Sizzler USA

Sizzler USA began on January 27, 1958, when Del and Helen Johnson opened Del's Sizzler Family Steak House in Culver City, California. The name referred to the sound of steak sizzling on a hot plate. The brand is now headquartered in Mission Viejo, California, after moving from Culver City in 2012. Its offering remains centered on USDA Choice steaks, fresh salads, and a distinctive salad bar. As of June 27, 2025, the broader Sizzler USA chain had 74 U.S. locations. An October 2023 source reported 73 U.S. units and 11 in Puerto Rico, for 84 restaurants. The Sizzler USA franchise system being offered has 4 franchised units and no company owned units. The brand operates in the full service restaurant category, which was projected to see 12% overall growth in the U.S. dining sector by 2025. PeerSense provides independent franchise research for prospective Sizzler USA franchise investors.

The U.S. full service restaurant industry was projected to grow 12% by 2025. Consumer demand includes value focused family dining, renewed interest in casual dining after the pandemic, and familiar brands with consistent quality. Sizzler has pursued a refreshed brand image and improved customer experience while retaining its value proposition, with sales projected to increase 10% over the next two years. Competition includes large chains and independent operators. Sizzler's history, dating to 1958, supports its brand recognition. Consumer focus on affordability and dependable dining may also support the concept. Sizzler USA emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2023.

The initial franchise fee is reported at $35,000, while other sources cite $45,000 or $50,000. Reported total initial investment ranges include $1,329,750 to $2,607,750, $1.33 million to $2.61 million, $1.5 million to $2.5 million, and $1,909,750 to $2,607,750. Differences may reflect real estate, build out, and market conditions. A reported range of $2,500,000 to $100,000 is excluded because the lower figure appears to be a typographical error. Liquid capital figures include $330,000, working capital of $250,000 to $290,000, and $750,000. Net worth is expected to exceed $3 million. Royalties are generally reported at 4% to 5% of gross sales, with other sources citing 4.0% and 6%. Advertising fees are mentioned, but no amount or percentage is provided. Sizzler USA Restaurants, Inc. operates the brand, which as of 2025 is under Collins Foods following an acquisition.

The Sizzler model centers on value focused family dining, USDA Choice steaks, fresh salads, and an unlimited salad bar. The available information does not specify daily procedures, staffing requirements, labor models, or formats such as drive through, inline, nontraditional, kiosk, or mobile units. The model therefore appears oriented toward a traditional casual dining restaurant. Leadership includes Christopher Perkins, CEO, President, and Chief Services Officer since 2019; Forbes Collins, COO; Tim Perkins, Chief Strategy Officer; Michael Tebo, Senior Director of Operations; Stephen Zarubi, Vice President of Franchise Operations; Don Henry, VP of Purchasing and Distribution; and Sasha Shennikov, Director of Marketing. Their functions cover franchise operations, purchasing and distribution, and marketing. The brand is pursuing regional expansion, though territory exclusivity and multi unit requirements are not detailed. Both owner operators and semi absentee owners may fit the model, but its investment and operating complexity suggest that early involvement by an owner operator may be appropriate.

Sizzler filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and emerged in January 2023. Historical reports cite as many as 700 locations in the 1990s and 450 restaurants by 1978, with most operated by franchisees. From 1980 to 1987, the chain grew from 128 company operated and 324 franchised units to 170 company operated and 373 franchised units.

Sizzler USA is pursuing regional growth. The franchise system has 4 franchised units, while the broader chain had 74 U.S. locations as of June 27, 2025. An October 2023 figure reports 10 units in Puerto Rico, for 84 locations, while another source reports 11 Puerto Rico units. Sizzler previously reached more than 270 U.S. locations, and some reports cite as many as 700 locations in the 1990s. Plans announced in 2013 called for 40 new restaurants in five years in Chicago, Minneapolis, Denver, Kansas City, and St. Louis. Collins Foods acquired the brand as of 2025. Earlier ownership included Pacific Equity Partners from 2005 to 2011, a U.S. management group from 2011 to 2014, and investors led by former CEO Kerry Kramp from 2014 to 2025. Christopher Perkins has served as CEO since 2019. The brand's established recognition since 1958, USDA Choice steaks, and salad bar remain central to its market position.

A likely Sizzler franchise candidate has business operating experience and strong finances. Restaurant experience is not expressly required, though management experience in operations and team leadership would help with a full service casual dining business. Reported liquid capital requirements range from $250,000 to $750,000, and expected net worth exceeds $3 million. The concept may appeal to multi unit franchise operators and owners of established business portfolios, although multi unit ownership is not expressly required. Reported locations include California with 50 units and 68% of U.S. locations, Puerto Rico with 10 units and 14%, Utah with 4 units and 5%, Oregon with 4 units and 5%, Idaho with 3 units and 4%, Arizona with 2 units and 3%, and New Mexico with 1 unit and 1%. Locations are also mentioned in Washington, Nevada, Florida, and New York. Chicago, Minneapolis, Denver, Kansas City, and St. Louis are target markets for 40 new restaurants over five years. The time from signing to opening is not provided, though site selection, build out, and training for a restaurant of this scale typically take several months.

Sizzler USA combines a history dating to 1958 with a refreshed brand strategy and plans to add 40 restaurants in five years. The U.S. dining sector was projected to grow 12% by 2025, while Sizzler projected a 10% sales increase over the next two years. The broader chain has been reported at 74 to 84 locations, and the company emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2023. The franchise system currently has 4 franchised units. Its Loan Activity Score is 50, rated Moderate. PeerSense offers due diligence information that includes SBA lending history, Loan Activity Scores, location maps with Google ratings, FDD financial data, and comparison tools for evaluating the opportunity.