Inside Eggs Up Grill's Strategy for Scalable Growth

Eggs Up Grill Reaches 110 Restaurants

For restaurant franchise brands, growth is about more than opening new locations. Sustainable growth requires a business model that can be replicated, strong unit-level economics and franchise partners who see long-term opportunity in the concept.

Eggs Up Grill is demonstrating all three.

The daytime restaurant franchise recently reached a major milestone with the opening of its 110th restaurant in Spears Creek, South Carolina. The achievement further strengthens the brand’s position as the largest actively franchising breakfast, brunch and lunch concept in the U.S. and represents another step in a period of significant growth for the brand.

Since CEO Ricky Richardson joined Eggs Up Grill in 2018, the brand has more than quadrupled in size. Today, the system includes 110 restaurants open and operating, with more than 90 additional locations in development or committed to open.

That growth is backed by meaningful performance metrics. In 2025, Eggs Up Grill reported average unit volumes of more than $1.6 million and 19.7% EBITDA for the top 50% of the system. Average unit volume has increased 31% over the past five years, while the brand achieved its 22nd consecutive quarter of same-restaurant sales growth.

“Our growth over the past several years has been strategic and intentional,” said Ricky Richardson, CEO of Eggs Up Grill. “Being the largest actively franchising brand in the daytime cafe category is a direct result of our clear understanding of our guests, efficiently replicated business and operational models and a laser-focused commitment to our franchise partners.”

A Model Designed for Franchisee Growth

One of the differentiators behind Eggs Up Grill’s growth is its focused operating model.

Unlike many traditional full-service restaurant concepts, Eggs Up Grill operates a single daytime shift, serving breakfast, brunch and lunch from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. The model is designed to simplify restaurant operations while providing franchisees with an opportunity to build a strong business without the extended hours associated with many restaurant concepts.

The single-daypart approach can also help attract and retain quality team members while giving franchise owners and operators a more balanced operating schedule.

That combination of operational simplicity and strong consumer demand has helped Eggs Up Grill attract both experienced multi-unit operators and first-time franchise owners.

Significant White-Space Remains

Reaching 110 restaurants is an important milestone, but Eggs Up Grill sees more room and opportunity for continued expansion.

The brand has identified more than 1,000 available trade areas across its target markets, creating substantial white-space opportunity for new and existing franchise partners.

That opportunity is particularly relevant as demand continues to grow for restaurant concepts that combine recognizable consumer appeal with a scalable operating model.

For Eggs Up Grill, expansion is also increasingly being driven by existing franchise partners. The brand’s nearly 100% franchised system provides an opportunity for franchisees to grow alongside the brand and develop multiple restaurants within their markets.

“With a 31% increase in average unit volume over the last five years, disciplined cost management and sustained same-store sales growth are reinforcing the long-term strength of our model,” said Kayla Money, CFO of Eggs Up Grill. “As we continue to scale, our focus remains on supporting franchisees with the tools they need to drive profitability while maintaining the everyday value our guests expect.”

Building on Momentum

Eggs Up Grill’s 110th restaurant represents more than another number on a development map. It reflects a franchise system that has continued to grow while maintaining a focus on franchisee performance, operational efficiency and guest demand.

With more than 90 locations in the development pipeline and more than 1,000 identified trade areas available for expansion, the brand is positioned to continue building its footprint across the country.

For entrepreneurs evaluating restaurant franchise opportunities, Eggs Up Grill offers a differentiated combination: a proven daytime concept, a simplified single-shift operating model, strong financial performance and significant room for expansion.

Learn more about the Eggs Up Grill franchise opportunity.

For more information about the brand, visit Eggs Up Grill.

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Eggs Up Grill
Diversify your portfolio with the largest actively franchising daytime restaurant franchisor in the U.S.| AUV $1.653M*| 19.7%* EBITDA Learn More