The Simple Greek brings a fast-casual, build-your-own Mediterranean concept to American strip malls and lifestyle centers, offering entrepreneurs a chance to join a category that keeps growing as diners look for fresher, better-for-you fast food. Backed by an origin story tied to CNBC's The Profit and entrepreneur Marcus Lemonis, the brand has built a recognizable identity around open-kitchen theater and customizable Greek recipes.
Franchise · Food & Restaurant
The Simple Greek Franchise
Fast-casual Greek food, build-your-own style, in a growing Mediterranean dining niche
$25,000
franchise fee
USD 319k – 633kk
investment
31
U.S. locations
How much does a The Simple Greek franchise cost?
Franchise fee
Amount paid when signing the contract
$25,000
Total investment
Estimated total budget for the opening
$318,700 – $632,500
Ongoing royalty
5%
Advertising royalty
2%
Minimum area
from 1,800 sq m
Locations in the U.S.
31
Figures declared by the franchisor — sources and verification date at the bottom of the page.
What it's about
- Founded
- 2015
- Locations
- 11
- Type of business
- Fast-casual Mediterranean/Greek restaurant franchise
- Company
- The Simple Greek, LLC
Fact sheet
The right questions before you start
concept overview
The Simple Greek serves pitas, bowls, salads and platters built from scratch in front of the guest, using an interactive ordering line similar to other successful fast-casual formats. The emphasis is on fresh, premium ingredients and a Mediterranean flavor profile that appeals to health-conscious consumers looking for an alternative to traditional quick-service chains. The concept was founded in 2015 and began franchising in 2016, expanding quickly in its first two years before undergoing changes in ownership and network size since then.
why join this network
Prospective owners are drawn to The Simple Greek for its position in the growing Mediterranean and better-for-you segment of fast casual, a category that continues to resonate with consumers seeking lighter, customizable meals. The brand offers a structured initial training program, ongoing operational support through a dedicated consultant, and marketing assistance that includes social media and guest-feedback tools. A veteran discount on the franchise fee has also been part of the offering, reflecting an effort to make the opportunity accessible to a wider pool of qualified candidates.
ideal candidate profile
The Simple Greek is best suited to candidates with restaurant or multi-unit management experience, though hands-on owner-operators are also part of the model. Franchisees should be comfortable with a liquid capital requirement in the range of $75,000 to $100,000 and a minimum net worth around $300,000, since opening costs are substantial. A genuine interest in hospitality, food quality, and community engagement is important given the open-kitchen, guest-facing nature of the format.
investment and entry requirements
Based on Franchise Disclosure Document data from 2020, the total investment to open a The Simple Greek location has ranged between roughly $318,700 and $632,500, which typically includes build-out, equipment, and opening costs for a restaurant of about 1,800 to 2,400 square feet. The franchise fee has been reported at $25,000 in more recent FDD-based sources, though the brand's own 2019 article referenced a $30,000 fee, suggesting the amount may have shifted over time. Ongoing royalties are generally cited at 5% of gross sales, plus marketing contributions described as 2% to a national ad fund and 2% to a local ad fund. Because published figures vary across sources and FDD years, candidates should confirm current numbers directly with the franchisor before making decisions.
key facts
- Founded: 2015, with franchising launched in 2016
- Concept: fast-casual Mediterranean/Greek restaurant with build-your-own format
- Typical unit size: approximately 1,800 to 2,400 square feet
- Total investment (2020 FDD reference): approximately $318,700 to $632,500
- Franchise fee: reported between $25,000 and $30,000 depending on source and year
- Royalty: approximately 5% of gross sales plus marketing contributions
- Minimum net worth: approximately $300,000
- Network size: reported figures vary widely (from about 11 to over 30 U.S. units depending on year and source), reflecting changes after a reported acquisition by WOWorks
If the Mediterranean fast-casual space and The Simple Greek's build-your-own concept sound like the right fit, reach out today to request current financial disclosure details and open territory availability directly from the franchisor.
How much does it cost to open a The Simple Greek franchise?
Based on 2020 Franchise Disclosure Document data, total investment has ranged from about $318,700 to $632,500, covering build-out, equipment, and opening costs for a restaurant of roughly 1,800 to 2,400 square feet. More recent industry sources cite figures as high as $786,000, so numbers vary by year and location. Always request the current FDD directly from the franchisor to confirm up-to-date costs before applying.
What is the franchise fee and royalty structure for The Simple Greek?
Sources indicate a franchise fee between $25,000 and $30,000 depending on the year referenced, with a veterans discount reportedly available. Ongoing royalties are commonly cited at 5% of gross sales, plus marketing contributions of about 2% to a national fund and 2% to local advertising. Exact current terms should be verified with the franchisor since figures have shifted across different FDD editions.
What qualifications do I need to become a The Simple Greek franchisee?
Candidates are typically expected to have a minimum net worth of around $300,000 and liquid capital in the range of $75,000 to $100,000. Restaurant or multi-unit management background is helpful given the hands-on, open-kitchen service model. Genuine interest in hospitality and food quality matters, since franchisees are directly involved in daily guest interactions and team leadership.
What training and support does The Simple Greek provide to new owners?
New franchisees receive an initial training period of about two weeks at company headquarters, plus a documented Manager Certification Program combining classroom and in-restaurant instruction. Ongoing support includes a dedicated Operations Consultant and centralized marketing resources such as social media guidance and customer feedback tools, helping franchisees maintain consistent operations and brand standards after opening.
How many The Simple Greek locations are currently operating?
This is genuinely hard to pin down: sources report anywhere from about 11 to over 30 U.S. locations depending on the year and reference used, especially following a reported ownership change involving WOWorks. There is no confirmed, dated, primary-source total available at this time, so prospective franchisees should ask the franchisor directly for the current, verified unit count.
Sources and data verification
The figures on this page come from the following sources:
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