Is THE EMPANADA MAKER or FOSTER'S GRILLE cheaper to open?

THE EMPANADA MAKER costs $246,274–$554,467 and FOSTER'S GRILLE costs $258,800–$538,600 to open (FDD Item 7). THE EMPANADA MAKER has the lower entry cost.

Which is the better franchise, THE EMPANADA MAKER or FOSTER'S GRILLE?

FranchiseVerdict grades THE EMPANADA MAKER C and FOSTER'S GRILLE B, from FDD Items 5–7, 19–21 and SBA loan performance. See the full side-by-side above.

THE EMPANADA MAKER vs FOSTER'S GRILLE

Franchise Comparison 2026

Both THE EMPANADA MAKER and FOSTER'S GRILLE are quick-service restaurants franchises. THE EMPANADA MAKER requires an investment of $246K – $554K while FOSTER'S GRILLE requires $259K – $539K. FOSTER'S GRILLE discloses average revenue of $1.0M; THE EMPANADA MAKER makes no financial performance representation in its Item 19, which is voluntary under the FTC Franchise Rule. Note: Includes company-owned outlets. FranchiseVerdict rates THE EMPANADA MAKER C (Average) and FOSTER'S GRILLE B (Above average).

Metric	THE EMPANADA MAKER	FOSTER'S GRILLE
Verdict Grade	CAverage	BAbove average
Investment Range	$246K – $554K	$259K – $539K
Franchise Fee	$40K	$40K
Royalty Rate	6.0%	5.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)	N/ANo Item 19 representation	$1.0MIncl. company outlets
SBA Charge-Off Rate	N/A	Limited data
Total Units	2	12
Unit Growth (YoY)	N/A	+0 units
Year Began Franchising	2024	2005
FDD Year	2024	2025