fast food sample business plan

Fast Food Restaurant Business Plan Template & PDF Example

• September 4, 2024
• Food & Beverage

Creating a comprehensive business plan is crucial for launching and running a successful fast food restaurant. This plan serves as your roadmap, detailing your vision, operational strategies, and financial plan. It helps establish your fast food restaurant’s identity, navigate the competitive market, and secure funding for growth.

This article not only breaks down the critical components of a fast food restaurant business plan, but also provides an example of a business plan to help you craft your own.

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or new to the food and beverage industry, this guide, complete with a business plan example, lays the groundwork for turning your fast food restaurant concept into reality. Let’s dive in!

Our fast food restaurant business plan is structured to cover all essential aspects needed for a comprehensive strategy. It outlines the restaurant’s operations, marketing strategy, market environment, competitors, management team, and financial forecasts.

• Executive Summary : Offers a snapshot of your fast food restaurant’s business idea, market study, team, and money plan.
• Restaurant & Location: Talks about the restaurant’s look, features, and why the spot is good for customers.
• Menu & Pricing: Shows what food your place serves and how much it costs.
• Key Stats: Tells about how big the market is, how it’s growing, and important numbers for fast food.
• Key Trends : Points out new changes in fast food, like healthier options or tech for ordering.
• Key Competitors: Look at the main other fast food places and how your restaurant is different.
• SWOT : Lists your restaurant’s strengths, weaknesses, chances, and risks.
• Marketing Plan : Plans for how to get and keep customers.
• Timeline : Important steps and goals from starting to the first year.
• Management: Gives information on who runs the restaurant and their jobs.
• Financial Plan: Shows how your restaurant might do money-wise over 5 years, including sales, profit, and costs.

Fast Food Restaurant Business Plan Template (Download)

Fully editable 30+ slides Powerpoint presentation business plan template.

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Executive Summary

The Executive Summary introduces the business plan for your fast food restaurant , providing a concise overview of your establishment and its offerings. It should highlight your market positioning, the variety of fast food items and services you provide, its location, size, and a summary of daily operations.

This section should also delve into how your fast food restaurant will fit into the local market, including the number of direct competitors in the vicinity, identifying who they are, along with your restaurant’s unique selling points that set it apart from these competitors.

Moreover, it should include information about the management and co-founding team, outlining their roles and contributions to the restaurant’s success. Additionally, a synopsis of your financial projections, including revenue and profits for the next five years, should be included here to give a clear overview of your restaurant’s financial strategy.

Fast Food Restaurant Business Plan Executive Summary Example

Business Overview

The  business overview  should clearly define the restaurant’s key features, including its specific cuisine or theme, strategic location, facility design, and menu offerings. Highlighting what sets your restaurant apart in the  competitive  fast food market, such as unique culinary concepts or sustainable practices, is key for attracting interest and investment.

Example: “FlavorFusion,” a fast food restaurant specializing in fusion tacos, is located in the lively Midtown area, known for its vibrant food scene. The restaurant boasts a modern, 2,000 square-foot space with an energetic and contemporary vibe, seating for 50 patrons, and an additional outdoor area. The menu features a variety of gourmet fusion tacos made with high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients, catering to a diverse clientele.

Market Overview

This section should analyze the fast food market’s size, growth trends, and key industry developments. It positions your restaurant within the industry and highlights its potential to capitalize on current consumer trends like online ordering and plant-based options.

Example: FlavorFusion enters a market valued at $331 billion, growing at a 5.1% CAGR. Amidst intense competition from five local fast food outlets, FlavorFusion stands out with its unique fusion menu and focus on sustainability, aligning with the growing demand for innovative and eco-friendly dining options.

Management Team

Detailing the management team’s background and roles is essential. This part of the summary should emphasize their experience in the food and beverage industry and their roles in ensuring the restaurant’s operational excellence and financial health.

Example: The CEO/CFO of FlavorFusion, with extensive experience in business strategy and financial management, oversees the restaurant’s overall strategy and financial planning. The General Manager, responsible for day-to-day operations, ensures efficient restaurant functioning and high customer satisfaction.

Financial Plan

Clearly outlining the financial goals and projections is key. This section should include revenue targets and profit margins, offering insight into the restaurant’s financial health and growth potential.

Example: FlavorFusion aims to achieve $1.5 million in annual revenue with an 18%  EBITDA  margin by 2028. Supported by a strong business model, innovative menu, and effective  marketing strategies , the restaurant is positioned for significant growth in the dynamic fast food market.

For a Fast Food Restaurant, the Business Overview section can be effectively divided into 2 main categories:

Restaurant & Location

Provide a detailed description of the restaurant’s physical environment, focusing on its design, ambiance, and welcoming atmosphere that appeals to customers. Mention the restaurant’s location, emphasizing its accessibility and convenience for customers, such as proximity to busy shopping areas or availability of parking. Explain why this location is particularly beneficial in attracting your target customer base.

Menu & Pricing

Describe the variety of fast food items and beverages offered, ranging from classic favorites to unique specialties that differentiate your restaurant from competitors. Detail your pricing strategy , ensuring it aligns with the quality of food served and appeals to the market segment you are targeting. Highlight any special deals, combo offers, or loyalty programs that add value for customers, promoting frequent visits and customer loyalty.

Industry Size & Growth

In the Market Overview of your fast food restaurant business plan, start by looking at how big the fast food industry is and how much it could grow. This helps you see how much room there is in the market and where you might grow.

Key Market Trends

Talk about what’s new in the fast food world, like how people want different and healthy options, meals they can get quickly, and new kinds of food. Mention how people are looking for good food that fits their busy lives and how they like to try new flavors from different places.

Competitive Landscape

A  competitive analysis  is a crucial component of your fast food restaurant’s business plan. It provides insights into how your restaurant compares to its competitors in the market. This analysis is instrumental in identifying your restaurant’s unique selling points and understanding the  competitive  landscape.

A thorough competitive analysis helps in shaping a well-informed business plan, ensuring that your restaurant is positioned to meet market demands and customer expectations effectively.

Identifying Your Competitors in the Fast Food Industry

Identifying competitors is the first step in understanding your position in the fast food market. Start by mapping out local fast food restaurants. For instance, if your restaurant specializes in burgers, your direct competitors include nearby burger joints like  McDonald’s  or  Burger King , as well as local favorites like “Bob’s Burgers.” Don’t overlook indirect competitors such as  Subway  or Chipotle, which offer alternative fast dining options.

Use online tools like Google Maps to get a geographical sense of competitor distribution. Platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor offer customer reviews and ratings, providing insights into competitors’  strengths and weaknesses . For example, if several reviews mention the quick service at “Fast Eats,” this is a key strength of your competitor.

Fast food competitors’ strategies

Analyzing the strategies of these competitors involves several aspects. Start with their menu offerings. For example, if “Healthy Bites” down the street is gaining popularity with its vegan options, it indicates a market trend towards healthier fast food.

Pricing strategy  is another crucial aspect. Compare your prices with those of “Dollar Saver Menu” at McDonald’s or the premium options at “Shake Shack.” This comparison will help you understand where your restaurant fits in the market.

Marketing tactics in fast food can range from social media campaigns, like Wendy’s witty Twitter presence, to local billboard advertising. Pay attention to how competitors engage with customers online and the types of promotions they run.

Customer experience is also key. For instance,  Chick-fil-A  is renowned for its customer service. Visit competitors and note the service speed, order accuracy, and overall customer satisfaction.

Operational efficiency, especially in fast food, is a game-changer. Observe if competitors like  Domino’s  are using technology, like their pizza tracking system, to enhance efficiency and customer experience.

What’s your fast food restaurant’s value proposition?

Now, reflect on your restaurant’s  unique value proposition . Perhaps your restaurant offers a unique fusion cuisine that isn’t available elsewhere in your area, or maybe you use locally sourced ingredients, which appeals to health-conscious consumers.

Identify market gaps through customer feedback and  market trends . For example, the growing popularity of plant-based diets has led to the success of chains like “Beyond Meat.” If there’s a rising demand for plant-based fast food in your area that competitors aren’t meeting, this could be a niche for your restaurant.

Consider your location: A fast food restaurant located near a university might cater to students with budget-friendly deals, unlike a restaurant in a business district that might focus on quick service for office workers.

First, do a SWOT analysis for your fast food restaurant . Talk about Strengths (like a great menu and quick service), Weaknesses (like lots of competition or high costs), Opportunities (like more people wanting fast, tasty food), and Threats (like changes in what people want to eat or less money to spend on eating out).

Marketing Plan

Next, make a marketing plan that shows how you’ll get and keep customers. You can use ads, special deals, fun posts on social media, and events in the community.

Marketing Channels

Selecting the right marketing channels enables effective communication with potential customers and helps drive foot traffic to your restaurant. Employing diverse channels aids in enhancing brand visibility and engagement.

Digital Marketing

Utilize the digital landscape to your advantage:

• Social Media Presence:  Utilize Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and other relevant platforms to showcase menu items, engage with followers through interactive content, host contests, and share user-generated content.
• Online Ordering Platforms:  Partner with popular food delivery apps and maintain a user-friendly website with a seamless ordering system. Highlight exclusive online deals and promotions to attract online customers.
• Content Marketing : Produce engaging content such as blog posts, videos, or infographics about your recipes, behind-the-scenes kitchen stories, or spotlighting local ingredients. This content can be shared on your website and social media platforms to captivate your audience.

Local Advertising

Connect with the community through various local marketing strategies:

• Geo-targeted Ads:  Invest in targeted online advertisements focused on your restaurant’s vicinity to capture the attention of nearby residents and commuters.
• Community Engagement:  Participate in local events, sponsor local sports teams, or host charity fundraisers to increase community involvement and foster a positive brand image.
• Collaborations and Partnerships:  Forge partnerships with local businesses, gyms, schools, or corporate offices for joint promotional events or meal deals.

Promotional Activities

Entice potential customers with compelling offers and promotions:

• Limited-time Offers:  Introduce seasonal specials, combo deals, or promotional menu items to generate excitement and attract new customers.
• Customer Loyalty Programs:  Implement loyalty cards or digital reward systems where frequent diners can earn points redeemable for discounts, free items, or exclusive perks.
• Referral Incentives : Encourage existing customers to refer friends and family by providing incentives such as discounts on their next order or free add-ons.

Sales Channels

Strategically employing various  sales channels  ensures efficient transactions and enhances customer satisfaction.

In-Store Upselling

Maximize sales during customer visits:

• Upsize Options:  Offer upsized meals or meal add-ons for a nominal price increase to increase average order value.
• Combo Deals:  Create bundled meal deals comprising popular items at a discounted price to encourage customers to spend more.
• Limited-time Add-ons : Introduce temporary add-ons or upgrades to entice customers into trying new menu items.

Online Ordering and Delivery

Enhance convenience and accessibility for customers:

• Efficient Online Ordering:  Ensure a user-friendly online ordering system on your website and partnering delivery platforms, enabling customers to place orders seamlessly.
• Delivery Services:  Optimize delivery operations to provide timely and efficient service, ensuring the food quality matches the in-store experience.
• Curbside Pickup:  Offer a convenient pickup option for customers who prefer a quick in-and-out experience.

Subscription Services or Meal Plans

Encourage repeat business and secure recurring revenue streams:

• Subscription Plans:  Create subscription-based meal plans offering weekly or monthly meal bundles at discounted rates for loyal customers.
• Meal Packages:  Develop curated meal packages for families, individuals, or specific dietary preferences that customers can subscribe to for regular delivery or pickup.

Strategy Timeline

Lastly, make a clear timeline with important steps for starting your restaurant, getting the word out, getting more customers, and growing your business. This helps you stay on track and focused.

The Management section focuses on the fast food restaurant’s management and their direct roles in daily operations and strategic direction. This part is crucial for understanding who is responsible for making key decisions and driving the fast food restaurant towards its financial and operational goals.

For your fast food restaurant business plan, list the core team members, their specific responsibilities, and how their expertise supports the business.

The Financial Plan section is a comprehensive analysis of your financial projections for revenue, expenses, and profitability. It lays out your fast food restaurant’s approach to securing funding, managing cash flow, and achieving breakeven.

This section typically includes detailed forecasts for the first 5 years of operation, highlighting expected revenue, operating costs and capital expenditures.

For your fast food restaurant business plan, provide a snapshot of your financial statement (profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow statement), as well as your key assumptions (e.g. number of customers and prices, expenses, etc.).

Make sure to cover here _ Profit and Loss _ Cash Flow Statement _ Balance Sheet _ Use of Funds

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Privacy Overview

Fast Food Business Plan

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Fast Food Restaurant Business Plan & Template

This sample fast food restaurant business plan is your complete guide to creating a thriving fast food business.

With over 20 years of experience in crafting effective business plans, this guide offers all the insights and strategies you need to launch and grow a successful fast food restaurant, ensuring your business satisfies both customers and your bottom line.

Fast Food Business Plan Example

Below is an example for each of the key elements of a fast food business plan that you can use to create your own well-crafted business plan:

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is a new fast food start-up located in St. Louis, Missouri. The menu will include a variety of exceptionally large burgers that are freshly made using locally sourced meat and vegetables from local St. Louis establishments. There is also a wide variety of different types of french fries to accompany the delectable burgers. The fast food restaurant will be located in a busy intersection of a highly trafficked area of St. Louis. It will be surrounded by big box retail and grocery shopping, chain restaurants, and other businesses that are frequented by locals.

The design of Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will be comfortable and convenient in order to attract all residents of St. Louis. The demographic will be residents of the community that come from all different backgrounds and income levels. It will be family-friendly, trendy, and offer a seating area that is able to accommodate multiple seating options. Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will also include a drive-thru for those who elect to take their food and drinks to go.

Products Served

The following are the products to be offered by Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries:

• Just a Plain Ol’ Big Burger
• Avocado Big Burger
• Veggie Big Burger
• Double Bacon Big Burger
• Green Chile Hot n Spicy Big Burger
• Kiddos Big Burger
• Traditional French Fries
• Curly Fries
• Sweet Potato Fries
• Parmesan Herb Fries
• Spicy Sriracha Fries
• Assorted non-alcoholic beverages

Customer Focus

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will target all residents living in and around St. Louis. It will appeal to students, families, retirees, white collar, blue collar, and government employees. Because the food is moderately priced compared to other fast food establishments, all income levels will be able to enjoy the delicious offerings of Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries.

Management Team

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is owned and operated by best friends, Jay Brusco and Ray Coleman. Jay is the culinary component of the business, a local chef that has had a successful culinary career working at various fine dining restaurants. Ray is the business component as he has been successful as a wealth manager in St. Louis. The two friends have dreamed of opening up their own business for the past five years and have worked and studied strategy in order to ensure a thriving and sustainable fast food operation.

Jay will manage the kitchen operations of Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries. He will train and oversee the cooks, manage inventory, place food and drink orders, deal with the local food vendors, and ensure the highest customer satisfaction with the food.

Ray will oversee all administrative, accounting, and tax obligations for the business. He will train the cashiers on proper cash handling and customer service. Ray will also ensure that the highest level of customer service is being met daily and for every customer who walks in the door and goes through the drive-thru.

Success Factors

The following success factors will set Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries apart from the competition:

• Fresh made to order burgers that are locally sourced from St. Louis meat and vegetable establishments.
• The buns are baked on-site daily and are the softest and most flavorful bun in town.
• Convenient location: Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will be located in a highly-trafficked intersection that is easy to drive in and out of on any given day.
• Customers get bang for their buck. The menu items will be typical of bistro-type dishes and sizes served at a fast food price.

Financial Highlights

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is seeking $165,000 in debt financing to open its start-up fast food restaurant. The funding will be dedicated for the build-out and design of the restaurant, kitchen, and drive-thru as well as  cooking supplies and equipment, working capital, three months worth of payroll expenses and opening inventory. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Fast Food Restaurant Build-Out and Design – $80,000
• Kitchen supplies and equipment – $40,000
• Opening inventory – $5,000
• Working capital (to include 3 months of overhead expenses) – $15,000
• Marketing (advertising agency) – $25,000

The following graph outlines the pro forma financial projections for Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries:

Company Overview

Who is jay & ray’s big burgers & fries.

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is a start-up fast food restaurant located in St. Louis, Missouri. It will cater to all residents of St. Louis and will be located at a busy retail intersection of St. Louis that is surrounded by other restaurants and shopping. Thousands of people drive or walk by the intersection daily. Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is a fast casual restaurant and customers of all backgrounds and income levels are welcome. The restaurant will serve a variety of hamburgers, a variety of different flavored french fries, and soft drinks. The menu will be simple yet satisfying. The burgers are larger than other fast food restaurant hamburgers, and it will be the only fast food restaurant that serves bistro-type french fries.

Jay & Ray’s will have a comfortable and trendy seating area for customers to be able to dine inside and will also have a drive-thru for those that prefer to not get outside their vehicle. Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is scheduled to open its first location within the next six months.

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries History

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is owned by two St. Louis natives who are best friends and have started a business venture together. Jay Brusco is a culinary master who has been a chef for over ten years and Ray Coleman is a business entrepreneur who has been a wealth investment manager for over a decade. Jay & Ray have dreamed of going into business together since they were in high school, and they have spent the last four years preparing to make their dream a reality.

Jay has created a delectable and appetizing menu and Ray is the business brain behind the company. Together, with both of their expertise and knowledge, Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is destined to become St. Louis’ next big restaurant.

Since incorporation, Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries has achieved the following milestones:

• Developed the fast food restaurant’s branding image, social media, and website.
• Has a soft hold on a prime retail location at a busy intersection.
• Developed and finalized the menu of the food and drink selection.
• Obtained a food permit license to be able to prepare and sell food and drinks in St. Louis County.
• Obtained a sales and use tax permit for use in St. Louis County.

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries Products

The following are the types of menu items Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will serve:

Industry Analysis

The Fast Food Restaurants industry will continue to be one of the strongest U.S. industries, reaching $320 billion in the next five years.

The industry’s ability to provide convenient food at a low price will likely remain popular as consumers continue to seek affordable and convenient food options.

Fast food restaurants will benefit from a strong U.S. economy. The national unemployment rate is expected to decline while consumer sentiment is anticipated to strengthen. These trends are expected to bolster demand for the industry. Furthermore, consumer spending is estimated to increase at an annualized rate of 3.8%.

Additionally, fast food restaurants are expected to continue to expand menu options to cater to changing consumer preferences. Product innovation will likely play a large part in revenue growth moving forward.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will target the population of St. Louis that frequently consumes fast food. As this is a fast food restaurant, it will attract customers from all different backgrounds and income levels. Students, families, retirees, white collar, blue collar, and government officials all live and work in St. Louis County and will frequent the Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries.

The precise demographics for St. Louis, Missouri are:

Customer Segmentation

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will primarily target the following customer profile:

• Local residents of St. Louis that frequently consumes fast food.
• Blue collar, white collar, and government employees who live and work in St. Louis County.
• Families of all types.
• High school and college age students.

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will be competing with other fast food restaurants in St. Louis. Because Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is a local fast food startup, the competitors will be local fast food restaurants as well. A profile of each competitor is below.

Hi-Pointe Drive-In

Hi-Pointe Drive-In began as a little drive-in establishment that opened in the 1980s. Their mission is to bring the drive-in back to life with mouthwatering burgers and original sandwiches. Their chef-inspired menu uses locally sourced ingredients.

Hi-Pointe Drive-In is located in the historic Hi-Pointe neighborhood, just off of Highway 40. It is a great spot to pop into before or after events around town, or even as the main event. The menu has something for folks of many walks of life from their creative burgers, sandwiches, and shakes, to healthy salads and a menu for the little ones. Following the tradition of killin’ it, Hi-Pointe Drive-In is created from the same ownership as Sugarfire Smokehouse, among a few other St. Louis’ favorite eateries. Their team is made up of the great people and talented chefs that create a unique experience for every single visit.

Hi-Pointe Drive-In is available for drive-in, delivery, or they are able to cater an event. The burgers range in price from $6 – $9.50, the chef burger creations are priced $8 – $11, sandwiches are $9 – $13, and the salads range between $11 – $13. They have an array of sides for $3 each and the shakes and floats are between $5.50 and $7.

Union Loafers

Union Loafers is a bread bakery and cafe located in the heart of Botanical Heights in St. Louis, Missouri. They bake naturally leavened bread modeled on old world techniques. They are open during lunch for sandwiches, soups and salads. For dinner, they transform their bakery into a pizzeria that also serves wine and beer. At Union Loafers, they serve simple, classic foods driven by quality and community.

The bread and pizza are made fresh daily and only served during the aforementioned hours. A popular favorite is the Neapolitan Pizza as the recipe is unique and the taste exemplifies fresh ingredients. Union Loafers’ website has their step by step recipe to make their famous light and mild loaf bread at home. Union Loafers is also available for catering any sized event.

Lion’s Choice

Lion’s Choice first started as Red Lion Beef that was founded by Marv Gibbs in 1967. His two goals were to serve the highest-quality top round beef and create an environment where customers can enjoy a nutritious meal with friends and family. When the restaurant was renamed to Lion’s Choice, it was an instant success and Marv opened his second location in 1969.

The recipe for their famous roast beef sandwich is simple: 100% real top round beef that is slow roasted on-site for three hours and shaved extra thin. Lion’s Choice serves their roast beef medium rare on a lightly toasted buttered bun and topped with a dash of secret seasoning. The recipe has been the same for the past 50 years.

Over the years, Lion’s Choice has expanded their menu to include other quality offerings like oven-roasted turkey, hickory-smoked ham, pulled pork, and a variety of fresh salads. Lion’s Choice signature original roast beef, natural-cut fries, and frozen custard continue to be the St. Louis chain’s most popular offerings and will continue to be a local favorite.

Competitive Advantage

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries offers several advantages over its competition. Those advantages are:

Marketing Plan

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• The meat and vegetables will be locally sourced from St. Louis vendors and served fresh daily.
• The buns will be baked fresh daily with Chef Jay’s unique recipe.
• Convenient location.
• Bistro-type burgers and fries served at cheap, fast food prices.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries are as follows:

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries’ location is a promotion strategy in itself. Because the fast food establishment will be located in a prime intersection that is situated next to big box shopping, chain restaurants, and salons, thousands of St. Louis residents drive or walk by the location daily. The signage and look of the restaurant will be eye-catching and will entice people to walk in or use the drive-thru of Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries.

Social Media

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will use social media to cater to the millennials and social media obsessed portion of St. Louis. Jay and Ray plan to hire an advertising agency to take professional photographs of the menu items and location to create appealing posts to reach a greater audience. The posts will include pictures of the menu items, as well as weekly specials they will be running. Their posts will also include pictures of customers (with their written consent) enjoying the burgers and fries. By using actual customers, Jay and Ray hope to interact more with the community and create a legion of returning customers.

SEO Website Marketing

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries plans to invest funds into maintaining a strong SEO presence on search engines like Google and Bing. When a person types in “local fast food” or “St. Louis burgers”, Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will appear in the top three choices. The website will include the full menu, location, hours, and lots of pictures of the food, drinks, and customers.

Third Party Delivery Sites

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will maintain a presence on sites like Grubhub, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates so that people looking for local food to be delivered will see Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries listed near the top.

Jay and Ray will purchase a billboard spot about 5 miles from the location so that people driving by will have another reminder of the latest fast food spot to grab a meal before they get to the location. The advertising agency will create the billboard design.

The pricing of Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will be moderate and on par with competitors, so customers feel they receive value when purchasing their menu items.

Operations Plan

The operations plan for Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is as follows:

Operation Functions:

• Chef Jay Brusco is the chef and manager in charge that will develop the menu, source the ingredients and bake the buns daily. Chef Jay will also oversee a team of 2–3 cooks that will be working in the kitchen. He will also be in charge of inventory, weekly food and drink ordering, and ensuring customer satisfaction with the quality of the food.
• Ray Coleman is the other on-site manager that will oversee all administrative and financial responsibilities for the restaurant. He will handle all necessary licensing and permitting, training of the cashiers, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and tax payments. Ray, alongside Jay, will also work to ensure customer satisfaction with the quality of the service.
• Two to three part-time cooks will alternate helping Chef Jay during the hours of operation.
• Two to three part-time cashiers that will work the registers, drive-thru, and take turns cleaning the dining area and restrooms.
• Jay and Ray will hire an advertising agency to develop the website, social media accounts, billboard design, and execute all of their marketing efforts.

Milestones:

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries aims to open in the next 6 months. The following are the milestones needed in order to obtain this goal.

6/1/202X – Execute lease for prime location at busy intersection and finalize architectural design of fast food restaurant.

6/2/202X – Begin construction of fast food restaurant build-out.

6/10/202X – Finalize menu.

6/17/202X – Hire advertising company to begin developing marketing efforts.

7/15/202X – Start of marketing campaign with social media; billboard goes up.

8/2/202X – Final walk-thru of completed fast food restaurant build-out.

8/10/202X – Hire team of cooks and cashiers.

8/13/202X – Employee training begins.

8/20/202X – Grand Opening of Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries.

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will be owned and operated by Chef Jay Brusco and Ray Coleman. Each will have a 50% ownership stake in the fast food restaurant.

Chef Jay Brusco, Co-Owner

Chef Jay Brusco is a LeCordon Bleu Culinary School graduate and has been working in fine dining establishments in St. Louis for the past ten years. Chef Jay has always wanted to own his own restaurant and after working in numerous fine dining restaurants, Jay decided that he ultimately wanted to pursue a simple, delicious, fast food restaurant. Jay likes to appeal to the masses and he knows that he will be able to reach a greater audience by serving the community as a whole instead of just the high-end portion of St. Louis. Jay has always received tons of acclaim for his burgers because he is able to consistently deliver juicy and delicious burgers at a fast pace.

Ray Coleman, Co-Owner

Ray Coleman is the business brain behind the operation. Ray has made a career as a financial wealth manager and has worked in the corporate industry for over ten years. Ray is a graduate of the University of Missouri and earned his MBA in 2010. During his time attending business school, Ray took numerous entrepreneurial classes and has been studying how to start and run a successful start-up business. Since his best friend Jay is a professional chef and wants to start his own business, Ray began developing the business plan and operations for Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries.

Jay and Ray each have a unique skill set that will make them an instant success in St. Louis. They are a perfect partnership and remain committed to serving freshly made delicious food to the community that they grew up in.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will come from the menu items being offered daily.

The cost drivers will be the ingredients and products needed to make the menu items (oil, meat, vegetables, ingredients for the buns, drinks) as well as the cooking materials (pots, pans, bowls, plates, utensils, etc.). A significant cost driver are the paper products that the food will be served in as well as the beverage machines. Other cost drivers will be the overhead expenses of payroll for the part-time employees and cost of the advertising agency.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following table outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the business loan.

Initial Number of Customers Per Day: 500

Average Order per Customer: $15.00

Annual Lease: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, fast food business plan faqs, what is a fast food business plan.

A fast food business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your fast food restaurant. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your fast food business plan using our Fast Food Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Types of Fast Food Businesses?

There are many types of fast food businesses. The most common fast food restaurants serve hamburgers, fries, and soft drinks. Other common fast food establishments serve chicken, Chinese food, Mexican food, and pizza. There is a recent trend in fast food restaurants serving healthier options such as smoothies, wraps, sandwiches, and salads. A fast food restaurant can be centered around any food genre that is able to be prepared fast and in large quantities to serve multiple customers daily.

What Are the Main Sources of Revenue and Expenses for a Fast Food Restaurant?

The primary source of revenue for a fast food restaurant are the food and drink items sold at the establishment.

The key expenses are the costs to source the ingredients for the menu items, kitchen equipment and supplies, overhead expenses for the staff and rent, and any marketing costs the restaurant chooses to partake in.

What is the Difference Between a Franchise and Non-Franchise Fast Food Restaurant?

A franchise fast food restaurant is a business that is owned and operated by someone who has a contract with a larger company. That company provides the products, training, and marketing for the smaller business. A non-franchise fast food restaurant is a business that is independently owned and operated.

Franchise fast-food restaurants have a set of guidelines and standards to which they must adhere in order to use the franchise name. Non-franchise fast food restaurants do not have these guidelines and can vary greatly in terms of quality, cleanliness, and customer service.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Fast Food Business?

Fast food businesses are most likely to receive funding from banks. Typically, you will find a local bank and present your business plan to them. Another option for a fast food business is to obtain a small business loan. SBA loans are a popular option as they offer longer loan terms with lower interest rates. Outside investors, crowdfunding, and/or friends or family are other typical funding options. This is true for a fast casual restaurant business plan or a takeout restaurant business plan.

What are the Steps To Start a Fast Food Business?

Starting a fast food restaurant can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a successful fast food business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Write A Fast Food Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed fast food business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include market research on the fast food industry and potential target market size, information on your fast food menu, marketing strategy, pricing strategy and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your fast food business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your fast food business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Fast Food Restaurant   - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your fast food business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your fast food business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Fast Food Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your fast food business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your fast food business. Marketing efforts includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising to reach your target audience.

Where Can I Get a Fast Food Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free fast food business plan template PDF here. This is a sample fast food business plan template you can use in PDF format.

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Fast Food Restaurant Business Plan

Planning on starting a fast food restaurant? It can be an excellent way to create a niche business, serve a diverse customer base, and make a great career in the food service industry, but you need detailed planning for it.

That’s where you need a business plan; it will not only help you secure funding but will also provide a roadmap for seamless business operations.

Need help writing a business plan for your fast food restaurant business? You’re at the right place. Our fast food restaurant business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free fast food restaurant business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How To Write A Fast Food Restaurant Business Plan?

Writing a fast food restaurant business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the whole business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

• Market Opportunity: Summarize your market research, including market size, growth potential, and marketing trends. Highlight the opportunities in the market and how your business will fit in to fill the gap.
• Products and Services: Highlight your food menu and the services you will offer to your customers. Describe any special dishes you serve.
• For instance, your products and services may include menu items, combo meals, takeout and delivery services, combo meals, and catering services.
• Marketing & Sales Strategies: Outline your sales and marketing strategies—what marketing platforms you use, how you plan on acquiring customers, etc.
• Financial Highlights: Briefly summarize your financial projections for the initial years of business operations. Include any capital or investment requirements, associated startup costs, projected revenues, and profit forecasts.
• Call to Action: Summarize your executive summary section with a clear CTA, for example, inviting angel investors to discuss the potential business investment.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your restaurant. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

• Business Description: Describe your business in this section by providing all the basic information:
• Vegetarian fast food restaurants
• Pizza chains
• Mexican fast food restaurants
• Asian fast food restaurants
• Sandwich shops
• Fried seafood restaurants

Describe the legal structure of your fast food restaurant, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.

• Owners: List the founders or owners of your fast food restaurant. Describe what shares they own and their responsibilities for efficiently managing the business.
• Mission Statement: Summarize your business’ objective, core principles, and values in your mission statement. This statement needs to be memorable, clear, and brief.
• Business History: If you’re an established fast food restaurant business, briefly describe your business history, like—when it was founded, how it evolved over time, etc.
• Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.
• Future Goals: It’s crucial to convey your aspirations and vision. Mention your short-term and long-term goals; they can be specific targets for revenue, market share, or expanding your services.

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

• Target market: Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.
• For instance, young adults, millennials, and busy professionals can be an ideal target market for a fast food restaurant.
• Market size and growth potential: Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.
• Competitive Analysis: Identify and analyze your direct and indirect competitors. Identify their strengths and weaknesses, and describe what differentiates your fast food restaurant from them. Point out how you have a competitive edge in the market.
• Market Trends: Analyze emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends.
• For instance, there is an increasing demand for healthier food options; explain how you plan to cater to this growing market.
• Regulatory Environment: List regulations and licensing requirements affecting fast food restaurants, such as business registration, insurance, food service license, employment, and environmental regulations.

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your fast food business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

• Fast Food Menu: Start this section by offering an overview of your fast food menu. Include the details about the types of cuisine, dietary options you provide, and any signature dishes.
• Beverages and Desserts: Besides the fast food items, mention if your restaurant serves any other beverages such as tea, coffee, soft drinks, juices, and desserts or treats. For instance, dramatic style involves using longer & thicker lashes for a glamorous look.
• Food Preparation and Safety Measures: This section should explain your food preparation process, cooking methods, and how your business aligns with food safety regulations.Your safety measures may include maintaining cleanliness, regular sanitization, and conducting regular staff training programs.
• Special Services: Mention if your fast food restaurant offers any additional services. You may include services like online ordering, drive-thru, and valet parking.

In short, this section of your fast food restaurant plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

• Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies.
• For example, fresh and quality ingredients, unique menu items, sustainability, and ethical practices could be some of the great USPs for a fast-food restaurant.
• Pricing Strategy: Describe your pricing strategy—how you plan to price your products and services and stay competitive in the local market. You can mention any discounts you plan on offering to attract new customers.
• Marketing Strategies: Discuss your marketing strategies to market your services. You may include some of these marketing strategies in your business plan—social media marketing, Google ads, brochures, email marketing, content marketing, and print marketing.
• Sales Strategies: Outline the strategies you’ll implement to maximize your sales. Your sales strategies may include offering loyalty programs, online food delivery services, and creating corporate accounts.
• Customer Retention: Describe your customer retention strategies and how you plan to execute them. For instance, introducing loyalty programs, focusing on personalized service, offering promotions, etc

Overall, this section of your fast food restaurant business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your fast food restaurant, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

• Staffing & Training: Mention your restaurant’s staffing requirements, including the number of employees or kitchen staff needed. Include their qualifications, the training required, and the duties they will perform.
• Operational Process: Outline the processes and procedures you will use to run your fast food restaurant. Your operational processes may include restaurant opening, staff assignments, food preparation and cooking, order fulfillment, cleanliness and sanitization, and closing procedures.
• Equipment & Machinery: Include the list of equipment and machinery required for fast food restaurants, such as refrigerators, coffee machines, ice machines, POS systems, Utensils and kitchen tools, and food preparation equipment.
• Explain how these technologies help you maintain quality standards and improve the efficiency of your business operations.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your fast food restaurant’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

• Founders/CEO: Mention the founders and CEO of your fast food restaurant, and describe their roles and responsibilities in successfully running the business.
• Key managers: Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.
• It should include key executives, master chefs, senior management, and other department managers (e.g. operations manager.) involved in the fast food restaurant operations, including their education, professional background, and any relevant experience in the food industry.
• Organizational structure: Explain the organizational structure of your management team. Include the reporting line and decision-making hierarchy.
• Compensation Plan: Describe your compensation plan for the management and staff. Include their salaries, incentives, and other benefits.

This section should describe the key personnel for your fast food restaurant, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

• Profit & loss statement: Describe details such as projected revenue, operational costs, and service costs in your projected profit and loss statement . Make sure to include your business’s expected net profit or loss.
• Cash flow statement: The cash flow for the first few years of your operation should be estimated and described in this section. This may include billing invoices, payment receipts, loan payments, and any other cash flow statements.
• Balance Sheet: Create a projected balance sheet documenting your business’s assets, liabilities, and equity.
• Break-even point: Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.
• This exercise will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to sustain or be profitable.
• Financing Needs: Calculate costs associated with starting a fast food restaurant, and estimate your financing needs and how much capital you need to raise to operate your business. Be specific about your short-term and long-term financing requirements, such as investment capital or loans.

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the restaurant industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your fast food restaurant business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

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This sample fast food restaurant business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful fast food restaurant plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our fast food restaurant business plan pdf .

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you need a fast food restaurant business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful fast food restaurant business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your fast food restaurant.

How to get funding for your fast food restaurant business?

There are several ways to get funding for your fast food restaurant business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

• Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your business, usually online.
• Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought startup options.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your fast food restaurant business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your fast food restaurant business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your fast food restaurant business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any fast food restaurant business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our   business plan software .

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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12+ SAMPLE Fast Food Business Plan in PDF | MS Word | Google Docs | Apple Pages

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Formal Fast Food Business Plan

• Mission statement
• Vision statement
• Overall concept
• Possible cost
• Possible ROI (return on investments)
• What will be the overall costs for your business?
• How will you choose your target market?
• How much will your product cost?
• What will be the best name for your business?
• What can be your brand marketing strategy ?
• How will you manage your financial projections?
• How can you build the pool of workers?
• How can you have a great menu design?
• How can you gain profit?
• What can be the contents of your business plan?

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