What Farmer Boys does

Farmer Boys is a privately held, farm-to-table fast-casual restaurant chain founded in 1981 by five brothers in Perris, California, and headquartered in Riverside. The company operates just over 100 franchised and company-owned restaurants across California, Nevada, and Arizona (with Arizona entry in March 2021 and a 10-unit Phoenix expansion signed in November 2025). Its core menu centers on cooked-to-order burgers (Big Cheese, Farmer's Burger, Bacon Boy, Barn Burner), all-day breakfast using cage-free eggs, hand-chopped salads, stacked sandwiches, signature sides (Always Crispy Fries, Colossal Onion Rings), and USDA all-natural fried chicken sandwiches that were permanently added to the menu in 2021. Value tiers include the $3-$5 'No Brainer Deals' and the Farmstand menu introduced in March 2025 with items starting at $9.99.

The business model is a hybrid franchise/corporate operation. Revenue is generated through restaurant sales at company-owned and franchised locations, supplemented by franchise fees and royalties (including a $100,000 per-restaurant royalty rebate incentive for multi-unit Area Development Agreements). Distribution spans dine-in, drive-thru, carryout, third-party delivery (UberEats, DoorDash, Grubhub), catering via ezCater, and gift cards (storecard.com). The proprietary VIF (Very Important Farmer) loyalty program, built on the PAR Punchh platform, drives repeat visits through points-based rewards (1 point per $1 spent) and personalized offers; it won the 2024 PAR Punchh 'Retention Rockstar Award.' Customer segments include individual consumers (primary), multi-unit franchisees, and community organizations hosting fundraisers. The company employs 1,001-5,000 staff and operates a Restaurant Support Center in Riverside. Notable risks include the March 2026 Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by franchisee Geddo Corp. (operating 12 of ~100 locations), attributed to $5.2M in merchant cash advance debt.

Name

Farmer Boys

Legal name

Farmer Boys Franchising Co.

Website

https://farmerboys.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Farmer Boys is a privately held farm-to-table fast-casual restaurant chain founded in 1981, operating over 100 franchised and corporate locations across California, Nevada, and Arizona. It serves individual consumers with cooked-to-order burgers, all-day breakfast, salads, and value menus under a franchise-led growth model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fast Casual Restaurant Chain

NAICS

Special Food Services (7223), Food Manufacturing (311)

SIC

Sausages & Other Prepared Meat Products (2013), Food And Kindred Products (2000)

akta.pro primary industry

Farm-to-Table & Contemporary American Restaurants (THAFACAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Plant-Based & Vegan Fast Casual (THAFABAK)

Keywords

• Fast casual dining
• Farm-to-table restaurants
• Burger restaurant chain
• Franchise restaurant operations
• Breakfast all day

Headquarters

HQ city

Riverside

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Restaurant Sales: Revenue from company-owned and franchised restaurant locations. Each franchised location is independently owned and operated. Company operates restaurants in California, Nevada, and Arizona.
2. Franchise Fees and Royalties: Area Development Agreement incentives of $100,000 royalty rebate per restaurant for multi-unit development. Franchisees pay ongoing royalties and fees for use of the Farmer Boys brand and system.
3. Catering Services: Catering services through partnership with ezCater for large orders and events
4. Gift Cards: Gift cards sold at restaurant locations. Balance can be checked online at storecard.com
5. Loyalty Program: VIF (Very Important Farmer) loyalty program generates engagement and repeat visits. Points earned on every dollar spent with rewards redemption for free food and exclusive offers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Farmer Boys operates a farm-to-table fast casual restaurant chain selling award-winning burgers, all-day cooked-to-order breakfast, hand-chopped salads, stacked sandwiches, and signature sides at over 100 company-owned and franchised locations across California, Nevada, and Arizona. The company supplements restaurant sales with franchise fees and royalties, a tiered VIF (Very Important Farmer) loyalty program, online ordering, gift cards, ezCater-powered catering, and community fundraising partnerships. Fresh produce is delivered whole to each restaurant daily and menu items are prepared using scratch cooking practices with cage-free eggs and no-antibiotics-ever beef.

Product overview

Farmer Boys is a California-based farm-to-table fast casual restaurant chain founded in 1981, operating nearly 100 restaurants in California, Nevada, and Arizona. The company's product portfolio centers on its core restaurant operations offering award-winning burgers (including Big Cheese, Farmer's Burger, and Natural varieties), all-day cooked-to-order breakfast, hand-chopped salads, stacked sandwiches, and signature sides like hand-breaded zucchini sticks and Colossal Onion Rings. The product ecosystem includes the VIF (Very Important Farmer) loyalty program and mobile app for earning points and redeeming rewards, the Farmstand and No Brainer Deals value menus, online ordering platform, catering services via ezCater, gift cards, and a community fundraiser program. Fried Chicken Sandwiches (Classic and Fiery) were permanently added to the menu in 2021 following a successful limited-time launch. The brand differentiates through its 'Farm Food Ain't Fast Food' philosophy, emphasizing fresh produce delivered daily and quality ingredients including cage-free eggs and antibiotic-free beef. Franchise development and multi-unit area development agreements support the company's expansion strategy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Very Important Farmer (VIF): Loyalty program offering points for every dollar spent, exclusive member-only offers, and birthday surprises.
• Farmstand

Products and services

• Burger Menu Cooked-to-order burger menu featuring signature items including Big Cheese, Double Big Cheese, Farmer's Burger, Natural Cheeseburger, Bacon Boy, Barn Burner, and Veggie Burger, made with farm-fresh ingredients and no-antibiotics-ever beef for dine-in, drive-thru, carryout, and delivery customers.
• All-Day Breakfast Menu Cooked-to-order breakfast served all day, every day, featuring eggs, bacon, French toast, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, and breakfast platters made with cage-free eggs for dine-in, drive-thru, carryout, and delivery customers.
• Salads and Wraps Hand-chopped salads and wraps including the signature Farmer's Chopped Cobb Salad and Farmer's Chopped Cobb Wrap, featuring fresh produce delivered daily to each restaurant.
• Fried Chicken Sandwiches (Classic and Fiery) Permanent menu item made with USDA all-natural chicken breast free of antibiotics and hormones, double-dipped in a proprietary seasoned batter with garlic, onion, and paprika. Available in Classic (with mayonnaise and pickles on a brioche bun) and Fiery (with Fiery Farmer's Sauce) varieties.
• Sides (Fries, Onion Rings, Zucchini Sticks) Signature side items including Always Crispy Fries, Colossal Onion Rings, hand-breaded zucchini sticks, and other sides served with restaurant meals.
• Shakes Ice cream shakes available in various flavors, sold as part of the regular restaurant menu.
• Children's Menu Kid's meals and menu items designed for children, available at Farmer Boys restaurant locations.
• Farmstand Value Menu Fresh and affordable value menu category introduced in 2025 featuring farm-fresh items starting at $9.99, including Jr. Double Cheeseburger Dipping Box and Chicken Quesadilla Box, available for a limited time at participating locations.
• No Brainer Deals Value Menu Value menu of items priced between $3 and $5, including Cheeseburger ($3), Bacon Egg & Cheese Muffin ($3), Crispy French Toast Dippers ($3), Fried Chicken Dippers ($3.25), Mini Cakes Skillet ($4), Parm-Crusted Grilled Cheese ($4), Chili Cheeseburger ($4), and All-Beef Chili ($4.25-$5), with prices varying by location.
• VIF (Very Important Farmer) Loyalty Club Loyalty program and mobile app where members earn 1 point per $1 spent, redeem points for free food at 30, 55, 75, and 100 point tiers, receive personalized offers, birthday surprises, double points opportunities, and exclusive member-only deals. The VIF app also supports mobile ordering.
• Online Ordering Online ordering via the Farmer Boys website (order.farmerboys.com) and VIF mobile app, allowing customers to place orders online, skip the line, and pick up at participating restaurant locations.
• Gift Cards Farmer Boys gift cards sold at restaurant locations; gift card balance can be checked online at storecard.com.
• Catering Services Catering services for events, schools, sports teams, and nonprofit organizations, fulfilled through the ezCater platform for large orders at Farmer Boys locations.
• Fundraiser Program Community fundraising program where K-12 schools, colleges, youth sports teams, and nonprofit organizations can host fundraisers at Farmer Boys locations; a percentage of pre-tax sales during the event is donated back to the host organization.
• Franchise Development Program Multi-unit franchise development program with Area Development Agreements, including financial incentives such as a $100,000 royalty rebate per restaurant for multi-unit development (for agreements signed through December 31 requiring development of at least four units).

Quantifiable outcome

• $171,442.04 raised for children's hospitals in 2025 - highest annual total in company history
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Phoenix Children's HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Annual fundraising partnership for children's health. In 2025, donated $19,610.81. Partnership supports pediatric care in Arizona markets where Farmer Boys operates restaurants.
• UMC Children's Hospital (Nevada)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Annual fundraising partnership since 2018 for Nevada's only designated pediatric trauma center. In 2025, donated $10,786.82. Total contributions exceed $25,000 since partnership began. Farmer Boys team members present checks to hospital CEO.
• Loma Linda University Children's HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1994Long-term charitable partnership since 1994. Farmer Boys raises funds annually for pediatric care. In 2025, donated $141,044.41. Total contributions exceed $1.4 million since partnership began. Also sponsors annual Children's Day event.
• ezCaterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCatering partner for large orders and events. Customers can order catering through ezCater platform for Farmer Boys locations.
• TillamookminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with farmer-owned co-op for Bourbon Bacon Cheddarburger. Tillamook provides medium cheddar cheese for the limited-time burger offering at California restaurants.
• Feeding AmericaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCOVID-19 charity initiative partner. Limited-edition t-shirt sales proceeds donated to Feeding America to support those facing hunger and food insecurity during the pandemic.
• NeweggminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMarketing partnership for 'Breakfast All Flippin' Day' campaign to encourage gamers, livestreamers, and PC builders to eat breakfast during the day to gain energy.
• CatalystminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal nonprofit on a mission to build workplaces that work for women. During Women's History Month 2020, Farmer Boys donated $1 from every Bacon Girl sold to Catalyst.
• Riverside County Office of Education Foundation (RCOEF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for 'All For One' GoFundMe campaign to bridge digital divide in Riverside County schools. Farmer Boys contributed $5,000 initial donation and encouraged guests, franchisees, and team members to contribute. Campaign aimed to provide computers and mobile hotspot devices for students.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Habit Burger Grill: California-born charburger fast-casual chain offering farm-to-table style burgers, sandwiches, and salads in a similar price point and quality tier. Most direct comparable in menu positioning, geography, and target customer.
• Five Guys: National fast-casual burger chain known for customizable burgers, fries, and a similar premium-but-casual positioning. Direct competitor for burger share-of-stomach with comparable AUVs and franchise growth model.
• Shake Shack: Premium fast-casual 'better burger' chain publicly traded (SHAK). Highly comparable business model and positioning, though operating at larger scale and primarily East Coast geography.
• In-N-Out Burger: Iconic California-based regional burger chain with strong cult following and quality-focused positioning. Closest direct geographic competitor with similar West Coast brand loyalty and farm-fresh ingredient emphasis.
• Whataburger: Regional burger chain with deep brand loyalty in its home markets, recently expanding beyond Texas. Comparable regional burger chain with similar franchise model and family-founded heritage.
• Culver's: Midwest-based fast-casual chain known for ButterBurgers, frozen custard, and family-focused dining. Comparable mid-sized regional franchise system with similar quality-conscious positioning.
• Smashburger: Fast-casual burger chain with similar scale (~200-300 locations), franchise model, and premium burger positioning. Closest comparable in terms of chain size and unit economics profile.

Broad incumbents

• Jack in the Box: California-headquartered QSR chain (NASDAQ: JACK) with similar regional density and franchise model. Larger and broader menu but operates in the same competitive set for burger and breakfast share.
• Carl's Jr. / Hardee's (CKE Restaurants Holdings): Western US-focused burger QSR owned by Roark Capital. Operates at much larger scale (~3,800 units globally) but competes for the same California-based burger customer and uses a similar franchise development model.

Regional players

• El Pollo Loco: California-based fast-casual chicken chain (NASDAQ: LOCO) of similar regional scale (~480 locations). Comparable West Coast footprint and similar size profile, though different cuisine category.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/FarmerBoys
• Facebookfacebook.com/FarmerBoysFood
• Instagraminstagram.com/farmerboysfood

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Farmer Boys