Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the franchise fee?

The franchise fee is $25,000* per restaurant location. The franchise fee is for the initial license to use the Hwy 55 name and trademark, training, site assistance, and other pre-opening services to assist in starting your Hwy 55 franchise.

*International franchise fees may differ.

Can I acquire the right to develop an entire area?

If you are going to be an Area Developer, then you will sign an Area Development Agreement and pay an area development fee. The amount of the Area Development Fee will depend on the number of Hwy 55 restaurants to be developed under the Area Development Agreement, and will be calculated as follows: $25,000* for the first Hwy 55 restaurant plus a deposit of $12,500* for each additional Hwy 55 restaurant to be opened under that agreement. For example, if you will develop three Hwy 55 restaurants, the Area Development Fee is calculated as $25,000* + (2 x $12,500* = $25,000*) = $50,000*.

*International franchise fees may differ.

What about other costs?

Investments vary based on unit size and local conditions. The estimated investment that is required to open a Hwy 55 restaurant ranges from $184,255 - $331,955*. This investment range is broken down in our 2014 Franchise Disclosure Document and includes franchise fee, leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures, equipment, signage, smallwares, initial inventory, opening expenses, etc.

*International investment costs may differ.

What is the charge for royalties?

Individual Franchisees pay a royalty fee equal to 5% of annual gross sales, plus an additional 1% dedicated to marketing. This amount will be electronically wired from your desired account on the 25th of each month. This charge covers the continued use of the Hwy 55 name and trademark, as well as access to our operation methods and ongoing support. Please understand that Hwy 55 does not mark up proprietary items as is commonly done in the industry. There are no hidden fees.

*International royalties may differ.

Do I receive assistance in opening my business?

Yes. In addition to your full training program, Hwy 55 will send trained representatives to work with you and your team at your restaurant for a total of 10 working days. We will assist with 5 on-site pre-opening days and 5 on-site post-opening days. We reserve the right to stay longer to ensure a successful opening.

What about Marketing?

We have established and will administer a Marketing/Advertising fund on behalf of the Hwy 55 brand to provide national or regional creative materials for the benefit of your Hwy 55 location. We currently require Hwy 55 Franchisees to contribute 1% of gross sales for each restaurant to the Marketing/Advertising fund. In addition to contributions described above, we recommend you spend annually 2% of gross sales of the restaurant for local advertising in your primary area of responsibility. This amount is not paid to us, but rather is spend by you at your discretion.

What training will I receive from Hwy 55?

We provide initial training to your operating principal, general manager, and one assistant manager for two continuous weeks at a Hwy 55 certified training restaurant and the corporate office in Mt. Olive, NC. This program is designed to provide you with the administrative and technical aspects of running your restaurant. Costs of the training program are included in your franchise fee; however, all travel and lodging costs will be at the franchisee’s expense.

What are the term limits of the Franchise Agreement?

The initial term of the Hwy 55 Franchise Agreement is ten years. The Franchise Agreement is renewable for two successive terms of five years each for those franchisees that meet our renewal criteria.

What is the average size of an Hwy 55 restaurant?

The typical Hwy 55 restaurant ranges from 2,000 to 2,800 square feet. Hwy 55 restaurants are adaptable to many venues, including: pad or commercial sites, strip & lifestyle centers, urban/downtown locations, conversions of any existing restaurants, enclosed mall/food court locations, university or office locations and airport, train station & other non-traditional locations.

What are the minimum financial requirements for a Hwy 55 Franchisee?

We require a minimum of $125,000* in liquid assets (per restaurant) between you and any financial partners.

*International minimum financial requirements may differ.