How Much Does a Thrifty Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$879K – $16.2M
Franchise Fee
$25K
Royalty
6.0%
Ad Fund
2.0%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for Thrifty is $25K. This one-time payment covers the right to operate under the brand, access to proprietary systems, and initial training programs.
Total Investment Range
Opening a Thrifty franchise requires a total investment of $879K – $16.2M. This range typically includes real estate or leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, initial inventory, signage, insurance, and working capital to sustain operations during the ramp-up period.
Working capital alone ranges from $20K to $500K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, Thrifty franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty fee is 6.0% of gross sales (Gross Receipts). The advertising or brand fund contribution is 2.0% of gross sales.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
Thrifty requires working capital of $20K – $500K to cover initial operating expenses. This is the liquid cash you should have available beyond the franchise fee and buildout costs.
What Can You Earn?
Thrifty does not disclose earnings data in Item 19 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. Not all franchisors choose to publish financial performance representations, though this is a data point many prospective franchisees consider important.
How Do Banks View Thrifty?
SBA Loans Issued
32
Default Rate
0.0%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. Thrifty has 32 SBA-backed loans on record. The default rate is 0.0%, which is below the franchise industry average, indicating relatively lower lending risk. A lower default rate generally indicates that lenders view the franchise as a safer investment, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Next Steps
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