by Andrea Golindano | Jun 10, 2026 | Blog, Greek Food
People researching how to open a Greek restaurant franchise usually want to understand what the process actually involves. What happens after you submit an inquiry? Who will you meet along the way? How is a location selected, what support does the franchisor provide, and how long does it take to reach opening day?
This guide walks through The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill franchise process from the first conversation through site selection, training, build-out, and grand opening. It also explains what the franchise system provides, where the owner takes the lead, and what prospective franchisees should realistically expect at each stage.
Why a Franchise Rather Than Opening Independently
Opening an independent Greek restaurant and investing in a Great Greek franchise may lead to the same goal, but the process of getting there is very different.
An independent restaurant starts with a blank page. The owner must develop the concept, refine the recipes, create the brand, source vendors, design the kitchen, choose the technology, build a training program, and establish a marketing presence. That freedom can be appealing, but it also means every system must be developed and tested while the business is being built.
With a franchise, much of that foundation is already in place. The owner is still responsible for leading the business, building the team, serving the local market, and maintaining brand standards. The difference is that they are working within an established restaurant model rather than creating one as they go. The Great Greek provides the brand, menu, operating systems, supplier relationships, training, and opening support needed to move from planning to launch.
| What has to be created |
Going independent |
Great Greek franchise |
| Brand identity and awareness |
Develop the concept and build recognition |
Established brand and positioning |
| Supplier network and pricing |
Source vendors and negotiate independently |
Approved supplier network |
| Kitchen design and equipment |
Design and source the restaurant independently |
Defined standards and restaurant package |
| Staff training program |
Create training and manuals from scratch |
Structured pre-opening training |
| Operational systems and technology |
Research and connect separate systems |
Approved POS and back-office platforms |
| Marketing infrastructure |
Build the strategy and local presence |
Brand resources plus an NRO program |
| Time to open |
Varies by concept, site, and permitting |
Typically 6 to 12 months |
| Operating playbook |
Develop processes through experience |
Established standards and support |
Neither route is right for everyone. The choice comes down to how much you want to build on your own, how much structure you value, and how quickly you want to move from an idea to an operating restaurant. For many investors, franchising is the more direct path.
The 10 Steps to Opening a Great Greek Franchise
Every opening timeline is different. Site selection, permitting, construction, and local approvals create the most variation. Qualified candidates often complete the initial evaluation within 30 to 60 days, while a standard single-unit franchise typically takes 6 to 12 months from inquiry to opening.
Complete the Get Started form or call 561-578-2708. A franchise development representative will follow up, typically the same day, to schedule an introductory call.
Introductory Call & Qualification
This 30- to 45-minute conversation covers your background, market interest, available capital, goals, and timeline. It is also your first chance to ask questions and assess the fit.
Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
If both sides continue, you will receive a copy of the FDD for you to review. Examine the investment information, obligations, agreements, system data, and franchisee lists with your own advisors.
Speak directly with current franchisees about their evaluation, opening, support, and day-to-day experience. These conversations give you insight into what it takes to run the business.
Visit the West Palm Beach headquarters or attend virtually and meet the leadership and support teams, tour a location, and explore operations, marketing, and growth plans. Discovery Day usually takes place near the end of the evaluation process.
Sign the Franchise Agreement
After mutual approval, you will sign the Franchise Agreement and pay the applicable fee described in the current FDD. The agreement defines your territory, term, rights, obligations, and responsibilities.
Site Selection & Lease Negotiation
The real estate team helps evaluate locations using trade-area data, demographics, visibility, access, co-tenancy, and other criteria. After approval, the team can support the lease review and negotiation process.
Design, Permitting & Build-Out
The project then moves into design, permitting, and construction. The program supports kitchen and layout planning, site review, cost estimating, and coordination with your contractor.
The four- to five-week program at the Florida headquarters covers operations, kitchen execution, staffing, customer experience, financial reporting, technology, and local marketing. Covered travel and lodging expenses are detailed in the current FDD.
Grand Opening & Ongoing Support
The NRO program begins before opening and continues through launch. A field representative provides on-site support while local marketing builds awareness. Ongoing support includes field guidance, benchmarking, technology, suppliers, and brand marketing.
What the Great Greek System Provides
The value of the franchise system becomes clearer when you look at the work required before opening, during launch, and after the first rush. The Great Greek provides support at each stage.
Before You Open
- Site selection support: the real estate team evaluates locations using trade-area data, demographics, co-tenancy, visibility, access, and the existing brand footprint. Every site requires formal approval before the lease is finalized.
- Lease review and negotiation support: the team brings experience from across the system to help franchisees evaluate lease terms and work through negotiations with their own advisors.
- Design and project management: support includes kitchen and layout design, construction coordination, and preliminary cost estimates for approved sites.
- The Restaurant Package: a coordinated package of equipment, fixtures, signage, POS, and required technology simplifies sourcing and supports brand consistency. It also includes back-office tools for accounting, bookkeeping, food-cost management, and payroll.
- Pre-opening training: the four- to five-week corporate program covers operations, kitchen execution, customer experience, staffing, financial systems, technology, and local marketing. Covered expenses are detailed in the current FDD.
Around Your Opening
- New Restaurant Opening marketing: the program begins about four weeks before opening and continues for at least eight weeks, using digital advertising, social media, and community outreach to introduce your new Greek restaurant.
- Opening-week field support: a Great Greek team member works on site during launch to help the franchisee and staff put their training into practice.
- Team training resources: recruiting, onboarding, and training protocols help franchisees prepare employees and reinforce standards after opening.
Ongoing, for the Life of Your Franchise
- Field business consultant support: a dedicated support contact helps franchisees review operations, compare performance, and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Brand marketing: system contributions support digital advertising, creative development, and broader campaigns that would be difficult for one restaurant to produce alone.
- Technology platforms: franchisees use approved POS, inventory, labor-scheduling, and back-office systems connected to the larger operating platform.
- Approved supplier network: the brand maintains relationships for food, packaging, equipment, and supplies to support consistency across locations.
- United Franchise Group infrastructure: The Great Greek is backed by more than 40 years of franchise experience, six brands, approximately 1,600 locations, and a presence in more than 60 countries. Franchisees benefit from established legal, operational, technology, marketing, and development resources.
Who’s an Ideal Candidate for a Great Greek Franchise?
Prior restaurant experience isn’t required, but owners play a key role in the success of the franchise. The brand looks for people who can build a team, follow a system, connect with the community, and manage the restaurant as a business rather than create a job for themselves.
Franchisees come from many fields, including business ownership, corporate management, sales, real estate, healthcare, and military service. What matters most is the ability to lead people, follow brand standards, make sound decisions, and keep the guest experience consistent.
For a closer look at the ownership profile, visit the Ideal Candidate page or read testimonials from current franchise owners.
Starting With One Location — or Planning for More
The same core process applies to single-unit and multi-unit candidates. For investors planning two or more restaurants, a Multi-Unit Development Agreement can define the development area, opening schedule, and terms for additional locations. The current FDD contains the complete structure and applicable fees for multi-unit development.
For a multi-unit owner, the first restaurant becomes the foundation for the locations that follow. The operating routines, management bench, vendor relationships, and local market knowledge developed at unit one can make later openings more familiar and more efficient. Visit the Multi-Unit Opportunities page to learn more about the development path.
Frequently Asked Questions About Opening a Great Greek Franchise
How do I open a Great Greek franchise?
Submit an inquiry through the Get Started page or call 561-578-2708. The process then moves through an introductory call, FDD review, validation, Discovery Day, mutual approval, site selection, build-out, training, and opening support.
How long does it take to open a Great Greek?
A standard single-unit franchise typically takes 6 to 12 months from inquiry to opening. Site selection, lease negotiations, permitting, and construction have the greatest effect on timing.
Do I need restaurant experience to open a Great Greek?
No. The training program covers operations, kitchen systems, staffing, technology, financial reporting, and marketing. Leadership, business judgment, and the ability to manage a team are more important.
What support does The Great Greek provide to new franchisees?
Support includes site evaluation, lease and design guidance, project management, training, technology, and pre-opening marketing. Franchisees also receive opening support, field consulting, brand marketing, approved suppliers, and access to United Franchise Group’s broader shared services resources.
What is a Discovery Day?
Discovery Day is an in-person visit to the West Palm Beach headquarters, or candidates can attend virtually. Candidates meet the leadership and support teams, tour a location, and review operations, marketing, and growth plans before both sides make a final decision.
How do I know if my target market has available territory?
Territory availability is reviewed during the introductory call. The team can explain what is open or committed in your preferred city or region before you move deeper into the process.
Ready to Start the Process?
A conversation with the franchise development team can help you confirm territory availability, understand the process and investment structure, and decide whether The Great Greek belongs on your short list.
Visit the Get Started page, call 561-578-2708, or review the full investment information on the Turnkey Investment page.
by Marisa Cioffi | Jun 20, 2025 | Blog, Greek Food
Flavors That Bring Guests Back Again and Again
At The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, loyalty isn’t bought—it’s earned. With recipes passed down through generations, fresh ingredients, and exceptional service, every visit leaves guests feeling valued and nourished. This isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a destination, and for franchisees, it’s a reliable engine for long-term growth.
What Makes Guests Loyal?
Guest return rates are fueled by a few powerful elements:
– Authentic Mediterranean dishes with consistent quality
– Warm, family-style hospitality that creates memorable experiences
– Flexible service options: dine-in, delivery, catering
– A premium yet approachable atmosphere
The result? Guests not only come back—they become brand advocates.
Systemized for Consistency, Built for Hospitality
Franchisees are trained through comprehensive Training to uphold the brand’s high standards for food and service. Key supports include:
– Proven recipes and kitchen workflows
– Brand guidelines that ensure a consistent experience
– Hospitality coaching for staff and operators
This ensures every guest—whether it’s their first visit or fiftieth—receives the same care and quality.
The ROI of Guest Loyalty
Loyalty leads to real business benefits:
– Higher average lifetime value per guest
– Increased word-of-mouth and organic local growth
– Catering referrals from satisfied dine-in guests
– Streamlined marketing through repeat traffic
Franchisees who deliver consistent quality see measurable results. Read their stories on our Testimonials page.
Turning First Impressions Into Lifelong Guests
Franchisees across the country report stories like:
– Regular guests who bring in coworkers and family weekly
– Catering clients who started with a single takeout order
– Birthday and anniversary celebrations booked months in advance
This kind of engagement is no accident—it’s the result of consistent execution backed by our system and support.
Food That Feels Like Home
The Great Greek creates an environment where everyone—from first-time guests to longtime regulars—feels at home. That’s part of why the brand stands out in a competitive fast-casual space.
Franchisees benefit from this emotional loyalty and build deeper ties in their local markets.
More Than a Menu—A Movement of Hospitality
With the backing of Our Family of Franchise Brands, franchisees don’t just run a restaurant—they lead a local movement built on care, quality, and connection.
Ready to Build a Business Guests Love to Return To?
Take the next step toward building a hospitality-driven business. Explore our Training, hear directly from franchisees in Testimonials, and connect with the team at Our Family of Franchise Brands to see if The Great Greek is right for your market.
by Marisa Cioffi | Sep 3, 2018 | Fast Casual Restaurant Franchise, Greek Food, Healthy Franchise
With countless decisions to be made, running a small business is a challenging endeavor for any entrepreneur. There are many factors to consider when taking the dive into small business ownership: location, business model, suppliers, product quality, employees and more. But first, you must decide how you would like to start your business — build out independently or invest in a franchise.
Thrive on Freedom
Many entrepreneurs elect to run their own business because they crave freedom. They want to take control of their career, break away from corporate America and strike out on their own. Unfortunately, small business ownership comes with a world of responsibilities. It can be a lot for one person to take on!
Through franchising, you can enjoy the independence of small business ownership with the added support of a corporate office. Franchisors are looking to set up franchisees for success. There are processes set in place to make the transition easier, without deterring from the franchisee’s independence.
Know Your Business
Regardless of what industry interests you most, it’s important to consider every aspect of your potential business. Beyond industry knowledge, an independent, small business owner must be well-versed in all things relating to his or her company — accounting, bookkeeping, finding suppliers, point of sale systems, insurance, permits, licensing, marketing, advertising, brand management and much more. It takes a tremendous amount of coordination and hard work to manage a business. It is not an endeavor to be taken lightly.
With franchise investment, much of that new-business stress is alleviated. Well-run franchises, such as The Great Greek, have protocols in place to help smooth the transition to business ownership. Franchisors are able to aid in everything from securing permits to sourcing reputable suppliers to providing employee training programs.
Building a Brand
Developing a company from the ground up is no easy feat and one that often ends badly. According to Forbes, eight out of ten businesses will fail within 18 months of opening. There is a myriad of reasons why a business may fail, but frequently a major factor is the lack of brand awareness.
With franchising, brand awareness is inherently a part of the investment. You aren’t just buying a single location, you are investing in the brand itself. Thus, careful franchise selection is warranted. Customers will often have preconceived notions of what to expect before even setting foot on your property. That can be a powerful tool when utilized correctly!
The Great Greek has an incredible reputation for top-quality customer service, mouth-watering food and a family-friendly atmosphere. To get started on your franchising journey with The Great Greek, click here.
by Marisa Cioffi | Aug 27, 2018 | Fast Casual Restaurant Franchise, Greek Food, Healthy Franchise
Food is a universal language — it brings people together in more ways than one. Some of the fondest memories in life are made when gathered around the table enjoying delicious food. A way to bring your love for food, and everything that it stands for, to another level is to open a franchise of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. Maybe you love to cook, or you have an entrepreneurial spirit and the restaurant industry seems like a good place to invest. Although this is an exciting adventure for you to embark on in your professional life, opening up a restaurant takes a lot of hard work and dedication. This is true for even the most experienced restaurant owners. According to The Great Greek co-owner Nick Anthony Della Penna, “Making it out of the gate with a new restaurant is extremely difficult. That’s the benefit of franchising. You have the recipes, the pricing, the menu, you have all that stuff done for you.”
Regardless of your restaurant’s model — fast-food, fast-casual, or full-service — the first year getting started is always tough! But, with some simple tips and guidance on how to get your restaurant off the ground, you can quickly find success in your first year.
Marketing is a powerful tool, and it doesn’t have to be so complex. Simple marketing strategies have a big impact on the first year of success for any business. For restaurants, drawing in customers is essential to be profitable, especially in the first year. According to NextRestaurants.com, email marketing is a quick and easy way to get the word out on your new restaurant; and return on investment (ROI) is $40 for every $1 spent. Irresistible, mobile-friendly and interactive emails are sure to draw customers into your restaurant. Social media is another useful marketing tool for your restaurant; because you can easily engage with your customers and promote your restaurant with a specific brand image in mind.
When you open up your restaurant, make sure you have a reliable staff and network in place before you open your doors. Unenthused, unmotivated employees make for unenthused, non-returning customers. The Great Greek offers sufficient support to help train new owners and workers and get the right staff in place. Yes, the food does most of the talking, but providing good customer service is just as important as providing delicious, unique food.
The support doesn’t stop with training. When franchisees join The Great Greek family, they’re joining an operational process with ongoing support beyond their grand opening. After you open the doors of your new store, they’re there to answer questions and offer valuable insight to keep you on track or ahead of your goals. With a nose for business and the aroma of great food, you don’t have to picture a successful restaurant; The Great Greek will give you the keys to your fast-casual dining masterpiece.
Whatever your restaurant endeavors may hold, keep these tips in mind when heading into your startup year. This will ensure you’re creating a successful, efficient, and one-of-a-kind dining experience that allows customers to create many more memories gathered around the table.
To download a The Great Greek franchise brochure and to get started on your path to becoming a franchise owner, click here.
by Marisa Cioffi | Jul 13, 2018 | Fast Casual Restaurant Franchise, Greek Food, Healthy Franchise, Uncategorized
Another day at your corporate job means another day sitting at the same desk for eight hours doing the same things over and over again. For some, this is fine! Familiarity and consistency are what drives them in their professional lives. But for others, this is a drag. Luckily for these people, the restaurant business exists. A fast-paced environment with many different tasks to take on, and the opportunity to have a life outside of a nine-to-five office job? Count me in!
A franchise owner with The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill will experience the flexibility of business ownership, but there needs to be passion and commitment to make the venture succeed. Like any other professional endeavor, owning a restaurant can be grueling work and involve considerable financial risk. Looking past this though, it can be a profoundly satisfying and exciting way to make a living. Everybody eats, and food is a universal language. By owning a Great Greek restaurant, you get the opportunity to connect with your community and bring people together through your food.
A restaurant is a gathering place, and as an owner of The Great Greek, you are tasked with creating a place where people want to meet and create memories. Many successful restaurant owners owe their success to being able to connect with customers on a personal basis and establishing long-lasting relationships with them. Making these connections and making people feel welcome gives owners the emotional satisfaction of creating a nurturing community.
Values play a huge role in owning your own restaurant. When you’re the boss, you can decide what your restaurant will value and represent. Providing healthy, local, or organic foods can be a very personal and unique way to display your values through your restaurant and show your customers that what you’re advocating for is important! Owning your own restaurant is an opportunity to encourage people to eat in ways that are consistent with your values, broadening their horizons while warming your heart.
Another great aspect of owning a restaurant is being your own boss and having a flexible schedule. Operating a Great Greek restaurant is no different. When you first get started, you give your restaurant as many hours as you can to make sure it’s running the way you want it. Being the owner, you feel responsible for the performance of your restaurant — as you should be! Owning a restaurant comes with a different level of accountability and responsibility than just working in the restaurant business. When your restaurant is thriving, so are you and you feel a great sense of accomplishment. After establishing your restaurant and getting it up and running, you can step away and take a vacation. You shouldn’t feel like you have to be there every day. Hire the right people to be responsible while you’re gone to ensure success with or without your presence.
The Great Greek co-owner Nick Anthony Della Penna made a vow to his wife to not let his restaurant business impact his family. He stresses the importance of working hard for his wife and two daughters, and he takes time off to be with them when he can. He says, “They’re the whole reason I do this. If it was just for me, I’d be happy being back at the corporate job having a 401k and having a decent salary. Having two children makes it different. It’s about being able to provide for them and make their lives better.”
The Great Greek is a place for families, and opportunity. If you’re ready to provide your family with a promising future, click here.
by Marisa Cioffi | Jul 6, 2018 | Fast Casual Restaurant Franchise, Greek Food, Healthy Franchise
American foodies have an insatiable appetite for eating out — that’s good news for the economy and innovative restaurant franchisors with a unique concept. The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is the ideal foodservice investment, helping franchisees to cash in on one of the fastest growing industries worldwide. The Great Greek has attracted enthusiastic store owners eager to build an impressive portfolio, with the help of a smart business model and a proven operational system backed by great tasting food made with the freshest ingredients.
Fast Facts
- In 2017, restaurant industry sales totaled nearly $800 billion compared to $42 billion in 1970.
- There are 14.7 million restaurant workers in the U.S. By 2026, experts estimate 16 million Americans will be working in the restaurant industry.
- According to the National Restaurant Association, restaurants are a boost to the local economy. Every dollar a customer spends at a restaurant generates two additional dollars in sales for other industries and local sales tax revenues.
Consumer Demand for Convenience
There are more than 647,000 restaurants in the U.S., that’s a clear sign there’s a consumer demand for alternatives to grocery shopping and preparing meals in the home. A recent consumer survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics shows Americans are choosing to eat out for the convenience rather than to save money. While growth in grocery stores and restaurants has remained steady in past years, The Great Greek sees its restaurant franchise as a niche venture with a reliable return on investment in the current economy. The economic outlook for restaurants is promising. The industry contributes four percent to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a significant indicator of the overall health of the U.S. economy. The Great Greek is proud to support entrepreneurs, food service workers, and the economy.
Scalable Growth
As the economy grows, the restaurant franchise industry responds. Whether a robust or lean economic climate, Nick Anthony Della Penna and Trent Jones, The Great Greek’s co-founders, recognized their success was scalable and deserved to be shared in the U.S. and beyond. Della Penna says customers visiting their Nevada-based restaurant would often ask if there were other locations. That got the ball rolling on franchising and a partnership with the United Franchise Group.
“It felt like a shame to limit The Great Greek to a single location,” explained Della Penna. “The idea of growing the brand and making a deeper contribution to the national and local economy appealed to us; it just seemed like the right thing to do.”
Looking to open the next Great Greek location? Contact our Franchise Development team to start exploring your franchising future.
