How much does it cost to open a Meineke franchise?

The total initial investment for a Meineke franchise ranges from $224,898 to $1,200,818. This includes the franchise fee of $45,000, buildout costs, equipment, and initial working capital.

What are the ongoing fees for a Meineke franchise?

Meineke franchisees pay a 5.5% royalty fee and a 1.5% advertising/marketing fund contribution. These are typically calculated as a percentage of gross revenue.

How much money can you make with a Meineke franchise?

Based on Item 19 financial performance data, the median Meineke franchise generates $969,604 in annual revenue. Estimated owner profit is approximately $222,039.

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Automotive 716 Units

Meineke Franchise Cost Breakdown

Complete investment analysis based on official FDD data

Total Investment

$224,898 – $1,200,818

Franchise Fee

$45,000

Royalty Rate

5.5%

Initial Investment Range

Low: $224,898 High: $1,200,818

The total initial investment to open a Meineke franchise ranges from $224,898 to $1,200,818, as disclosed in their Franchise Disclosure Document. This includes the one-time franchise fee of $45,000.

Midpoint estimate: $712,858

Franchise Fee

$45,000

One-time initial fee

The Meineke franchise fee is a one-time upfront payment made to the franchisor when you sign the franchise agreement. This fee grants you the right to operate under the Meineke brand and is included in the total initial investment range above.

Ongoing Fees

Royalty Fee

5.5%

of gross revenue

Ad/Marketing Fund

1.5%

of gross revenue

Total Ongoing Fee Burden: 7.0% of gross revenue

Combined royalty and advertising fund contributions before any other fees.

Other Ongoing Fees

Fee Type	Rate	Type	Notes
Royalty Fees	7.0	PCT	Greater of $400/week (annual minimum $20,800) or calculated royalty. 7% on exhaust systems; 5.5% on engines/transmissions/diagnostics; 4% on batteries; 3% on tires/inspections/towing; 5% on all other Authorized Products and Services. Lower rates only if properly reported using approved systems, otherwise 7%. Unauthorized services: 7%. Unreported services: 8%. Annual minimum does not start until 6 months after opening for new centers. Development Incentive Addendum offers reduced rates (1% years 1-2, 3% year 3 with $11,345 minimum). Multiple incentive programs available including 75% reduction for existing franchisees, 50% for conversions, 50% for VetFran participants.
Meineke Advertising Fund (the "MAF") Contributions	8.0	PCT	8% of Gross Revenues; 1.5% on tires, towing services, and government-regulated inspections. For new centers during first 12 weeks: greater of 8% or $250. Advertising Addendum Version 2 reduces to 6% year 1, then 5.5% (Tier Two) or 6% (Tier One) thereafter. Version 1 allocates 1% to capital fund year 1, 2% year 2, then reduced rates year 3+. Franchisor recommends additional 2% local advertising spend.
Successor Franchise Fee	5000.0	FIXED	Subject to CPI increases. $1,000 rebate if renewed within 180 days prior to expiration.
Relocation Fee	1000.0	FIXED	Payable if franchisor consents to Center relocation.
Intershop Late Fee	20.0	FIXED	Due 30 days after intershop transmittal notice. Related to warranty program reimbursements between Meineke Centers.
Service Fee	34.0	FIXED	Subject to annual CPI adjustment. Only applies to co-branded Meineke/Econo Lube Centers.
Transfer Fee	7500.0	FIXED	Subject to CPI increase, or franchisor's then-current initial franchise fee if transferee signs current form agreement. Either franchisee or transferee must pay.
Initial Advertising Contribution Upon Transfer	20000.0	FIXED	Due upon any transfer of Franchise Agreement or ownership.
Resale Assistance Fee	15000.0	FIXED	Only payable if franchisee elects to participate in resale assistance program.
M.Key Software Transfer Fee	1000.0	FIXED	Payable if transferee elects to receive assignment of M.Key Software license.
Technology Administrative Fee	100.0	FIXED	Payable if franchisee fails to keep computer system updated or fails to install required technology changes.
Franchisee Profitability Program Software Fees	14.95	FIXED	Optional participation. Currently $14.95/month plus $50 one-time onboarding fee. Fees may fluctuate with vendor pricing. Subject to Monthly Technology Cap (Note 6).
M.Key Software Maintenance Fee	375.0	FIXED	Basic Software Maintenance: $375 (or $275 with AutoVitals). Additional options: Technical Procedures up to $200/month; QuickBooks Integration $25/month; Motovisuals $59/month; AutoVitals $399 setup + $245/month basic + $24/month per additional tablet (beyond 3 included). Subject to CPI increases annually and third-party cost increases. Subject to Monthly Technology Cap (Note 6).
AutoNet TV Fee	40.0	VARIABLE	$30-$50 per month, subject to periodic adjustment, will not exceed $100/month. Covers streaming content subscription.
Attorneys' Fees and Other Costs	N/A	VARIABLE	Payable if franchisor prevails in legal dispute regarding breach of Franchise Agreement or Development Agreement.
Indemnification	N/A	VARIABLE	Franchisee must reimburse franchisor if held liable for third-party claims arising from development and operation of Centers.
Commingled Funds Fee	2500.0	FIXED	$2,500 initial plus $250/month until funds separately accounted. Payable if audit reveals commingling of Center funds with personal or other business funds.
Audit	N/A	VARIABLE	Payable if: (a) fail to submit Gross Revenues statements; (b) fail to maintain required books/records/computers/POS; (c) audit reveals understatement >2% for any 12-month period; or (d) fail to produce books/records within 15 days of request.
Reimbursement of Repair and Maintenance Costs	N/A	VARIABLE	If franchisee fails or refuses to repair or maintain Center as required, franchisor may do so at franchisee's expense.
Interest on Late Payments and Other Related Charges	N/A	VARIABLE	Interest begins 10 days after due date. $35 NSF charge per occurrence. May assess service charges up to $50/occurrence for returned items and late charges up to $100/occurrence if permitted by law. Applies to all money owed to franchisor or affiliates.
Fascia and Sign Update	3000.0	FIXED	Deposit for sign (fascia) order. Only payable if purchasing existing Meineke Center franchise. This fee is refundable (NOTE 1 states exception).
Alternative Supplier Evaluation Fees	N/A	VARIABLE	Will not exceed $500 per supplier. Charged if franchisee seeks approval of part from supplier not tested by independent certified laboratory.
Training Fees	1000.0	FIXED	No charge for initial training for Operating Partner and one guarantor. Supplemental training out-of-pocket costs will not exceed $1,000/person/day. Payable if franchisee requests special assistance or franchisor determines significant deficiencies requiring additional training.
Upgrade of Center	N/A	VARIABLE	Up to $20,000 per occurrence, not more often than once every 5 years during term. No monetary limitation on renewal upgrades. Franchisee must periodically upgrade/remodel as reasonably required.
Sublease Rent	110.0	PCT	Payable if franchisee subleases location from Realty or franchisor affiliate under certain circumstances.

What You Get

Financial Performance (Item 19)

Median Revenue

$969,604

per year, per location

Mean Revenue

$913,607

per year, per location

Profitability Estimate

Estimated Owner Profit

$222,039

per year

Profit Margin

22.9%

of revenue

Estimation method: disclosed

Estimated ROI (Simple Payback): 3.2 years

Based on midpoint investment of $712,858 and estimated annual owner profit of $222,039.

Unit Growth & Failure Rate

Avg. Annual Closure Rate

5.1%

Moderate risk — near industry average

Net Unit Growth

+716 units

From Next Fiscal Year to 2024

Unit Activity History

Year	Start	Opened	Closed	Transfers	End
Next Fiscal Year	—	+14	—	—	—
2022	706	+23	-20	—	705
2023	705	+28	-28	—	702
2024	702	+36	-8	—	716

Is a Meineke Franchise Worth It?

Based on the FDD data, here is a data-driven snapshot of the Meineke franchise opportunity:

Overall Score

68/100

Moderate opportunity

Est. Payback Period

3.2 yrs

Average payback

Risk Level

Medium

5.1% annual closure rate

Meineke shows a moderate score across our evaluation criteria. Careful due diligence is recommended. With median unit revenue of $969,604 and a combined fee burden of 7.0% of gross revenue, prospective franchisees should model their own financial projections carefully. For a complete analysis including risk factors, deal-breaker flags, and detailed financial modeling, see the full report.