The Eggs Up Grill franchise cost ranges from roughly $478,000 to $856,000, making it one of the more accessible breakfast-focused franchise opportunities in the country. Whether you're a first-time franchise owner or a seasoned multi-unit operator, securing the right financing is the critical step that turns your interest into an open restaurant. This guide covers every cost, every financing option, and exactly how Crestmont Capital helps breakfast franchise investors get funded fast.
In This Article
Eggs Up Grill is a breakfast, brunch, and lunch franchise chain that has built a loyal following across the southeastern United States. Founded in 1986 in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, the brand expanded through franchising and has become a recognized name in the all-day breakfast segment. The concept focuses on a relaxed, community-focused dining environment where guests can enjoy made-to-order egg dishes, pancakes, sandwiches, burgers, and lunch plates served until 2 PM daily.
What sets Eggs Up Grill apart from competitors is its operational simplicity. The restaurants are open only from 6 AM to 2 PM, eliminating dinner-service complexity and reducing labor demands. The limited hours also appeal to franchise owners who want a quality-of-life advantage over traditional full-day restaurant operations. The brand has expanded to hundreds of locations across multiple states and continues to award franchises to qualified investors in new and existing markets.
From a business standpoint, Eggs Up Grill competes in the breakfast-focused fast-casual segment alongside brands like First Watch, Another Broken Egg, and The Toasted Yolk. The franchise appeals to operators who want the structure and support of a proven system without the complexity and overhead of a dinner-service concept. Market research from the SBA consistently shows that breakfast and brunch restaurants are among the most resilient foodservice categories, with strong same-store sales performance even during economic downturns.
For prospective franchisees, the brand offers comprehensive training, site selection support, marketing materials, and an established supply chain. The franchise system is structured to support both single-unit operators and multi-unit investors looking to build a regional presence.
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Apply NowUnderstanding the full investment required before approaching any lender is essential. The Eggs Up Grill Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) outlines the range of costs that new franchisees can expect to incur from signing the franchise agreement through opening day. Here is a complete breakdown of the major cost categories:
The initial franchise fee for Eggs Up Grill is approximately $35,000. This fee grants you a license to operate under the brand, access to the franchise system, and initial training. It is paid directly to the franchisor at the time of signing and is generally not refundable.
Eggs Up Grill locations are typically positioned in neighborhood strip centers and suburban retail corridors. Build-out costs, including interior construction, signage, kitchen equipment installation, and leasehold improvements, can range from $200,000 to $450,000 depending on the condition of the space and local labor markets. Many landlords offer tenant improvement (TI) allowances that can offset a portion of these costs.
Commercial kitchen equipment, dining room furniture, POS systems, and smallwares typically run between $100,000 and $175,000. This is often one of the most financeable categories, as lenders are willing to collateralize new commercial kitchen equipment. Equipment financing through Crestmont Capital can cover up to 100% of hard equipment costs with competitive rates and terms.
Franchisees and their management teams are required to complete initial training at the brand's training facility. Travel, lodging, and meal costs during training typically run $5,000 to $15,000 depending on team size and distance.
Eggs Up Grill requires franchisees to invest in a grand opening marketing campaign, typically in the range of $10,000 to $20,000. This budget covers local advertising, social media promotion, and community engagement activities designed to drive awareness during the critical first weeks of operation.
Lenders and the franchisor both strongly recommend maintaining a working capital reserve of $50,000 to $80,000 to cover operating expenses during the initial ramp-up period, which typically lasts three to six months. Working capital loans from Crestmont Capital can supplement your reserve or be drawn upon as needed during slower early periods.
Permits, licenses, insurance deposits, utility hookups, initial inventory, and other pre-opening expenses typically add another $15,000 to $30,000 to the total investment.
When all costs are combined, the total investment to open an Eggs Up Grill franchise typically falls between $478,000 and $856,000. The franchisor requires prospective franchisees to have a minimum net worth of approximately $500,000 and liquid assets of at least $100,000 to $150,000. This financial threshold helps ensure that franchisees have sufficient resources to sustain the business through the ramp-up phase.
Key Takeaway:
The franchise fee is just 4-7% of the total investment. The bulk of your capital need sits in real estate, equipment, and working capital - all of which are highly financeable through the right lender.
There is no single best financing strategy for every franchise investor. The optimal approach depends on your credit profile, liquidity, existing assets, and how much of the total investment you plan to self-fund. The most effective franchise financing plans typically combine two or three different products to cover different cost categories at the best available rates.
The SBA 7(a) loan program is the most commonly used financing vehicle for franchise investments. Loans up to $5 million are available, with repayment terms of 10 years for working capital and up to 25 years for commercial real estate. The SBA guarantee reduces lender risk, which allows approval for borrowers who might not qualify for conventional financing. Down payment requirements typically range from 10% to 30% of the total project cost. SBA loans through Crestmont Capital are available for qualified franchise investors with strong credit and documented business history.
For franchisees who plan to purchase the real estate where their restaurant will operate, the SBA 504 program offers a compelling structure. The program splits the financing between a conventional lender (typically 50% of project cost), a Certified Development Company (up to 40%), and the borrower (10% down). This allows investors to lock in below-market fixed rates on commercial real estate while preserving liquidity for other startup costs.
Commercial kitchen equipment, refrigeration units, and POS systems are ideal candidates for equipment-specific loans or leases. Equipment financing is typically faster to close than SBA loans and does not require the same level of documentation. Terms of 36 to 72 months are common, with rates ranging from 6% to 14% depending on equipment age and borrower creditworthiness. Equipment loans from Crestmont Capital close quickly and can be layered on top of an SBA loan to cover items the SBA loan may not fully fund.
A business line of credit provides flexible access to funds for ongoing operational needs, inventory, payroll, and unexpected expenses during the ramp-up period. Unlike a term loan, you only pay interest on the funds you actually use. Lines of credit are revolving, meaning repaid amounts become available again. For franchise operators, a line of credit serves as a critical safety net that keeps the business running during slower weeks.
For investors with substantial retirement savings, ROBS structures allow you to use 401(k) or IRA funds to invest in your franchise without incurring early withdrawal penalties or taxes. ROBS requires the creation of a C corporation, issuance of corporate stock, and rolling over retirement funds into the new corporate 401(k) plan that then purchases the stock. This is a legal and increasingly popular strategy for franchise funding, though it requires careful setup by a qualified professional.
Some franchise systems offer in-house financing or have preferred lender relationships that streamline the application process. Eggs Up Grill may have relationships with preferred lenders who are familiar with the brand's FDD and have a track record of approving qualified applicants. Check with the franchisor during your discovery process to understand what lender relationships are in place.
If you plan to own the property where your Eggs Up Grill will operate rather than lease, commercial real estate financing through Crestmont Capital can cover up to 80% of the property value with competitive rates. Owning your building can improve long-term cash flow, provide equity appreciation, and eliminate lease-renewal risk.
Pro Tip:
Most experienced franchise lenders recommend combining an SBA 7(a) loan for the bulk of the investment with a separate equipment financing facility for the kitchen. This approach minimizes your cash contribution while spreading the cost over appropriate loan terms for each asset type.
Crestmont Capital is the #1 rated business lender in the United States, specializing in franchise financing across all restaurant categories including breakfast, brunch, fast casual, and full-service concepts. Our team understands the unique dynamics of franchise investment - including FDD review, royalty cost modeling, and the critical importance of adequate working capital reserves during the ramp-up phase.
When you apply with Crestmont Capital for Eggs Up Grill franchise financing, you benefit from:
Our small business financing solutions are structured for real operators, not just investors with perfect credentials. We work with borrowers across the credit spectrum and understand that franchise operators often have stronger forward-looking cash flow potential than their current financial statements immediately reflect.
Borrowers who have used Crestmont Capital for franchise financing compare our process favorably to traditional bank lending - faster decisions, less paperwork, and a team that actually understands the franchise business model. You can see how we've helped other franchise investors by reviewing our Whataburger franchise financing guide as an example of how we approach similar investments.
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Apply NowFranchise lenders evaluate both the borrower's personal financial profile and the strength of the franchise brand. For an established breakfast concept like Eggs Up Grill, the brand's track record typically works in your favor with lenders. Here's what most franchise lenders will evaluate when reviewing your application:
Most SBA-affiliated lenders require a minimum personal credit score of 650 to 680. Conventional equipment and working capital lenders may work with scores as low as 600 in some cases. A score above 720 will give you access to the best rates and most favorable terms. If your score needs improvement before applying, Crestmont Capital can provide guidance on the fastest ways to strengthen your profile.
Eggs Up Grill's FDD requires a minimum net worth of approximately $500,000 and liquid assets of $100,000 to $150,000. Lenders will want to see documentation of these assets, including bank statements, investment account statements, and retirement account balances. Note that funds locked in retirement accounts may count toward net worth but typically not liquid capital requirements unless you're using a ROBS structure.
Lenders give significant weight to prior business ownership experience, particularly in food service. Previous experience as a franchise owner in any category is viewed positively. If you don't have direct restaurant experience, a management team with relevant backgrounds can help offset this gap. Many lenders also look favorably on candidates who bring in an experienced operating partner.
SBA loans require that all available collateral be pledged, including business assets, equipment, and personal real estate if necessary. The restaurant equipment and leasehold improvements serve as the primary business collateral. Personal home equity is commonly pledged as secondary collateral for SBA franchise loans above $500,000.
A well-constructed business plan demonstrating realistic revenue projections, expense modeling, and break-even analysis significantly strengthens your application. U.S. Census data on restaurant industry benchmarks can be useful in validating your revenue assumptions.
Eggs Up Grill Franchise: By the Numbers
$35K
Franchise Fee
$478K - $856K
Total Investment Range
5%
Ongoing Royalty
$500K+
Net Worth Requirement
6 AM - 2 PM
Hours of Operation
1986
Founded
Not all financing products work equally well for every part of the Eggs Up Grill investment. This table compares the most common options across the key variables that matter to franchise investors:
| Loan Type | Best For | Loan Amount | Typical Rate | Term | Speed to Fund |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) | Full project funding | Up to $5M | Prime + 2.75% | 10-25 yrs | 30-90 days |
| SBA 504 | Real estate purchase | Up to $5.5M | Fixed, below market | 20-25 yrs | 60-90 days |
| Equipment Financing | Kitchen equipment, POS | $25K-$500K | 6-14% | 36-72 months | 1-7 days |
| Business Line of Credit | Working capital, ops | $25K-$500K | 8-18% | Revolving | 3-10 days |
| ROBS Structure | Retirement fund use | No fixed limit | No interest | N/A | 30-60 days setup |
Every franchisee's financial situation is different. Here are several realistic scenarios showing how investors with different profiles can structure financing for an Eggs Up Grill franchise investment:
A buyer with a 720 credit score, $150,000 in liquid assets, and a net worth of $600,000 applies for SBA 7(a) financing. The total project cost is $650,000. The SBA lender requires a 15% down payment ($97,500), funding the remaining $552,500 over 10 years at Prime + 2.75%. The buyer uses $50,000 from their liquid reserves as a working capital buffer and finances the $150,000 kitchen equipment package separately through Crestmont Capital's equipment program, resulting in a faster close for the equipment while the SBA loan processes.
An experienced operator who already owns two Eggs Up Grill locations wants to open a third. Their proven track record with the brand and two years of financial statements showing profitable operations allows them to access more aggressive terms. Crestmont Capital structures a $550,000 SBA 7(a) loan with a 10% down payment, leveraging the existing franchise performance history to reduce the equity requirement. A $75,000 business line of credit is also established to handle ramp-up period cash flow needs.
A former restaurant industry executive with $250,000 in a 401(k), limited liquid cash, and a 700 credit score uses a ROBS structure to roll $150,000 of retirement funds into a new C corporation that becomes the franchise entity. The remaining $500,000 in project costs is funded through an SBA 7(a) loan secured by the business assets and personal real estate. The ROBS strategy eliminates the need to pay taxes or early withdrawal penalties on the retirement funds used.
A husband and wife team both contribute to the financial profile. Their combined net worth is $520,000 and they have $120,000 in liquid savings. They plan to have one spouse manage the restaurant full-time. Crestmont Capital structures a conventional equipment loan for $140,000 in kitchen equipment (closing in five days) and an SBA 7(a) loan for the remaining construction and working capital needs. Both spouses sign as guarantors, and the combined income from the employed spouse's W-2 income supports debt service during the ramp-up phase.
A real estate investor is considering two sites - one available for lease in a strip center and one where the landlord is willing to sell the entire property. For the lease scenario, SBA 7(a) is used for the full $650,000 buildout and working capital. For the purchase scenario, an SBA 504 loan covers the real estate ($400,000 at fixed rate over 25 years) while a separate SBA 7(a) covers the business startup costs. The 504 structure locks in a lower fixed rate on the real estate component, reducing long-term occupancy costs.
A buyer with a 620 credit score but $800,000 in net worth and $175,000 in liquid assets needs additional lender flexibility. Crestmont Capital works with alternative and non-bank SBA-affiliated lenders who focus more heavily on collateral coverage and liquidity than credit score alone. The higher down payment (20-25%) offsets the credit risk, and the buyer agrees to a personal guarantee backed by personal real estate. The deal closes at a slightly higher rate but gets done in circumstances where a traditional bank would have declined.
Important Context:
According to Forbes, the failure rate for franchised restaurants is significantly lower than for independent concepts. Lenders view established franchise brands more favorably precisely because of this track record. Eggs Up Grill's longevity and growth trajectory make it a solid candidate for institutional franchise lending.
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Apply NowThe total investment to open an Eggs Up Grill franchise ranges from approximately $478,000 to $856,000, depending on the location, local construction costs, and whether you lease or own the property. The initial franchise fee is $35,000, and the balance covers real estate improvements, equipment, working capital, marketing, and pre-opening costs.
Eggs Up Grill franchisees pay an ongoing royalty of approximately 5% of gross sales to the franchisor. There is also an advertising fund contribution (typically 2% of gross sales) that supports system-wide marketing efforts. These recurring fees are important to factor into your financial projections and loan repayment modeling.
Full 100% financing is not standard for franchise investments. Most SBA lenders require a down payment of 10% to 30% depending on the borrower's experience and credit profile. However, by combining multiple financing products (such as an SBA loan for construction and equipment financing for kitchen assets), you may be able to minimize your cash contribution significantly. A ROBS structure can also reduce the cash outlay if you have retirement savings available.
Most SBA-affiliated franchise lenders prefer a minimum personal credit score of 650 to 680. A score above 700 opens up better rates and terms. Scores below 650 are not an automatic disqualification if you have strong liquidity, significant collateral, and relevant business experience. Crestmont Capital works with borrowers across the credit spectrum and can help identify the best available options for your profile.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most commonly used financing vehicle for franchise investments in the $500,000 to $5 million range because of their low down payment requirements, competitive rates, and long repayment terms. For most Eggs Up Grill investors, an SBA loan forms the backbone of the financing structure, often supplemented by an equipment loan or line of credit. However, if you plan to buy real estate, the SBA 504 may be a better fit for the property component.
Equipment financing can be approved and funded in one to seven business days. SBA loan approvals typically take 30 to 90 days from application to funding, depending on document complexity, lender workload, and SBA processing times. Starting the financing process early - ideally before signing your franchise agreement - is the best way to avoid delays in your opening timeline.
Restaurant experience is helpful but not strictly required. Lenders prefer borrowers with relevant management or business ownership experience. If you're coming from a corporate background without direct food service experience, hiring an experienced general manager and having the full backing of the franchisor's training program can help offset this gap in the lender's eyes. Many successful Eggs Up Grill franchisees came from non-restaurant careers.
Yes, and this is a very common and recommended approach. A business line of credit functions as a flexible reserve that you draw on as needed, only paying interest on funds actually used. Many franchise operators establish a line of credit alongside their SBA loan to ensure they have immediate access to capital for unexpected costs, payroll gaps, or inventory needs during the first several months of operation.
You will typically need three years of personal tax returns, three years of business tax returns (if applicable), two to three months of personal and business bank statements, a personal financial statement, a signed franchise agreement or letter of intent from the franchisor, a business plan with financial projections, and documentation of your liquid assets. Some lenders may also require a copy of the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Many established franchise brands, including breakfast-focused concepts, are listed in the SBA's Franchise Directory, which streamlines the eligibility review process for SBA loan applications. Being on the registry means the SBA has already reviewed the franchise agreement and determined the relationship qualifies under SBA franchise guidelines. Ask your Crestmont Capital loan officer to confirm the current registry status for Eggs Up Grill during your application process.
The franchise fee is a one-time payment made to the franchisor for the right to operate under their brand, access their training, and use their systems. For Eggs Up Grill, this is approximately $35,000. The total investment refers to the full amount of capital required to open a location, including the franchise fee plus real estate, construction, equipment, working capital, marketing, and all other startup costs. The total investment at Eggs Up Grill ranges from $478,000 to $856,000.
Eggs Up Grill has grown to hundreds of locations primarily concentrated in the southeastern United States, with expansion into additional states ongoing. The system's growth from a single location in 1986 to its current scale reflects the brand's operational durability and franchisee satisfaction. Lenders view system size and growth trajectory as positive indicators when evaluating franchise loan applications.
Yes. Buying an existing franchise location (called a resale) is an alternative to building a new unit. Resales often allow buyers to step into an established customer base and existing cash flow, which can simplify the lender's ability to approve financing based on historical performance rather than projections. The franchisor must approve the transfer, and you'll still need to meet their financial qualification requirements. Crestmont Capital can structure financing for both new builds and resale acquisitions.
Many franchise systems, including those in the breakfast and brunch segment, maintain relationships with preferred lenders who are familiar with their FDD and have a track record of approving qualified applicants. The franchisor may be able to refer you to specific lenders or provide a preferred lender list as part of your onboarding process. However, working with an independent lender like Crestmont Capital ensures you're shopping your deal across a wider range of funding sources for the best available terms.
The breakfast and lunch-only operating model (6 AM to 2 PM) is generally viewed favorably by lenders for two reasons. First, it simplifies operations and reduces labor costs relative to full-day concepts, which can improve profit margins. Second, the daytime-only model means the business has a defined, predictable daily revenue cycle that is easier to underwrite. CNBC reporting on the restaurant industry notes that daypart-specialized concepts have outperformed full-service casual dining in recent years, which further supports lender confidence.
The Eggs Up Grill franchise represents a compelling opportunity in the breakfast and brunch segment - a well-established brand with a proven operating model, lower complexity than full-day concepts, and a growing footprint across the Southeast and beyond. With a total investment ranging from $478,000 to $856,000, the financial commitment is substantial but well within the range that specialized franchise lenders can support with the right structure.
The key to successful franchise financing is starting early, choosing the right combination of loan products, and working with a lender who understands the specific dynamics of the franchise investment model. At Crestmont Capital, our team brings deep expertise in breakfast franchise financing - helping operators structure the right blend of SBA loans, equipment financing, and working capital facilities to open their locations on time and with adequate reserves.
Whether you're evaluating your first franchise investment or adding another Eggs Up Grill to your portfolio, the financing process doesn't have to be complicated. Apply online, get pre-qualified quickly, and let our team do the heavy lifting to get your project funded. The breakfast rush waits for no one - and neither should your financing.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Funding terms, qualifications, and product availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Crestmont Capital does not guarantee approval, rates, or specific outcomes. For personalized information about your business funding options, contact our team directly.