Restaurant parent Woworks launches three-tier franchise program
Fast-casual restaurant company Woworks is launching a new franchise incentive to fuel its growth.
The parent of Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, The Simple Greek, Barberitos and Zoup! Eatery has detailed a new three-tier franchise incentive program designed to make development more “accessible” for independent entrepreneurs while rewarding experienced multi-unit operators.
Available for a limited time through the first quarter of 2027, the program adjusts franchise fees and royalties based on the number of locations an operator commits to develop. It ranges from six months of reduced royalties for one- and two-unit owners to a net $0 franchise fee on an operator's first three locations for those committing to six or more restaurants.
Earlier this month, Woworks said it had opened 23 new restaurants so far this year, with 15 additional locations currently in development. The company is on pace for nearly 40 new stores by the end of 2026.
"Restaurant development is not one-size-fits-all, and our incentive program reflects the different ways entrepreneurs want to grow," said Kelly Roddy, CEO of Woworks. "Whether someone is opening their first restaurant or expanding an established multi-unit portfolio, we are creating a more flexible path into the Woworks system. For larger operators, the ability to mix and match brands and earn back the franchise fees on their first three locations makes this an especially compelling opportunity to build a diversified restaurant portfolio."
The three franchise incentive tiers include:
- Small Owners: One to two locations: Franchisees pay half of the standard franchise fee at signing and receive a 50% reduction in royalty fees for the first six months after opening.
- Medium Owners: Three to five locations: Franchisees pay half of the standard franchise fee at signing and receive a 50% reduction in royalty fees for the first year after opening. Operators may mix and match participating Woworks brands within their development agreement.
- Large Owners: Six or more locations: Franchisees pay half of the standard franchise fee at signing, which is refunded for their first three locations, resulting in a net $0 franchise fee for those restaurants. They also receive a 50% reduction in royalty fees for the first year across all locations and may mix and match participating Woworks brands.
In addition to the tiered incentives, franchisees at every development level can participate in Woworks' new "Buy One, Get Two" co-branding program. Through the program, an operator can add a second participating Woworks concept to the same location without paying an additional franchise fee.
"Co-branding is one of the most distinct advantages of the Woworks platform," said James Walker, chief growth officer of Woworks. "Instead of asking franchisees to invest in an entirely separate location to diversify their offering, we can help them bring two complementary concepts together under one roof. This program lowers a key barrier to entry and gives operators more flexibility in how they approach their markets."
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Founded in 2020, Woworks operates nearly 240 restaurants nationwide.
