Steak N Shake Trad
Food: Quick-Service Restaurants → Hamburgers
Own a Steak 'n Shake Franchise
Serve legendary steakburgers and shakes with a nearly 100-year brand legacy.
Average Unit Volume$1.815Mfrom the brand’s own disclosures
Total units272from the brand’s own disclosures
Brand overview
Since 1934, Steak 'n Shake has set the standard for premium steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes. Born on Route 66, this classic American brand combines quality ingredients with a trusted legacy that customers have loved for generations. Today, franchise owners operate locations utilizing a simple, efficient, self-service model and technology-driven workflows designed to optimize profitability and minimize labor challenges, making it a scalable, high-growth opportunity.
Availability
We are currently accepting inquiries in these states:
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Why choose
A simple operating model with technology-driven workflows minimizes labor challenges and optimizes profitability. The brand leads with premium ingredients as the first national chain to fry exclusively in 100% beef tallow, using 100% Grade-A Wisconsin Butter and grass-fed, grass-finished beef. Flexible restaurant formats are available, including inline and freestanding locations with drive-thru options. Multi-unit owners leverage economies of scale to reduce operational costs per location and increase overall profitability. Brand-defining innovations like accepting Bitcoin and adding Tesla Superchargers drive forward-thinking customer convenience.
Revenue Potential & Investment Requirements
Average Unit Volume
$1.815M
This information reflects the 2024 Average Net Sales for: (a) 59 Steak ‘n Shake Restaurants operated by traditional franchisees that have all been in continuous operation for at least 24 consecutive months as of December 25, 2024; and (b) 155 Steak ‘n Shake Restaurants operated by Franchise Partners that have all been in continuous operation for at least 24 consecutive months and been in continuous operation as Franchise Partner Restaurants for at least 12 consecutive months as of December 25, 2024. Financial information provided is based on the unaudited results for the 12-month period ended December 25, 2024, for the 155 Franchise Partner Restaurants. Restaurant profit before occupancy, depreciation, administrative expenses, interest, and taxes. Please refer to Item 19 of our April 25, 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document for more information. This advertisement is not an offer to sell a franchise. An offer can be made only by means of a Franchise Disclosure Document that has been registered and approved agency in your state, if your state requires such registration.
- Total investment
- $1,207,909–$2,656,425
- Franchise fee
- $25,000
- Cash Required
- $400,000
- Net worth
- $1,000,000
Growth Trends
Training & support
Steak 'n Shake University provides hands-on training and dedicated support from the franchise team. Turnkey online training fuels consistency and scalable growth across all locations. Franchisees receive on-site support and marketing assistance for grand openings, plus ongoing operational support to keep businesses on track.
Ideal candidate
This franchise opportunity is best suited for experienced operators and multi-unit investors looking to build on their portfolios. Ideal candidates possess the operational expertise and financial resources to scale with a high-growth, technology-driven restaurant brand.