If you've been researching the salad and go franchise cost, you already know that Salad and Go represents one of the fastest-growing drive-thru concepts in the United States - combining affordable fresh food with a lean, efficient business model that appeals strongly to franchise investors. Securing the right Salad and Go franchise loan is the critical bridge between your ambition and your grand opening. This guide covers every financing option, cost breakdown, lender qualification, and real-world strategy you need to fund your Salad and Go franchise in 2026.
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Salad and Go launched in 2013 in Gilbert, Arizona, with a straightforward mission: provide restaurant-quality salads, wraps, soups, and breakfast items at fast-food prices through a drive-thru-only format. The brand's average entree price hovers around $7 to $9, dramatically undercutting most sit-down salad competitors while maintaining made-fresh-daily preparation standards.
What makes the Salad and Go franchise particularly compelling from an investor standpoint is the central-kitchen model. Rather than building a full culinary operation inside each drive-thru unit, Salad and Go relies on central production hubs that pre-prep ingredients and distribute them to nearby locations daily. This dramatically reduces per-unit labor costs, simplifies operations, and shortens the learning curve for new franchisees.
The brand has expanded aggressively across Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, and Nevada, with additional markets under development. Industry observers at Forbes and CNBC have highlighted Salad and Go as a standout among the new generation of health-forward quick-service restaurant chains. The compact footprint - many units occupy under 800 square feet of building space on a drive-thru lot - means startup costs that are meaningfully lower than full-service fast food rivals.
For entrepreneurs who want to open a Salad and Go franchise, the question of financing is immediate and urgent. Understanding the full salad and go franchise cost and pairing it with the right loan structure can determine whether your first location is profitable within 12 months or stretched thin for years.
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Apply Now ->One of the biggest selling points of the Salad and Go franchise opportunity is its cost structure relative to comparable QSR franchises. While precise figures depend on market, real estate conditions, and construction costs, here is the general investment range based on publicly available franchise disclosure data and industry reporting:
Salad and Go charges an initial franchise fee in the range of $30,000 to $40,000 per unit. This fee grants the franchisee the right to operate under the Salad and Go brand, use proprietary recipes and systems, and receive initial training support from the franchisor. Multi-unit developers may negotiate reduced per-unit fees when committing to develop five or more locations.
Because Salad and Go operates drive-thru-only units, site selection centers on high-traffic corridors with strong ingress and egress. Franchisees typically lease land or an existing pad site. Depending on whether you are building from the ground up or converting an existing structure, real estate and construction costs typically run from $400,000 to $900,000. Ground-up builds on the higher end of this range factor in land preparation, drive-thru lane construction, utility hookups, and exterior finishes consistent with brand standards.
The compact Salad and Go model relies on refrigerated display and storage units, portioning equipment, point-of-sale technology, digital menu boards, and drive-thru communication systems. Equipment packages typically run $80,000 to $150,000 depending on the configuration. Unlike full-service restaurant concepts, Salad and Go units require minimal cooking equipment, which keeps this line item relatively lean.
Most franchise advisors recommend holding three to six months of working capital in reserve at opening. For a Salad and Go unit, that typically translates to $50,000 to $100,000 to cover payroll, inventory, marketing launch costs, and any shortfalls during the ramp-up period before the business reaches breakeven volume.
Adding these components together, the total estimated investment to open a single Salad and Go franchise location generally falls between $560,000 and $1,200,000, with the midpoint around $800,000. Multi-unit franchise agreements can provide economies of scale on construction, supply procurement, and staffing that bring per-unit costs down meaningfully.
| Cost Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $40,000 |
| Real Estate and Construction | $400,000 | $900,000 |
| Equipment Package | $80,000 | $150,000 |
| Working Capital Reserve | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Total Estimated Investment | $560,000 | $1,190,000 |
It is worth noting that Salad and Go does not currently appear on the SBA Franchise Registry as a pre-approved brand, which means SBA lenders may conduct additional due diligence on the franchise disclosure document. However, experienced franchise lenders at institutions like SBA-approved lenders routinely finance emerging QSR brands when the franchisee meets credit and collateral requirements.
Understanding how to open a Salad and go franchise begins with mapping out the financing stack. Few franchisees pay entirely in cash - most use a combination of equity injection and third-party financing. Here are the primary loan types available to Salad and Go franchise investors.
The SBA 7(a) loan program is the most common financing vehicle for franchise startups. Loan amounts can reach $5 million, with repayment terms of up to 10 years for working capital and up to 25 years when real estate is included in the collateral. Interest rates are tied to the prime rate plus a lender spread, making them among the most competitive available to small business borrowers.
For a Salad and Go franchise, an SBA 7(a) loan could cover construction costs, equipment, the franchise fee, and working capital in a single facility. The Small Business Administration requires borrowers to inject a minimum of 10% equity, though most lenders prefer 20% to 30% for franchise startups without an established performance record. You can review SBA guidelines directly at SBA.gov.
If you plan to purchase or construct the real property where your Salad and Go unit will operate, the SBA 504 loan is worth exploring. This program pairs a bank loan covering roughly 50% of the project with a Certified Development Company (CDC) loan covering 40%, leaving the borrower to inject just 10% equity. The CDC portion typically carries a fixed interest rate for 10 or 20 years, offering payment stability that variable-rate structures cannot match.
Franchisees with strong credit profiles, meaningful personal assets, and prior business ownership experience often qualify for conventional small business loans without the SBA guarantee. These loans may offer faster closing timelines and more flexible use-of-proceeds restrictions, but they typically require stronger credit and higher equity injections than SBA-backed alternatives.
Because the equipment package for a Salad and Go unit is substantial and easily identifiable as collateral, equipment financing is a natural complement to a primary construction or real estate loan. Equipment loans are typically secured by the equipment itself, reducing the collateral burden on other assets. Terms of 48 to 84 months are common, and approval timelines are faster than most SBA programs.
Even after your Salad and Go location opens, a revolving business line of credit provides the liquidity buffer that protects against slow weeks, unexpected repairs, or seasonal inventory fluctuations. Lines of credit are drawn as needed and repaid as cash flow allows, making them far more flexible than term loans for operational needs.
Salad and Go has been in discussions with third-party financing partners to provide preferred lending options for qualified franchisees. While the brand does not directly lend to franchisees, its franchise development team can connect operators with lenders experienced in the Salad and Go franchise investment structure. Always ask your Salad and Go franchise development representative for an updated list of preferred lenders before approaching the market independently.
Entrepreneurs with substantial retirement savings can deploy those funds into a franchise using a ROBS arrangement, which allows a C-corporation to invest retirement assets into the business without early withdrawal penalties. ROBS is technically complex and requires an experienced third-party administrator and legal counsel, but it remains a legitimate and tax-advantaged strategy for franchise investors who prefer to minimize debt service obligations.
Salad and Go Franchise Financing: Key Numbers
$800K
Avg. Total Investment
$35K
Initial Franchise Fee
10-25 Yr
SBA Loan Terms
20-30%
Typical Equity Injection
680+
Recommended Credit Score
$5M
Max SBA 7(a) Loan
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Apply Now ->Crestmont Capital has established itself as the #1 business lender in the United States precisely because of situations like the Salad and Go franchise opportunity: a high-growth emerging brand with a compelling unit economics story that deserves access to capital on fair, transparent terms.
Here is how Crestmont Capital's franchise financing program works for Salad and Go investors:
Rather than forcing franchisees to approach multiple institutions for different loan types, Crestmont Capital offers a comprehensive small business financing hub that includes SBA loans, equipment financing, term loans, and lines of credit. A single application gives our team a complete picture of your financing needs so we can structure the optimal capital stack for your Salad and Go unit.
Underwriting a franchise loan is fundamentally different from underwriting a typical small business loan. Franchisors provide franchise disclosure documents, audited financial statements, and Item 19 financial performance representations that experienced franchise lenders know how to evaluate. Crestmont Capital's underwriting team applies that expertise directly to your Salad and Go application, which means faster decisions and fewer document requests.
Construction timelines and franchise development windows don't wait for slow lenders. Our fast business loans and streamlined SBA processing mean that qualified franchisees can receive funding commitments in days rather than months. For multi-unit developers who need to close on multiple sites simultaneously, speed is not a luxury - it is a competitive necessity.
Not every successful franchise owner has a pristine credit history. Crestmont Capital offers bad credit business loans and alternative financing options for borrowers with credit challenges, prior business setbacks, or thin credit files. We evaluate the complete borrower profile - not just the credit score.
Franchisees who have used Crestmont Capital for other brands - such as our popular Chicken Salad Chick franchise loan guide - consistently cite the combination of product breadth and personal service as the differentiating factor.
Lenders evaluate franchise loan applications across several dimensions. Understanding what they look for allows you to prepare a stronger application and anticipate any gaps before they become problems.
SBA lenders generally want to see a personal credit score of at least 680 for franchise loans, though 700-plus scores unlock better rates and lower equity injection requirements. Conventional lenders often require 700 or above. If your score is below these thresholds, Crestmont Capital's credit-flexible programs can still provide options while you work to improve your credit profile.
Lenders require franchisees to have skin in the game. For SBA loans, the minimum equity injection is typically 10%, but most franchise lenders prefer 20% to 30% for first-time franchise investors. On an $800,000 project, that means having $160,000 to $240,000 in verified liquid assets available to inject into the project. These funds must be documented and cannot consist entirely of borrowed money.
Many SBA lenders look for total personal net worth of at least 1.0x to 1.5x the loan amount. For a $600,000 SBA loan, that means demonstrating a net worth of $600,000 to $900,000, including the value of personal real estate, retirement accounts, investment portfolios, and other assets.
While prior restaurant ownership is not always required, lenders view relevant management experience favorably. Applicants with backgrounds in food service, hospitality, multi-unit retail, or operations management are viewed as lower-risk borrowers. If you are a first-time franchise owner, emphasize any management credentials, business certifications, or operational expertise in your loan package.
A detailed business plan - including site-specific revenue projections, staffing plans, marketing strategy, and three-year financial forecasts - is standard for franchise loans above $250,000. Your business plan should reference the Salad and Go franchise disclosure document and Item 19 data where available to anchor your projections in franchisor-disclosed performance data.
SBA loans require lenders to take all available collateral. For a Salad and Go franchise, collateral typically includes the business assets (equipment, leasehold improvements) and may extend to personal real estate if the loan is not fully secured by business assets. Understanding your collateral position before applying allows you to present it proactively rather than reactively.
Abstract financing concepts become clearer when applied to realistic investor profiles. Here are five scenarios illustrating how different Salad and Go franchise investors might structure their financing.
Maria is a former regional manager for a national retail chain. She has a 720 credit score, $200,000 in liquid assets, and a net worth of $650,000. Her target Salad and Go location requires $750,000 in total investment. Maria injects $200,000 (27%) and applies for an SBA 7(a) loan of $550,000. With her management credentials and strong credit, she receives conditional approval within 10 business days through Crestmont Capital's SBA program. Her monthly payment on a 10-year term at current rates is approximately $5,800.
James already operates two fast-casual franchises in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. He wants to develop three Salad and Go locations simultaneously under a multi-unit development agreement. Total project cost: $2.4 million. James uses SBA 7(a) loans for each unit, structured as separate LLC entities with cross-collateralization. His existing operating history and demonstrated franchise management experience accelerate the underwriting process. Crestmont Capital arranges a $1.8 million total SBA credit facility spread across the three entities.
David is 58 years old with $400,000 in a 401(k) and a $180,000 personal net worth outside retirement accounts. His credit score is 695. He uses a ROBS structure administered by a specialist firm to roll $300,000 of his retirement funds into a C-corporation, which then invests in the Salad and Go franchise. The remaining $500,000 of the $800,000 project is funded through an SBA 7(a) loan. His equity injection is effectively 37.5%, making him an attractive borrower despite the thin non-retirement net worth.
Sandra has a 640 credit score due to a medical-related credit event three years ago. She has $250,000 in liquid assets and a strong 15-year background in food service management. Traditional SBA lenders decline her application. Crestmont Capital structures an alternative term loan at a higher rate, with a 12-month seasoning period and a clear path to refinance into an SBA product once her credit score recovers above 680. Sandra opens her location, generates positive cash flow within six months, and refinances at a lower rate 14 months later.
Kevin opens his Salad and Go location with a construction loan from his local bank but needs $120,000 in equipment and a $60,000 working capital buffer. He uses Crestmont Capital's equipment financing product for the equipment at a 60-month term and a $60,000 business line of credit for operational liquidity. The combined monthly obligation is approximately $2,900, manageable against his projected first-year revenue.
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Apply Now ->The total investment to open a Salad and Go franchise typically ranges from $560,000 to $1,200,000 depending on market, construction conditions, and site configuration. The midpoint estimate of approximately $800,000 covers the franchise fee, real estate and construction, equipment, and working capital reserves.
Is Salad and Go on the SBA Franchise Registry?Salad and Go does not currently appear on the SBA Franchise Registry as a pre-approved brand, which means SBA lenders perform their own review of the franchise disclosure document. Experienced franchise lenders, including those working with Crestmont Capital, are accustomed to underwriting emerging QSR brands outside the registry when the borrower profile and FDD meet lending standards.
Can I get an SBA loan for a Salad and Go franchise?Yes. SBA 7(a) loans are the most commonly used financing vehicle for franchise startups, including Salad and Go. Loan amounts up to $5 million are available, with terms up to 10 years for working capital and 25 years when real estate is included. Minimum equity injection is typically 10%, though most lenders prefer 20-30% for first-time franchise operators.
What credit score do I need for a Salad and Go franchise loan?Most SBA lenders require a minimum personal credit score of 680, with scores above 700 qualifying for better rates and lower equity injection requirements. Crestmont Capital offers credit-flexible financing options for borrowers with scores below 680, though terms and rates will reflect the additional risk.
How much do I need to put down for a Salad and Go franchise loan?The standard equity injection for SBA-backed franchise loans is 10% to 30% of the total project cost. On an $800,000 Salad and Go project, that translates to $80,000 to $240,000 in cash that you personally inject. Most lenders prefer the higher end of that range for franchise startups without established operating history.
Does Salad and Go offer financing to franchisees?Salad and Go does not directly lend money to franchisees, but the franchise development team may be able to connect you with preferred financing partners who have familiarity with the brand's FDD and unit economics. Independent lenders like Crestmont Capital also finance Salad and Go franchises based on the borrower's complete financial profile.
How long does it take to get a Salad and Go franchise loan approved?Equipment financing for a Salad and Go unit can be approved and funded in as little as 3-7 business days. SBA 7(a) loans with real estate typically close in 30-60 days. Crestmont Capital's streamlined processing and franchise-experienced underwriting team can deliver conditional approvals in as little as 24-48 hours for well-qualified applicants.
Can I use retirement funds to open a Salad and Go franchise?Yes, through a ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups) arrangement, you can deploy 401(k) or IRA funds into a franchise without early withdrawal penalties or taxes. ROBS requires a C-corporation structure and administration by a qualified third-party firm. Many Salad and Go franchise investors combine ROBS equity with an SBA loan to minimize monthly debt service.
What is the Salad and Go franchise fee?The Salad and Go initial franchise fee is approximately $30,000 to $40,000 per unit. This fee is paid to the franchisor at signing and covers the right to use the brand, proprietary recipes, systems, and initial training support. Multi-unit developers may negotiate reduced per-unit fees for large development commitments.
What markets is Salad and Go expanding into?Salad and Go currently operates primarily in Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, and Nevada. The brand has announced plans to expand into additional Sun Belt markets, with particular focus on high-growth suburban corridors. Prospective franchisees should contact Salad and Go's franchise development team directly for current territory availability.
What makes Salad and Go different from other QSR franchises?Salad and Go's central-kitchen model differentiates it sharply from traditional fast-food franchises. By pre-prepping ingredients at a production hub and distributing them daily to individual units, Salad and Go dramatically reduces on-site labor complexity and kitchen equipment requirements. This results in lower startup costs, simpler operations, and a leaner staffing model compared to full-service QSR competitors.
Can I finance multiple Salad and Go locations at once?Yes. Multi-unit franchise development loans are available through SBA 7(a) and conventional lending programs. Each location typically requires its own loan entity, though experienced franchise lenders can structure cross-collateralized credit facilities that streamline documentation and underwriting across multiple units. Crestmont Capital specializes in multi-unit franchise financing packages.
What documents do I need for a Salad and Go franchise loan application?Standard documentation includes: 2 years of personal tax returns, 3 months of personal bank statements, a personal financial statement, the Salad and Go franchise disclosure document, a signed franchise agreement or letter of intent, a detailed business plan with 3-year financial projections, and a site lease or letter of intent from the landlord. Crestmont Capital provides a complete document checklist upon application.
Is a Salad and Go franchise a good investment?Salad and Go has attracted significant investor attention due to its affordable price point, compact real estate footprint, and central-kitchen efficiency. As with any franchise investment, returns depend on site selection, local market conditions, operator effectiveness, and financing costs. Prospective investors should review the Salad and Go FDD Item 19 data carefully, consult with a franchise attorney, and model multiple revenue scenarios before committing capital.
How do I start the process with Crestmont Capital?Starting is simple. Visit Crestmont Capital's online application portal at offers.crestmontcapital.com/apply-now and complete the 5-minute application. A franchise financing specialist will review your submission and reach out within one business day to discuss your Salad and Go franchise loan options, required documentation, and expected timelines.
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.