Ponderosa & Bonanza have been a household name since the 60’s, and our mission's stayed the same: to provide wholesome family dining at value pricing. By maintaining our quality steakhouse and bountiful buffets, we're still the place when it comes to revisiting or updating your family memories.

Maybe you've heard of Ponderosa. Maybe you've heard of Bonanza. Maybe you've heard of both. They're one in the same, and we'll tell you how we came to be America's first chain steakhouse. It all started in the old West with the Cartwright clan.

Fictional, true, but their values held through the tv show Bonanza into tangible influence. While most traditional westerns focused the range, Bonanza focused on the "home" on the range, depicting wholesome family life and caring for their neighbors.

It's these convictions that have carried the Ponderosa & Bonanza name into the 21st century, and the same values we treasure at Ponderosa & Bonanza Steakhouse. We're continuing the Cartwright family tree, but it's branched out over the years.

Ponderosa & Bonanza is not just the Cartwright's anymore. It's America's, and we're America's kitchen, offering a plethora of family oriented meals for every kind of family. Ours is a legacy brand, and we've stuck around for a reason. We stubbornly hold to our values, and we're not budging from the nostalgia of it all. After all, Ponderosa & Bonanza was likely the first steakhouse you begged to go to as a kid. The best part? You don't have to beg anymore.

Why Ponderosa?

Ponderosa & Bonanza have been a household name since the 60’s, and our mission’s stayed the same: to provide wholesome family dining at value pricing. We have been franchising since 1966, and today we have over 90 franchised restaurants in 7+ states and 5+ countries around the globe.

Opportunities.

U.S. and International markets are available for franchise development. Ponderosa & Bonanza Steakhouse is seeking both single-unit and multi-unit franchisee candidates to develop restaurants in both new and existing markets..

FRANCHISE SUPPORT

When franchisees join the FAT Brands family, they receive the support provided by an organization committed to their success. FAT Brands franchisees will also benefit from the experience of a professional management team. FAT Brands has developed an effective, systematic process to get our franchisees up and running quickly. That includes architecture and design support, operational support, purchasing support, equipment selection support, training and recruitment support, advertising and marketing support, and real estate support.

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

FAT Brands provides architectural and design guidance to its franchisees. As part of this assistance, we furnish prototypical design plans. FAT Brands consults with its franchisees as the FAT Brands approved, Franchisee contracted, architect modifies their plans to fit the specific needs of each location. FAT Brands also provides design guidelines, signage specifications, and other materials to assist its franchisees.

CONSTRUCTION & EQUIPMENT

Our franchisees, receive guidance in the layout and design of their restaurant. FAT Brands outlines the equipment needs for every location (i.e., refrigerators, freezers, fryers, grills, etc.), and provides guidance in the selection of contractors and vendors. FAT Brands recommends that franchisees seek competitive bids for any capital items they purchase. FAT Brands does not make a profit by selling equipment or food products to its franchisees, everything is a straight pass-through from vendors.

SUPPLY CHAIN

FAT Brands franchisees receive guidance in purchasing food supplies and paper products for their restaurants. Strategic Partnerships and platforms are in place to maintain food and brand standards.

TRAINING

Proper training is absolutely essential for maintaining a successful operation while maintaining the consistency and integrity of any FAT Brands operation. To that end, FAT Brands sets rigorous standards for staff development. FAT Brands provides its franchisees with a detailed and comprehensive curriculum outlining how to operate their FAT Brands business.

Franchisees will receive thorough instructions in Restaurant Operations, Restaurant Management, Safety and Health, Local Store Marketing, Site Selection. Every franchisee receives a set of FAT Brands manuals containing the entire training program. These can be kept on hand for reference to direct your daily operations. They provide quick and convenient information -- answering franchisees questions regarding all operating procedures.

Following the development of the new site, FAT Brands assists franchisees in planning their grand opening. When franchisees open their doors, the FAT Brands corporate operations team will be there to make sure the grand opening is a successful one.