If you're serious about building a health-focused quick-service restaurant, Clean Eatz is one of the most compelling franchise opportunities in the U.S. market today. With its affordable meal prep concept, loyal customer base, and growing demand for clean eating, the brand sits at a powerful intersection of health trends and franchise scalability. But before you open those doors, you need to understand the clean eatz franchise cost and, more importantly, how to finance it.
This guide covers every dimension of Clean Eatz franchise financing: from startup investment totals and loan types to SBA programs, lender requirements, and step-by-step paths to approval. Whether you're a first-time franchisee or expanding your portfolio, this is the financing roadmap you need.
Clean Eatz is a fast-casual restaurant franchise founded in 2011 in Wilmington, North Carolina by husband-and-wife team Don and Evelyn Varady. The brand specializes in affordable, nutritionist-designed meals that make healthy eating accessible and convenient. Unlike traditional fast food, Clean Eatz menus rotate weekly, keeping customers engaged while supporting clean eating habits.
By 2026, Clean Eatz has grown to over 100 locations across the United States, with aggressive expansion plans for franchise growth in underserved markets. Franchisees benefit from a streamlined operating model, weekly meal prep services, a retail component, and strong community engagement that builds recurring revenue.
Key brand highlights include:
According to the SBA's franchise guidance, choosing a franchise with strong brand systems and recurring revenue is a key factor in loan approval. Clean Eatz checks both boxes.
Understanding the full clean eatz franchise cost is essential before you approach any lender. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of what you'll need to invest:
| Cost Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements / Build-Out | $80,000 | $200,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment | $40,000 | $80,000 |
| Signage and Branding | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Initial Inventory and Supplies | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Training and Opening Support | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Working Capital (3 months) | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Miscellaneous / Contingency | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Total Estimated Investment | $200,000 | $420,000 |
The total investment range for a Clean Eatz franchise typically falls between $200,000 and $420,000. This positions Clean Eatz as a mid-tier franchise investment, significantly below legacy QSR brands like McDonald's or Chick-fil-A while still offering a proven operating system.
Most franchisees finance the majority of this through a combination of loans, with a 10-30% down payment coming from personal equity. That means you may need to raise $20,000 to $126,000 in personal capital to secure full financing coverage.
Crestmont Capital specializes in franchise financing. Get pre-qualified with no impact to your credit score.
Apply Now →There is no single "best" loan for every franchisee. The right financing depends on your credit profile, available collateral, time in business, and how you want to structure repayment. Below are the primary financing vehicles available to Clean Eatz prospective owners.
The SBA 7(a) program is the gold standard for franchise financing. With loan amounts up to $5 million, terms up to 10 years for working capital and 25 years for real estate, and interest rates capped by the SBA (typically Prime + 2.75%), this program offers excellent terms for franchisees with solid credit. You'll need a minimum 10% down payment, two or more years of strong personal credit history (typically 680+ FICO), and a detailed business plan.
If your Clean Eatz location involves significant real property or major equipment purchases, the SBA 504 loan may be advantageous. It splits financing between a bank (50%), a certified development company (40%), and your down payment (10%). This can lower your interest cost on the fixed-asset portion of your investment while preserving the 7(a) for working capital.
Banks and credit unions offer conventional term loans for franchise financing, typically at slightly higher rates than SBA-backed loans but with less paperwork and faster processing. Loan amounts commonly range from $50,000 to $500,000, with 3-7 year terms. Strong personal credit (720+) and two years of business history (or strong personal financial statements) are typically required.
Because kitchen equipment represents $40,000-$80,000 of your startup cost, equipment financing is a smart way to preserve cash. Equipment financing allows you to borrow against the value of the equipment itself, often with approval rates above 85% and same-week funding. Equipment loans can cover commercial refrigerators, food prep stations, ovens, POS systems, and display cases.
A business line of credit is ideal for managing the working capital needs of your first 12-18 months. You draw funds as needed, pay interest only on what you use, and replenish availability as you repay. Lines from $25,000 to $250,000 are common for new franchisees.
If you're in a hurry, need bridge financing, or don't yet meet traditional bank requirements, fast business loans from alternative lenders can fund in 24-48 hours. These carry higher rates (factor rates of 1.1-1.5) but offer flexible qualification criteria. Many franchisees use short-term bridge loans to cover gaps during SBA processing, which can take 60-90 days.
A ROBS arrangement lets you use retirement funds (401k, IRA) to finance your franchise without early withdrawal penalties or taxes. This isn't a loan, so there's no debt service. However, it's complex, requires an attorney and plan administrator, and carries investment risk if the business underperforms. It works well when combined with another loan product.
SBA loans are the most popular financing tool for franchise investments, and Clean Eatz is a well-recognized concept that many SBA-approved lenders are comfortable underwriting. Here's what you need to know about using SBA financing for Clean Eatz.
The SBA maintains a Franchise Directory of pre-approved franchise brands. Being on this list streamlines the eligibility review during underwriting. Franchisees should confirm Clean Eatz's current listing status directly with their SBA lender, as brand listings are updated periodically.
To access SBA loans, you must work through an SBA-approved lender. Large banks, community banks, and specialized franchise lenders all participate in the 7(a) program. The SBA loan program remains the most cost-effective long-term option for franchise buildouts.
SBA underwriters will review your 5 Cs: character, capacity, capital, collateral, and conditions. For franchise loans specifically, they'll also review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), your franchisee agreement, the franchisor's Item 19 financial performance representations, and comparable unit performance data.
According to Forbes, having a strong business plan and clear financial projections significantly improves SBA approval odds. For Clean Eatz franchisees, lean on the franchisor's Item 19 AUV data to build your revenue projections.
Our team can match you with the right SBA lender for your Clean Eatz franchise investment within 24 hours.
Get Pre-Qualified Today →Qualifying for franchise financing requires meeting both the lender's standards and demonstrating that your specific investment has a credible path to profitability. Here are the core requirements across major loan types:
| Criteria | SBA 7(a) | Conventional Bank | Alternative Lender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Score | 680+ | 700+ | 550+ |
| Down Payment | 10-30% | 20-30% | Varies |
| Business History | Start-up OK with franchise | 2+ years preferred | 3-6 months min |
| Net Worth | Loan amount parity preferred | 1.5x loan amount | Flexible |
| Collateral | Business + personal assets | Full collateral required | Minimal |
| Business Plan | Required | Required | Sometimes required |
Regardless of which loan type you pursue, prepare the following documents in advance to accelerate your application:
If you already operate another franchise or business, also prepare 2-3 years of business tax returns, current P&L statements, and a balance sheet for that entity.
Use this comparison to evaluate which financing product best fits your situation as a Clean Eatz franchisee:
| Loan Type | Best For | Typical Rate | Speed | Loan Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) | Full franchise startup | 5-9% | 45-90 days | Up to $5M |
| SBA 504 | Real estate + major equipment | 5-7% (fixed) | 60-90 days | $50K-$5.5M |
| Conventional Term | Established operators | 7-12% | 2-4 weeks | $50K-$500K |
| Equipment Financing | Kitchen equipment only | 6-15% | 2-5 days | Up to $500K |
| Business Line of Credit | Working capital flexibility | 8-24% | 1-7 days | $10K-$250K |
| Alternative / Fast Loan | Bridge or urgent needs | Factor 1.1-1.5 | 24-48 hours | $10K-$500K |
Whether you're applying through an SBA lender or a direct alternative lender, these strategies will meaningfully improve your approval odds and help you secure the best possible terms.
If your personal FICO score is below 680, spend 90-120 days improving it before submitting a loan application. Pay down revolving credit balances to below 30% of available credit, dispute any errors on your credit report, and avoid opening new credit accounts. Each point above 700 can translate to 0.25-0.5% lower interest rates on a franchise loan.
Lenders want to see that you've done the work. Your business plan should include: a market analysis of your target location, competitive analysis, Clean Eatz brand strengths, projected revenue based on FDD Item 19 data, a 3-year pro forma P&L, a cash flow forecast, and a use-of-funds breakdown. A well-constructed plan signals professionalism and reduces perceived risk.
While Clean Eatz's training program is thorough, lenders are more confident when the franchisee has restaurant, retail, or food service experience. Highlight any relevant management or ownership experience in your application materials. If you lack industry experience, consider bringing on an experienced operating partner.
Lenders for franchise startups rely heavily on the personal guarantee of the borrower. Strong personal assets (real estate equity, retirement accounts, investment portfolios) serve as a backstop to the business loan. Make sure your personal financial statement is complete, current, and professionally prepared.
A signed lease letter of intent or a real estate commitment strengthens your loan file considerably. Lenders want to know the deal is real. If Clean Eatz corporate has pre-identified real estate in your target market, that's even better from an underwriting standpoint.
General-purpose small business lenders may not be familiar with the franchise model. Work with a lender who has experience underwriting franchise deals. They'll understand how to use the FDD, how to evaluate unit-level performance, and how to structure the loan in a way that maximizes your approval odds. Small business loan specialists who work with franchisees regularly can accelerate the entire process.
A CNBC report on franchise growth notes that the health and wellness sector continues to be among the fastest-growing franchise categories, which means lenders are actively seeking to fund well-qualified franchisees in brands like Clean Eatz.
Talk to a Crestmont Capital franchise financing specialist. No obligation, no hard credit pull.
Start Your Application →Even with adequate startup capital, cash flow management is the number one challenge for new restaurant franchisees. Understanding your cash conversion cycle and having a working capital buffer can be the difference between a thriving business and a struggling one.
Clean Eatz's weekly meal prep model creates an interesting cash flow dynamic: customers typically pay upfront for weekly meal packages, which can generate positive cash flow earlier than a traditional dine-in model. However, food costs, labor, and overhead still require careful management in the ramp-up phase.
According to the SBA, proper financial management is the most critical factor in small business survival. For franchisees, this means using the tools your franchisor provides AND supplementing with a strong financing partner from day one.
Many successful franchisees don't stop at one location. If your first Clean Eatz unit performs well, expanding to a second or third location is a logical growth path. Here's how financing evolves when you become a multi-unit operator:
For operators expanding to 3+ locations, commercial lending relationships often replace SBA programs. Portfolio lenders who specialize in multi-unit franchise groups can offer blanket loans secured by multiple locations, lower rates due to economies of scale, and lines of credit tied to aggregate revenue performance.
If you're planning multi-unit growth, mention it to your lender from the start. Some lenders will build a growth financing plan into your initial approval, allowing you to access additional capital as performance thresholds are met rather than going through a new full underwriting process for each location.
The Franchise Disclosure Document is the legal backbone of any franchise purchase. For financing purposes, several FDD items are especially important to review and understand before applying for a loan:
Lenders will often request the current FDD as part of their due diligence. Having this prepared and tabbed by relevant item shows professionalism and speeds up the underwriting process. If you don't yet have an FDD, contact Clean Eatz corporate at their franchising department to request disclosure documents.
The process from initial inquiry to loan closing typically takes 30-90 days depending on loan type. Starting early gives you the best chance of having capital in place when your franchise agreement is ready to execute.
The total investment to open a Clean Eatz franchise typically ranges from $200,000 to $420,000, which includes the franchise fee ($30,000), leasehold improvements, kitchen equipment, signage, initial inventory, training costs, and working capital reserves.
What is the Clean Eatz franchise fee?The Clean Eatz initial franchise fee is $30,000. This grants you the right to operate under the Clean Eatz brand and includes access to their systems, training, and ongoing franchisor support.
Can I get an SBA loan for a Clean Eatz franchise?Yes, Clean Eatz franchises can be financed through SBA 7(a) or SBA 504 loans. These programs offer favorable terms including rates of 5-9%, terms up to 10-25 years, and loan amounts up to $5 million. You'll need a minimum credit score of 680 and typically a 10-30% down payment.
What credit score do I need to finance a Clean Eatz franchise?For SBA loans, a minimum credit score of 680 is typically required. Conventional bank loans may require 700 or above. Alternative lenders may work with scores as low as 550-600, though at higher interest rates.
How much down payment do I need for a Clean Eatz franchise loan?Most lenders require a 10-30% down payment on franchise loans. For a $300,000 total investment, this means you'd need $30,000 to $90,000 in personal equity. SBA loans require a minimum of 10% down.
How long does it take to get a franchise loan approved?SBA loan approvals typically take 45-90 days. Conventional bank loans take 2-4 weeks. Equipment financing can be approved in 2-5 business days. Alternative fast business loans can fund in 24-48 hours.
Does Clean Eatz offer in-house financing?Clean Eatz does not currently offer direct in-house financing. However, they can provide guidance on preferred lenders. Most franchisees finance through SBA programs or franchise-specialized lenders like Crestmont Capital.
What documents do I need to apply for a Clean Eatz franchise loan?Key documents include: the franchise agreement or letter of intent, the Clean Eatz FDD, a personal financial statement, 3 years of personal tax returns, a business plan with financial projections, evidence of down payment funds, and a personal resume.
What is the average revenue for a Clean Eatz franchise?Based on available data, Clean Eatz units generate average annual revenues in the $500,000 to $900,000 range, though individual performance varies by location, market size, and operator quality. Review Item 19 of the current FDD for the most current data.
Can I use a 401k or retirement funds to finance a Clean Eatz franchise?Yes. A ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups) arrangement allows you to use 401k or IRA funds to fund a franchise without early withdrawal penalties or taxes. Many franchisees combine ROBS with an SBA loan for maximum coverage.
What is the royalty fee for Clean Eatz?Clean Eatz charges an ongoing royalty fee of approximately 6% of gross sales, plus a marketing fund contribution of around 1-2%. These recurring fees should be factored into your financial projections when modeling loan repayment capacity.
Is Clean Eatz a good franchise to invest in?Clean Eatz occupies a growing segment of the market: affordable, health-focused fast casual dining. The brand benefits from strong community engagement, a recurring meal prep revenue model, and national expansion momentum. Success depends on location, operator skill, and market conditions.
Can I get a franchise loan with bad credit?Franchise loans with bad credit (below 650) are challenging but not impossible. Options include a creditworthy co-borrower, CDFI programs, alternative lenders, or combining personal equity with a smaller loan amount. Improving your credit score before applying remains the best strategy.
How do I compare different franchise loan offers?Compare loans using APR (Annual Percentage Rate) rather than interest rate alone, total cost of capital over the full loan term, monthly payment amount relative to projected cash flow, prepayment penalty provisions, and covenant requirements.
How can Crestmont Capital help with Clean Eatz franchise financing?Crestmont Capital is a national business lender specializing in franchise financing, equipment loans, SBA alternatives, and working capital solutions. We work with Clean Eatz franchisees to identify the right loan structure and navigate the application process from start to funding. Apply at offers.crestmontcapital.com/apply-now to get started.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Franchise investment involves risk, and individual results will vary. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor, attorney, and franchise consultant before making any investment decision. Loan terms, rates, and availability are subject to lender approval and may change without notice. Crestmont Capital is not affiliated with Clean Eatz or its parent company.