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Runza^® Restaurants has been in business since 1949. Our controlled growth strategy has allowed us to actively support our franchisees and work with them to maximize success.

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Franchise FAQs

Why should I buy a franchise with Runza® Restaurants?

Runza® Restaurants has been in business since 1949. We currently have more than 80 locations in Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas and Iowa. Very few restaurant chains can boast such a long, successful history. Becoming a Runza^® franchisee, you are buying into a proven economic model.
What type of Franchises are available?

We grant individual as well as area development franchises for new or existing locations.
What is the franchise process?

Please refer to the Franchise Process page.
What are Runza®’s requirements?

Please refer to the Runza^® Requirements page.
How much is the franchise fee?

The franchise fee for a freestanding store is $25,000. The franchise fee for a non-traditional location is $20,000. The franchise agreement must be signed by an individual and can be subsequently assigned to a corporation or partnership.
How much is the royalty fee?

The royalty fee is 5% of gross sales paid monthly, exclusive of sales tax.
Am I required to maintain any sort of sinking fund?

Yes. Each franchisee is required to commit 1% of gross sales to a long-term improvement fund. This is your money to spend on long-term improvements for your Runza^® Restaurant.
How much is charged for advertising?

Each franchise is required to contribute 1% of gross sales to the Advertising Production Fund. These contributions pay for creative development, television production, radio production, overhead, and public relations projects.
Also, each franchise is required to spend up to 4% of gross sales in their local market. If a cooperative effort is or will be established in your territory, you will be required to participate. Any required cooperative expenditures are included in the required 4% local spending.
How much profit can I expect to make?

Runza^® does not make sales claims for new restaurants. Our Franchise Disclosure Document discusses sales. We encourage you to contact our existing franchisees to conduct your due diligence research. The names and contact information for our existing franchisees are listed in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
As the franchisee, do I also need to be the general manager?

Runza^® strongly recommends (but does not require) its franchisees be involved in the day-to-day operations of the store. If the franchisee decides not to be the general manager, and subsequently hires a general manager, Runza^® National requires that 10% ownership be assigned to the perpetual general manager.
What are the management requirements?

The general manager, responsible for day-to-day operations, must have a minimum of two years prior experience operating a restaurant(s). Runza^® strongly recommends (but does not require) its franchisees be involved in the day-to-day operations of the store.
What kind of franchise support can I expect?

Please refer to the Franchise Support page.
Does Runza® Restaurants have a training program?

Yes. Runza^® National provides franchisees and general managers with a one-week Runza^® University training program at corporate headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska. In addition, you will be required to complete an in-store training program at an approved location. As part of the franchise fee, Runza^® National will provide both the in-store and one-week Runza^® University training of one manager. A trainee must successfully complete the training program to operate a Runza^® Restaurant franchise.
What is the term of my franchise agreement?

The initial term is 10 years. There is one additional 10 year renewal option at the then current agreement terms. You must give at least six months advance notice of renewal and pay a $5,000 fee for the additional term.
Who is responsible for finding a suitable location for my franchise?

It is the responsibility of the Franchisee to find a suitable location. Runza^® National will assist you in a site analysis and is required to give final approval for all locations.
Are remodels of existing buildings suitable for a Runza® Restaurant?

Yes. This can often be an economical option to new construction. Also, remodels often shorten the time it takes to open a Runza^® Restaurant.
What size of building is necessary for a Runza® Restaurant?

Free-standing locations range in size from 2,500 - 3,600 square feet.
From whom do I lease the land and building?

You may use an outside source to do the development.
Do I receive assistance in opening my business?

Yes. Runza^® National provides each store opening with one field representative for one week, at no cost to the franchisee. Any additional ongoing assistance will be charged at the current rate.
Will assistance beyond my store opening be available?

Yes. A large benefit to being part of our franchise system is the ongoing support offered by Runza^® National. We have a corporate staff of 35+ employees, each with operational experience. We have several departments ready to assist you: Personnel, Marketing, Maintenance, Products, Operations and Bookkeeping.
In addition to departmental assistance, we've spent 50+ years polishing our operations manuals and training CD's. These are very useful tools to assist franchisees and store managers.
What supplies must be purchased as a Runza® Restaurants franchisee?

Runza^® National requires franchisees to purchase in-store decor, proprietary software and proprietary mixes necessary for production of the Runza^®Sandwich.
Who decides what prices I will charge for menu items?

With the exception of certain maximum price promotions, you are responsible for setting menu prices. Runza^® National provides you with a suggested price formula, which will give you pricing recommendations.
Can Runza® Restaurant franchisees be involved in other businesses?

Other business interests are possible provided you are not engaging in a business specializing in quick service hamburgers without prior written consent.
How long before my Runza® Restaurant is open?

Generally the process takes 250 days from receipt of your application.
What is the next step?

The next step is to complete the Franchise Application Form and submit it to:
Runza^® National
Attn: Franchise Director
PO Box 6042
Lincoln, NE 68506
Submission of an application in no way obligates you or Runza^® National, Inc.