As someone who has owned their own restaurant, it really doesn't cost all that much, unless you build one from the ground up. That's where it gets pricey.

I took over mine from the previous owner for like $6500, with the building and equipment rented from the lousy landlord, but the location was lousy and when word of the war started rolling out, business never rebounded. Things have to be just right and rent for a good location is not cheap.

So, that being said, I'm juggling getting on at the BP refinery in Texas City or (I'm all but offical) being assistant manager at the local Whataburger to save travel costs and have a somewhat easy trip to school. If you keep your finances in check, you can eventually franchise within a handful of years.

Basically, after talking to the HR folks at the regional office Thursday, they seemed serious that I could be a district manager within a few years, if I wanted that. It beats the 90+ hour weeks running my own restaurant, which they liked knowing that I went through, but I pretty much felt like hanging myself during that time.

Honestly, I've known a few people who have gone the psych major route...not an easy degree to put to use. Then again, I have a PTech degree and ain't working in plants right now (you have to "know people"), but I do have that to fall back on.