FDD-based startup cost, franchise fee, revenue, profit, SBA default rate, and investment risk signals for TruBlue.
Based on 2025 FDD · 5 filings in corpus
Cost and profit at a glance
Based on FDDIQ's FDD corpus, a TruBlue franchise shows an estimated initial investment of $70K – $96K. Reported owner economics show $38K. Use the links below to compare the cost, revenue, SBA loan history, and ROI against other franchises before you request the full FDD.
Quick fee read: $50K franchise fee · 8% royalty/ad burden. These figures are directional screening data, not a substitute for reading the current FDD and speaking with existing operators.
TruBlue requires a total initial investment of $70K to $96K (midpoint approximately $83K), with an initial franchise fee of $50K. The ongoing fee burden is 8% (6% royalty plus 2% advertising fund). This is below the industry average of approximately 15.5%, leaving more margin for the operator.
According to Item 19 of the 2025 FDD, the median revenue for TruBlue locations is $314K. The implied franchisee EBITDA is approximately $38K, based on the margin assumptions disclosed in the FDD. The estimated cash-on-cash return is 45.3% with a payback period of approximately 2.2 years.
TruBlue operates approximately 10 franchised units. The SBA 7(a) loan default rate of 0.0% is well below the industry average of approximately 7.2%, indicating strong franchisee financial outcomes.
Prospective franchisees should verify all figures against the most recent FDD, conduct validation calls with multiple existing franchisees, and consult with a franchise attorney before signing any agreement.
Analysis based on 2025 FDD filing. FDDIQ Editorial Team · Methodology
Estimated using sector-average margins. Actual franchise economics vary by location, operator, and market conditions.
Industry averages based on FranchiseIQ corpus benchmarks. ▲ = better than avg, ▼ = worse.
Real lending data from SBA 7(a) loans (2017-2025). 13 loans across 12 states.
Source: SBA 7(a) loan data via FOIA. Default rate = charged-off loans / total originated. Industry avg default rate ~7.2%.
Common questions buyers ask about TruBlue, answered from FDD and SBA data.
The total initial investment for a TruBlue franchise ranges from $70K to $96K, according to their Franchise Disclosure Document.
TruBlue charges a 6% royalty fee on gross sales.
The initial franchise fee for TruBlue is $49,900.
There are approximately 10 TruBlue franchise locations as of 2023.
The median revenue for a TruBlue franchise is $314K, with a cash-on-cash return of 45.3%, according to FDD Item 19 data.
TruBlue has an SBA loan default rate of 0.0% based on SBA 7(a) loan data.
Whether a TruBlue franchise is worth it depends on total startup cost, royalty burden, FDD Item 19 economics, SBA loan performance, and local operator execution. FDDIQ compares these signals against similar franchises so buyers can screen the opportunity before paying for diligence.
FDD Item 7 breaks down every cost to open a franchise. Read all 23 line items, stress-test the ra...
SBA 7(a) franchise loan approval rates by brand, default rates by sector, and what lenders want i...
Compare franchise financing options: SBA 7(a), SBA 504, ROBS 401(k) rollovers, bank loans, franch...
SBA 7(a) franchise loans explained, including the October 2026 SOP 50 10 8.1 update, eligibility,...
SBA 7(a) and 504 loans for franchise buyers: rates, down payments, timelines, approval requiremen...
5 data-driven questions every TruBlue franchise buyer should ask.