Staff Reports
The Veterans Affairs Department just made a smart, old‑fashioned move: team up with a private business to help veterans own shops and learn about their benefits. This is the kind of common‑sense policy conservatives cheer for — less red tape, more opportunity. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins put it plainly: the goal is to help veterans “achieve the American Dream.”
What the VA–Steak ’n Shake MOU actually does
The new memorandum of understanding between the Department of Veterans Affairs and Steak ’n Shake is simple and practical. Steak ’n Shake will waive a $10,000 fee under its Franchise Partner Program for qualified veterans who become owner‑operators. The chain also agreed to display VA materials about health care and benefits and to prioritize hiring veterans and VA beneficiaries for leadership roles.
Secretary Doug Collins framed the deal as translating respect into real opportunity, and Steak ’n Shake executive Michael Boes called it a way to turn respect for veterans into economic chance. Senator Jim Banks joined the conversation on Newsmax and praised the partnership and the broader pro‑veteran agenda under President Trump. No one is promising a silver bullet — this is a targeted step to lower a real cost barrier for would‑be veteran small‑business owners.
Why this matters for veteran business ownership
Franchise fee waivers are a proven tool to help veterans get into business. Many veterans have the skills and drive to run a store, diner, or service shop. The hard part is the up‑front capital. Cutting a five‑figure fee makes ownership more reachable. This is how private business and smart government work together: the VA points veterans to the help, and private firms open a path to jobs and profits.
But don’t confuse headlines with results
The VA rightly touts progress on opening clinics, cutting backlog, and increasing appointments, but those numbers come from the VA press release announcing the MOU. Reporters and citizens should ask for details: how many fee waivers will be offered, who qualifies, where the franchises will be, and how the VA will measure success. Good press releases are welcome. Real oversight and clear metrics are better. If the VA wants to win trust, it should publish the rollout plan and expected outcomes.
Bottom line: applaud, but watch closely
Credit where it’s due: Secretary Collins and Steak ’n Shake deserve applause for a low‑cost, high‑potential idea that helps veterans and strengthens communities. Conservatives should welcome public‑private deals that produce results instead of more paperwork. But applause is not a blank check. Veterans deserve clear rules, timelines, and outcomes. If the VA and Steak ’n Shake follow through, this could be a model for more partnerships that put veterans back in charge of their futures.
