Famous Sam's vs Garfield's Restaurant & Pub Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Famous Sam's vs Garfield's Restaurant & Pub including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Famous Sam's Franchise
Garfield's Restaurant & Pub Franchise
Investment $586,000 - $1,200,000$1,200,000 - $1,960,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 5%4%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19791984
Year Franchised 19891987
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Famous Sam's Franchise
Garfield's Restaurant & Pub Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Industry experience preferred, not required; strong management background

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

  • Financing Options

     
    Famous Sam's Franchise
    Garfield's Restaurant & Pub Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
    Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Famous Sam's Franchise
    Garfield's Restaurant & Pub Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations 46% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    100% of current franchisees are owner/operators

    Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 16% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 75

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Famous Sam's Franchise
    Garfield's Restaurant & Pub Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Famous Sam's

    In Tucson, Arizona, in 1963, Sam Schantz opened a small neighborhood bar called 'Sam's Tavern.' Serving overstuffed pastrami and ham sandwiches, Sam's Tavern kept customers entertained with pool tables, pinball machines and television. In February 1987, Sam's Tavern incorporated as Famous Sam's Corp., and franchising began the next year. In 1997, Famous Sam's Inc. was incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary, and company headquarters moved to Phoenix. Famous Sam's Restaurant/Sports Bars offers reasonably priced casual dining with 'Overstuffed/Oversized' sandwiches and a full bar. Restaurants feature televisions tuned to sporting events and the 'National Trivia Network,' inviting guests to play trivia games. Game areas include pool tables, darts and video games.

    About Garfield's Restaurant & Pub

    Vincent Orza and Jim Burke started Garfield's Restaurant as a small eatery in Oklahoma City in 1984. They've served burgers and sandwiches along with a wide selection of beers since opening day. Garfield's offers an all-American menu featuring the Lone Star Sizzling Pepper Steak and the Steakalada Platter with a chicken enchilada, chicken quesadillas, and a 9-ounce sirloin steak. Garfield's still serves a variety of beers, but has added to the drink menu a Perfect Margarita: a do-it-yourself beverage with a glass full of Cuervo Gold Tequila, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, sweet 'n' sour and lime juice. The company has been franchising since 1987.

    Garfield's Restaurant & Pub is the ultimate gathering spot where the only thing we love more than sports is FOOD. Our chef inspired menu offers a unique twist on traditional pub favorites.

    Garfield’s is a casual, family-friendly, full service restaurant and pub. From Garfield's great burgers and sandwiches, to steaks, ribs, pasta, and salads; our diverse menu has something for everyone. Garfield's offers a wide variety of beers and specialty drinks and our top-shelf PERFECT MARGARITA can't be beat!
    Garfield's - it's all about Great Times! and Great Tastes!