Overview
Why Nathan's Famous?
Nathan's Famous is a food & beverage brand with over 33 years of operating history and 93 active locations. The full Franchise Disclosure Document, including unit-level financials, territory terms, training requirements, and franchisee obligations, is available on request.
The Numbers
Investment & Fees
- Total initial investment
- $554K – $2.0M
- Initial franchise fee
- $30K
- Royalty fee
- Available on request
- Ad / marketing fee
- Available on request
Regulatory Filings
FDDs on file
Latest FDD on file: 2024. Request the document below to see Item 19 financial performance, Item 7 estimated initial investment, and territory disclosures.
Who's Operating It
157 franchisees of Nathan's Famous
DAVID FOX
ATLANTIC CITY VENTURES LLC · Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
3unitsFRANK BONANNO
FIFTH AVENUE RESTAURANT GROUP · Las Vegas, Nevada
3unitsLALMIR SULTANZADA
3380 HILLSIDE NATHAN'S INC · New Hyde Park, New York
3unitsBETH SPECK
TRUE BLUE INC CREAM INC · Georgetown, Kentucky
2unitsCHRISTINA PHANG LYN
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
2unitsDONALD WONG
WILLOW BROOK FOOD EXPRESS LLC · Livingston, New Jersey
2unitsEDWIN MILLER
COLUMBUS ICE CREAM CREATIONS INC · Columbus, Georgia
2unitsJEFFERY SCHMUTZLER
SWEET DREAM BRUSTER'S LLC · Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
2units
Why every serious buyer requests the FDD
The Franchise Disclosure Document is the single most important piece of paperwork in your due diligence. It's federally mandated and contains everything a franchisor is required to share before you sign.
- Item 7: full breakdown of your real startup costs
- Item 19: actual unit-level revenue performance
- Item 20: franchisee count, openings, closures, transfers
- Item 21: audited financial statements
Frequently Asked
Nathan's Famous franchise FAQ
Is Nathan's Famous a franchise?
Yes. Nathan's Famous is a franchise in the food & beverage category, which means you can own and operate a Nathan's Famous location under a franchise agreement with the franchisor. The total initial investment to open one ranges from $554K – $2.0M. The franchisor provides the brand, systems, and ongoing support in exchange for an initial franchise fee and royalties, all disclosed in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
How much does it cost to open a Nathan's Famous franchise?
Total initial investment to open a Nathan's Famous franchise ranges from $554K – $2.0M according to the latest Franchise Disclosure Document. The actual cost depends on territory, build-out, and local market conditions. Request the full FDD on this page for Item 7's full investment breakdown.
What is the Nathan's Famous franchise fee?
The Nathan's Famous initial franchise fee is $30K, paid to the franchisor at signing. This is separate from total investment and does not include build-out, equipment, or working capital.
How many Nathan's Famous franchise locations are there?
Nathan's Famous operates 93 active locations as of the most recent FDD filing. Request the latest FDD for state-by-state distribution and openings/closures from Item 20.
When was Nathan's Famous founded?
Nathan's Famous was founded in 1993, giving the brand 33 years of operating history. Brand longevity matters in franchising because it correlates with refined operations, established supplier relationships, and a tested franchisee playbook.
Is a Nathan's Famous franchise profitable?
Nathan's Famous unit-level profitability depends on location, operating costs, staffing, and management. When a franchisor makes an earnings claim, it appears in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, the only place franchise financial performance is officially disclosed. Request the Nathan's Famous FDD on this page to review any Item 19 financial performance representation.
How do I apply for a Nathan's Famous franchise opportunity?
Submit a request through this page to receive the Nathan's Famous Franchise Disclosure Document. The FDD contains everything you need to evaluate the opportunity: Item 7 investment, Item 19 financial performance, Item 20 unit counts and franchisee turnover, and Item 21 audited financials. There is no cost or obligation to request the FDD.
Where can I get the Nathan's Famous FDD?
The current Nathan's Famous FDD can be requested directly through this page. Franchise Disclosure Documents are federally regulated by the FTC and must be provided to prospective franchisees at least 14 days before signing any binding agreement or paying any fee.
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