Wayback Burgers franchise

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Page written by Ashlyn Brooks. Last reviewed on August 4, 2025. Next review due October 1, 2026.

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.

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Wayback Burgers business details

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.

Can I start a Wayback Burgers franchise?

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:

Liquid capital of at least $250,000
Net worth of $500,000 or more
A credit score of 700+
A strong personal interest in operations and leadership. Absentee ownership isn’t part of their model

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.

How much does a Wayback Burgers franchise cost?

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:

Royalty fee: 5% of gross sales or $400 per week (whichever is greater)
Advertising fees: 4% of gross sales (split between local and national campaigns)
Training and software costs: Additional costs may apply annually for systems, audits, or refresher training

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.

Are Wayback Burgers franchises profitable?

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:

Franchisees benefit from a built-in brand reputation. Wayback highlights that when you open your doors, you’re stepping into a system with national recognition, established trust, and proven guest demand, advantages that independent operators often have to build from scratch.
The company positions its model as “recession-resistant.” Burgers are seen as a staple in fast-casual dining, offering both affordability and broad appeal, even in tough economies.
Franchisee sentiment is a positive signal. In Wayback’s own Franchise Business Review data, 94% of new owners reported confidence in long-term growth opportunities.
Profitability depends on more than just startup spend. The brand encourages prospective owners to talk directly with existing franchisees to get a clearer picture of income potential, acknowledging that factors like lease rates, labor, and market saturation heavily influence bottom-line success.

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.

What is the failure rate for a Wayback Burgers franchise?

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.

Why should you start a Wayback Burgers franchise?

Here’s where Wayback shines, especially for entrepreneurs who want to balance affordability with growth potential.

What sets Wayback apart:

Lower upfront investment than major burger brands
Flexible real estate models that adapt to different markets
Personalized support throughout the onboarding process
Growth-focused territory strategy, based on data and demographics
Hands-on culture that prioritizes community connection and brand experience

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.

What are the franchise territory policies for Wayback Burgers?

Wayback Burgers does not offer exclusive territories. That means:

You may have other Wayback franchisees nearby
The franchisor can open corporate or other franchise locations in your area
Territory decisions are based on data, not rigid boundaries

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.

What franchise resources does Wayback Burgers offer?

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:

Site selection and lease negotiation
Restaurant design and buildout
15-day in-person training in Connecticut
Ongoing operational support
Marketing and grand opening coordination
Vendor relationships and supply chain management

There’s also an optional partnership with Boefly, a platform that helps franchisees explore financing options tailored to their credit and liquidity profile.

What is the process for starting a Wayback Burgers franchise?

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.

Secure franchise funding with Swoop

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:

Check your eligibility for SBA loans, equipment financing, or startup loans
Compare offers across multiple lenders
Discover funding for everything from construction to inventory
Get guidance on building your business plan or registering your company

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.

Written by

Ashlyn Brooks

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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