Franchises That Offer Franchise Fee Discounts to Veterans: Spotlight on Konala and Trace Miller’s Story

Empowering Veterans: Discover Exclusive Franchise Discounts and the Road to Entrepreneurial Success.

For veterans transitioning into civilian life, franchising offers a unique path to entrepreneurship. Many franchise brands acknowledge the skills, discipline, and leadership veterans bring to the table by offering discounts on franchise fees. Let’s take a look at some of these opportunities, highlighting Konala, a rising star in the franchise industry, and its founder, Trace Miller, a veteran himself.

Why Veterans Excel in Franchising

Veterans often possess qualities that make them ideal franchisees:

• A strong sense of discipline and structure
• Leadership skills honed in high-pressure situations
• Teamwork and the ability to follow systems—a cornerstone of successful franchising

Many franchisors recognize these attributes and provide veterans with incentives, such as discounted franchise fees, to help them get started.

Brands Offering Discounts to Veterans

Numerous franchise brands have made veteran support a priority. Here are a few examples:

1. A&W
   • A&W offers a 10% franchise fee discount to qualified veterans.
2. Culver’s
   • Culver’s will reduce the initial franchise fee by $10,000 for qualified franchisees. To qualify for the veterans’ discount you must:
     •  Honorably discharged with a form DD 214.
     • Must be opening your first restaurant.
     • Have to be the full-time on-site owner-operator and personally manage the Restaurant.
3. Konala
   • Honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for a reduced initial franchise fee of $30,000 (25% discount) for the first Konala location.
   • While A&W and Culver’s have mostly sold out territories, Konala presents an exciting opportunity for veterans looking to get in on the ground floor of a fast-growing franchise.

(Sources)

Konala: A Veteran-Friendly Franchise

Konala, a health-focused fast-casual franchise, stands out not just for its fresh and innovative offerings, but also for its commitment to supporting veterans. Founded by Trace Miller, an Army veteran, Konala offers a discount on franchise fees to veteran entrepreneurs.

Veterans who have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for a 25% discount on their initial franchise fee. This reduces the cost to $30,000 for their first Konala restaurant. This initiative reflects Konala’s mission to help veterans transition into business ownership by providing a proven, scalable franchise model that aligns with their leadership and operational skills.

Trace Miller’s firsthand experience in the Army has shaped Konala’s franchise culture, ensuring that veterans feel supported and empowered as they embark on their entrepreneurial journey. To hear more about his journey and insights on franchising, check out his interview on the Veteran On the Move podcast: Listen Here

*Please see 2024 Konala FDD for more information.

Trace Miller’s Story

Trace Miller- Konala Founder

Founder stories are usually always inspiring, but Trace’s journey is one of resilience and transformation. Diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut epilepsy at two years old, he faced a tough childhood. He endured over 100 seizures a day, and doctors doubted he would live past 13. His mother refused to accept that fate and found a doctor in Mexico. Through a strict dietary approach, this doctor cured Trace. He became the first person ever cured of this type of epilepsy. This life-changing experience fueled his lifelong dedication to health, nutrition, and overall well-being.

Trace’s passion for fitness and discipline grew stronger during his military service. While serving in the Army, he developed a strong work ethic. His resilience and leadership qualities shaped his success in the business world. Recognizing the challenge veteran’s in transitioning to civilian life, he wants to make business ownership accessible and rewarding for those who served.

Now, Konala is making waves in the industry. The brand earned a spot on Fast Casual’s 2025 “20 Brands to Watch” list. The U.S. fast casual industry is expected to grow to nearly $150 billion by 2028. Konala is leading the way by embracing fresh ingredients, customization, and tech-driven experiences. It is a modern, health-focused concept built for long-term success (Brands to Watch List).