,000 |
| Signage | $7,000 | $35,000 |
| Inventory & Supplies | $14,000 | $48,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Training & Travel Expenses | $1,000 | $10,000 |
| Permits, Licenses, Insurance | $6,500 | $17,000 |
| Additional Funds & Miscellaneous | $20,000 | $60,000 |
| Total Estimated Investment | $256,000 | $850,000 |
Other ongoing fees include:
So, while you’re not looking at as big of an investment as some other franchises, these are still serious numbers and worth weighing against potential returns.
Wayback Burgers doesn’t disclose average earnings or net profit figures, so hard numbers aren’t on the table. But what the brand does emphasize is the long-term value of its business model and how its system is built to support franchisee growth.
Here’s what stands out:
And while Wayback doesn’t offer an ROI formula, its message is clear: for operators who are hands-on, passionate, and smart about location and execution, the model is designed to pay off, not just financially, but in long-term business satisfaction.
Wayback doesn’t disclose failure or closure rates in its public materials, and it’s still too up-and-coming to consistently appear in major franchise performance datasets. That said, the relatively modest investment (compared to other QSR giants) may lower the risk barrier.
What matters most is operator involvement. Wayback expects its franchisees (or their trained manager) to be present during peak hours. That hands-on model can be a safeguard against many early-stage pitfalls.
Here’s where Wayback shines, especially for entrepreneurs who want to balance affordability with growth potential.
What sets Wayback apart:
And while it’s not the flashiest brand, it’s got staying power. Founded in 1991, Wayback has avoided trend-chasing and instead leaned into consistent, approachable growth.
Wayback Burgers does not offer exclusive territories. That means:
This can be a drawback for operators looking to “own” a specific city or metro. On the flip side, Wayback uses real demographic and psychographic data to help franchisees find prime locations, making site selection a more collaborative and informed process.
Support is one of the strongest parts of Wayback’s pitch. From the very first phone call to the day you open your doors (and beyond), the franchisor provides hands-on help across:
There’s also an optional partnership with Boefly, a platform that helps franchisees explore financing options tailored to their credit and liquidity profile.
The full process typically unfolds over several weeks (or months), with multiple checkpoints along the way. Here’s a simplified version of what to expect:
From there, it’s on to site selection, buildout, hiring, and your grand opening.
Opening a Wayback Burgers franchise is a meaningful investment and one that often requires outside financing. While the franchisor doesn’t offer direct funding, platforms like Swoop can help you explore a range of funding options tailored to your business.
With Swoop, you can:
If you’re serious about launching a Wayback Burgers franchise and want help navigating the funding side, Swoop offers a streamlined path to getting the capital you need.
Ready to explore your options? Register with Swoop and compare tailored loan offers through our platform. It’s fast, free, and built to help founders like you start smart.
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Written by
Ashlyn is a personal finance writer with experience in business and consumer taxes, retirement, and financial services to name a few. She has been published in USA Today, Kiplinger and Investopedia.
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