- Franchise 500 Rank
-
N/R Not ranked last year
- Initial investment
-
$256K - $850K
- Units as of 2025
-
182 15.2% over 3 years
At Wayback Burgers, you may find yourself saying, "Wayback is Waybetter!" The franchise specializes in several flavors of delicious hand-dipped milkshakes, hot dogs, distinctive chicken sandwiches, french fries, onion rings, and, of course, burgers. From its humble Delaware beginnings way back in 1991, the franchise has grown to have more than 120 franchised locations across the United States along with several international locations.
According to the franchise's chief development officer, Wayback Burgers established international locations out of numerous requests by global investors. The franchise only started offering franchising opportunities in 2006, but they're focused on expanding across all 50 states and other parts of the world.
Why You May Want to Start a Wayback Burgers Franchise
The franchise is quick to embrace technology so that it can improve operations within its systems. Wayback Burger franchises have an app where customers can place fast online orders at their convenience. With the utilization of electric trucks, the Wayback Burger franchises are mindful of the environment.
There are numerous burger franchises in the market, most offering a great menu, but a franchise needs to offer more than just a good thick burger to stand out from the competition. Wayback Burger understands that success in this industry boils down to customer service. This is why, since its start, the brand has strived to provide helpful assistance.
What Might Make a Wayback Burgers Franchise a Good Choice?
When deciding how to expand, Wayback Burger chose to use a somewhat unconventional approach. Instead of going for large spaces to drive more sales volumes, the company decided to go for smaller spaces. Wayback Burgers thought this would help reduce the rent of the locations, thus reducing the required overhead costs. There were big perks to using the small space approach since it reduced initial investment and attracted more investors.
Wayback Burgers is typically thought of as a reasonably affordable franchise, although you should make sure you’re financially ready for an initial investment that will include a franchise fee and other startup costs. You should also be prepared for ongoing fees, which will include advertising, royalty, and renewal fees. Franchisees will also need to meet the franchise's set net worth and liquid capital requirements.
How to Open a Wayback Burgers Franchise
To get started with your Wayback Burgers franchise, submit an inquiry form. As you decide if starting a Wayback Burgers franchise is for you, make sure you take time to explore the opportunity. Research the brand and your local area to see if a Wayback Burgers franchise would do well in your community. If there are multiple other burger franchises in the immediate area, then you may want to reconsider opening a Wayback Burgers franchise in that location.
Before making any financial commitment or signing an agreement, you must perform your due diligence and establish if this is the right opportunity for you. Speak to existing franchisees and ask questions pointed at the Wayback Burgers team. If you believe that the opportunity is for you, then bite into Wayback Burgers and let yourself dig into this tasty franchise opportunity.
Company Overview
About Wayback Burgers
Business Overview
| Franchising Since | 2006 (19 years) |
|---|---|
| # of employees at HQ | 39 |
| Where seeking |
This company is offering new franchises throughout the US. This company is offering new franchises worldwide. |
| # of Units | 182 (as of 2025) |
|
|
|
Information for Franchisees
Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Wayback Burgers franchise.
Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees
Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.
|
Initial Franchise Fee
|
$35,000 |
|---|---|
|
Initial Investment
|
$256,000 - $850,000 |
|
Net Worth Requirement
|
$500,000 |
|
Cash Requirement
|
$250,000 |
|
Veteran Incentives
|
$5,000 off franchise fee |
|
Royalty Fee
|
5% |
|
Ad Royalty Fee
|
4% |
|
Term of Agreement
|
20 years |
| Is franchise term renewable? | Yes |
Financing Options
Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.
| Third Party Financing | Wayback Burgers has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: startup costs, equipment, inventory |
|---|
Training & Support Offered
Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.
| On-The-Job Training | 100 hours |
|---|---|
| Classroom Training | 40 hours |
| Ongoing Support |
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
|
| Marketing Support |
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App
|
Operations
Additional details about running this franchise.
| Is absentee ownership allowed? | Yes |
|---|---|
|
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit?
|
No |
|
Can this franchise be run part time?
|
No |
|
Are exclusive territories available?
|
No |
Franchise 500 Ranking History
Compare where Wayback Burgers landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.
Sign Up for Our Franchise Newsletter
Stay up to date on the latest news and trends affecting the franchise industry.
Related Franchises
Are you eager to see what else is out there? Browse franchises that are similar to Wayback Burgers.
Water Wings Swim School
- description
- Child and adult swimming lessons, athletic events and competitions
Related Franchise Content
Catch up on the latest franchise news, trends, and more.
Franchise Ownership Is Rising Among Women — Here's Why It Matters
Women are turning to franchising because they view it as a smarter and more secure path to business ownership.
Every Thriving Business Owner Must Go Through the 'Hell Zone'
Between your first success and true scale, there lies a brutal, unavoidable stretch.
What 4 Hot Franchise Trends Say About How We Live Now
Why are people spending more in these franchise categories, and what does that say about consumers today and opportunities for franchisees tomorrow?
This Florist Saw 3 Problems In the Flower Industry. Now His Business Is Growing Like Crazy.
French Florist was once a struggling florist shop in Los Angeles. Here's how it transformed into an innovative franchise that's taking on the industry.
Why Owning a Seasonal Business Is So Lucrative
Some franchises are very seasonal. That makes it easier for you to buy a second business
The 10 Hottest Trends in Franchising in 2026
Want to buy into a buzzy business? Look no further than these franchises.