2026 Data

QSR Franchise Acquisition Cost Index

Median prices, SDE multiples, and financing data for qsr franchise acquisitions. Source: BizBuySell Franchise Sector Report 2024.

Educational data only. Figures are medians from published industry reports — not a site-specific valuation or financial advice. Disclaimer →

Median Acquisition Price

$650K

Median Annual Revenue

$1.50M

Median SDE

$180K

SDE Multiple Range

2.5x–4x

Typical LTV

85%

Avg Down Payment

15%

Avg DSCR

1.35x

Time to Close

3–8 mo

SBA Eligibility

~88%

Financing Details

Typical LTV85%

Avg down payment15% of price

Avg DSCR on closed deals1.35x

SBA eligibility rate~88% of deals

Market trend→ Stable

Common deal structures

SBA 7(a)Conventional BankSeller Financing

Key Valuation Factors

•Franchisor approval of buyer is required — process adds 30–90 days
•AUV (Average Unit Volume) vs. system average determines premium or discount
•Remaining franchise agreement term (ideally 5+ years)
•SBA Franchise Registry status of the brand accelerates lender approval

SBA Financing for QSR Franchise Acquisitions

Approximately 88% of qsr franchise transactions use SBA financing. SBA 7(a) is the most common structure, with a minimum 10% equity injection on the acquisition price. At a median price of $650K, that means approximately $65K out of pocket before closing costs and working capital.

DSCR requirement: SBA lenders require ≥ 1.25x on projected post-acquisition cash flow. The average DSCR on closed qsr franchise transactions is approximately 1.35x — meaning there is typically adequate headroom.

Check DSCR for this deal →SBA 7(a) explained →

Data sources:

BizBuySell Franchise Sector Report 2024

IBBA Market Pulse Q4 2024

International Franchise Association

Full methodology →

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