FRANCHISE·WATCH·DESK

FDD ITEM 20 · FISCAL 2021–2023

Steak n Shake by Biglari Item 20: outlets, closures & growth

In its latest FDD Item 20 (fiscal 2023), Steak n Shake by Biglari reported 111 franchised outlets at year end. 19 of 131 franchised outlets open at the start of the year left the system — an annualized exit rate of 14.5%— while 0 new outlets opened. Systemwide units moved -24.6% over 2021–2023.

Item 20 · outlet status by yearas filed
Status (FTC)202120222023
Outlets at start431338304
Opened3100
Transfers312
Terminations000
Non-renewals000
Reacquired by franchisor001
Ceased — other reasons192219
Outlets at end338304255
Net change-93-34-49
How the exit count is computedfiscal 2023

0 terminations + 0 non-renewals + 19 ceased (other) = 19 exits ÷ 131 at start = 14.5%

These are the three FTC Item 20 statuses in which a franchisee involuntarily or terminally leaves the system. Transfers (2) are resales, not exits; reacquisitions by the franchisor (1) are tracked separately. There is no official “failure rate” — this annualized exit rate is the disclosed, measurable floor.

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