Second-Generation Restaurant Spaces for New Little Greek Locations
An Affordable Way to Open a Little Greek Fresh Grill
Opening a restaurant from scratch can be expensive — but it doesn’t have to be.
A second-generation restaurant space (sometimes called a “second-gen space”) is a previously occupied restaurant location where much of the essential infrastructure is already in place.
For new franchisees, this can significantly reduce build-out costs and speed up your opening timeline. While you will still need to find and secure your own space, understanding how second-generation locations work can help you make a smarter, more cost-effective choice for your new Little Greek.
What Is a Second-Generation Restaurant Space?
A second-generation restaurant space is a former restaurant that already includes features such as:
- A commercial hood system
- A grease trap
- Existing plumbing for sinks, restrooms, and dish stations
- Electrical already sized for restaurant equipment
- A walk-in cooler or freezer
- Flooring, drainage, and ventilation
- Restaurant-ready bathrooms
- Some existing kitchen or front-of-house fixtures
Because these elements are already built, you avoid many of the up-front construction costs associated with opening a restaurant in a brand-new space.
Why Consider a Second-Generation Space?
1. Lower Upfront Investment
Choosing a second-generation restaurant space can make opening a Little Greek Fresh Grill significantly more affordable than a traditional buildout. Because these sites often already include essentials like ventilation, plumbing, and kitchen infrastructure, the upfront investment is dramatically reduced.
While every location is unique, many second-generation opportunities require significantly less than a traditional ground-up build, with some projects beginning in the low-to-mid six-figure range. In select cases, total investment has started as low as approximately $145,000, depending on the condition of the existing space, equipment already installed, and local permitting requirements.
2. Faster Opening Timeline
3. Ideal for First-Time Franchisees
New operators often find second-gen spaces less overwhelming because:
- Fewer construction decisions
- Lower financial risk
- A clearer picture of the layout
Often located in proven retail areas
4. Access to Better Locations
5. Environmentally and Economically Efficient
How to Find a Second-Generation Space
Little Greek franchisees are responsible for securing their own location, but we are here to help guide the process. Good second-generation spaces can be found by:
- Partnering with a commercial real estate broker
- Searching retail centers with recently closed restaurants
- Reviewing listings for “restaurant space for lease”
- Touring neighborhoods to identify available locations
Once you identify potential sites, our Franchise Development and Operations teams will help evaluate the feasibility and layout for conversion into a Little Greek.
What to Look For in a Strong Second-Generation Space
A quality second-gen location typically includes:
- 1,300 to 1,800 sq ft.
- Adequate hood and HVAC systems
- A functional grease trap
- Existing plumbing (hand sinks, mop sinks, three-compartment sinks)
- Sufficient electrical capacity
- Space for a prep area and ordering line
- Walk-in cooler/freezer or room to add one
- Reasonable landlord TI (tenant improvement) terms
Even when the space needs updates, the savings compared to building from scratch are often substantial.
Is a Second-Generation Space Right for You?
A second-generation location may be ideal if you:
- Want a lower-cost entry into restaurant ownership
- Prefer a faster opening timeline
- Like the idea of reusing existing infrastructure
- Are open to flexible layouts
- Want a strong fast-casual franchise model with a lower investment
For many franchisees, this approach offers the best balance of affordability, speed, and long-term return.
