You’ve done the research. You know the Mediterranean food category is growing. You’ve looked at the franchise opportunity and the numbers make sense. But now comes the question that stops most prospective franchisees in their tracks: how do I actually pay for this?
A Great Greek Mediterranean Grill franchise requires a total investment between $650,000 and $950,000. That’s a real number, and it deserves a real plan. The good news is that franchise buyers rarely fund the entire amount out of pocket. Most use a combination of personal capital, bank loans, and SBA-backed financing to get their restaurant open. Here’s how each option works and what you should consider as you map out your path to ownership.
SBA loans: the most common route for franchise buyers
The U.S. Small Business Administration doesn’t lend money directly. Instead, it partially guarantees loans issued by approved banks and credit unions, which reduces the lender’s risk and makes it easier for borrowers to qualify. For franchise financing specifically, two SBA programs come up most often.
The SBA 7(a) loan is the most flexible option. It can cover nearly everything a new franchise owner needs: working capital, equipment, inventory, leasehold improvements, and even the franchise fee itself. Loan amounts go up to $5 million, and repayment terms extend up to 25 years for real estate and 10 years for equipment. Interest rates are variable but capped by the SBA, so they tend to be more favorable than conventional business loans.
The SBA 504 loan is designed specifically for purchasing fixed assets like commercial real estate or large equipment. If you’re buying the building where your restaurant will operate, this program could be worth exploring. It involves a partnership between a conventional lender and a Certified Development Company, and it typically offers fixed rates and longer terms.
One requirement worth flagging: your franchise must appear in the SBA Franchise Directory to be eligible. The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is SBA-approved, which means lenders already recognize the brand as a vetted franchise system. That removes one of the early hurdles many prospective owners face.
Conventional bank loans and lines of credit
Not every buyer goes the SBA route. Traditional bank loans can move faster, especially if you have an existing relationship with a lender and a strong credit profile. The trade-off is that conventional loans tend to carry higher interest rates, require more collateral, and offer shorter repayment windows.
Some buyers also use a business line of credit alongside their primary loan to cover the working capital they’ll need during the first few months of operation. It’s a useful bridge, particularly during the ramp-up period between your grand opening and steady-state revenue.
Retirement fund rollovers (ROBS)
A Rollover for Business Startups, commonly called ROBS, lets you use funds from an existing 401(k) or IRA to invest in your franchise without incurring early withdrawal penalties or taxes. The structure involves setting up a new C-corporation, creating a retirement plan within it, and rolling your existing retirement funds into that plan. Those funds then purchase stock in your new business.
ROBS is legal and IRS-compliant, but the setup is complex enough that most buyers work with a provider that specializes in franchise ROBS transactions. It’s particularly attractive for people who have built up substantial retirement savings and want to avoid taking on large amounts of debt.
How a turnkey franchise model simplifies funding
Lenders evaluate franchise applications differently than independent startup loans. When they see a recognized brand with documented unit economics, standardized operations, and a franchisor that provides training and support, the perceived risk drops. That’s why franchise loans tend to have higher approval rates than independent restaurant loans.
The Great Greek operates a turnkey investment model, which means the investment breakdown is clearly defined and covers everything from site buildout to opening-day marketing. That level of transparency is exactly what lenders want to see in a business plan. It also means you’ll know upfront what your capital requirements look like, which makes the loan application process more straightforward.
What lenders look for in a franchise loan application
Regardless of which financing path you choose, lenders will evaluate a few common factors. They’ll want to see that you have enough liquid capital to cover the required equity injection, which is typically 20% to 30% of the total investment. They’ll review your personal credit history, usually looking for a score above 680. And they’ll ask for a business plan that outlines your market, financial projections, and how you plan to use the funds.
Franchise systems like The Great Greek provide a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that contains historical financial performance data, which gives lenders the context they need to assess viability. The brand’s track record of industry awards and its backing by United Franchise Group add further credibility to any loan application.
Putting together your financing strategy
Most franchise buyers don’t rely on a single funding source. A common approach might combine a personal equity contribution of $150,000 to $250,000 with an SBA 7(a) loan covering the remaining balance. Others blend a ROBS rollover with a smaller conventional loan. The right mix depends on your personal financial situation, how much debt you’re comfortable taking on, and how quickly you want to move.
Before committing to a financing structure, it’s worth connecting with the franchise development team early in the process. During the steps to ownership, you’ll discuss your financial profile, explore available territories, and get a clearer picture of how other franchisees have structured their investments.
Start the conversation
Financing a restaurant franchise doesn’t have to be the obstacle that keeps you on the sidelines. The tools exist, the lending infrastructure supports franchise ownership, and The Great Greek’s model is built to give lenders confidence. If you’ve been thinking about bringing Mediterranean fast casual to your market, request franchise information today and take the first step toward building your business plan.