Compare QSR FranchisesSide-by-Side Cost & Investment Analysis
Compare franchise costs, investment requirements, royalty fees, and revenue across 17 major QSR brands. Find the right franchise fit for your budget and goals.
Popular Comparisons
Most-searched franchise comparisons in the QSR industry.
McDonald's vs Chick-fil-A
Subway vs Jimmy John's
Taco Bell vs Chipotle
Dunkin' vs Starbucks
Burger King vs Wendy's
KFC vs Popeyes
Domino's vs Pizza Hut
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Compare franchises within the same category to find the best fit.
burger Franchises
McDonald's
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Wendy's
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Burger King
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Sonic Drive-In
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Five Guys
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chicken Franchises
Chick-fil-A
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KFC
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Popeyes
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Wingstop
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sandwich Franchises
Subway
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Jimmy John's
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Jersey Mike's
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Arby's
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mexican Franchises
Taco Bell
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coffee Franchises
Dunkin'
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pizza Franchises
Quick Reference: All Franchises
| Brand | Category | Investment | Fee | Royalty | Est. Revenue | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chick-fil-A | chicken | $1.6M | $10,000 | 15.0% | $8.1M | 3,059 |
| McDonald's | burger | $1.8M | $45,000 | 4.0% | $2.9M | 40,275 |
| Taco Bell | mexican | $2.0M | $45,000 | 5.5% | $1.9M | 8,564 |
| Wendy's | burger | $2.4M | $50,000 | 4.0% | $1.8M | 5,900 |
| Popeyes | chicken | $1.5M | $50,000 | 5.0% | $1.8M | 3,705 |
| Wingstop | chicken | $635,000 | $20,000 | 6.0% | $1.6M | 2,100 |
| Sonic Drive-In | burger | $2.4M | $45,000 | 4.0% | $1.5M | 3,500 |
| Burger King | burger | $1.8M | $50,000 | 4.5% | $1.4M | 7,000 |
| Five Guys | burger | $473,500 | $25,000 | 6.0% | $1.4M | 1,700 |
| KFC | chicken | $2.0M | $45,000 | 5.0% | $1.2M | 3,900 |
| Jersey Mike's | sandwich | $482,500 | $18,500 | 6.5% | $1.2M | 2,800 |
| Dunkin' | coffee | $1.1M | $40,000 | 5.9% | $1.1M | 9,630 |
| Jimmy John's | sandwich | $444,000 | $35,000 | 6.0% | $1.1M | 2,800 |
| Domino's | pizza | $370,500 | $25,000 | 5.5% | $1.1M | 6,929 |
| Arby's | sandwich | $1.4M | $37,500 | 4.0% | $1.1M | 3,400 |
| Pizza Hut | pizza | $1.1M | $25,000 | 6.0% | $900,000 | 6,400 |
| Subway | sandwich | $189,500 | $15,000 | 8.0% | $490,000 | 20,133 |
How to Compare Franchises
Choosing a franchise is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. Our comparison tool helps you understand the key differences between brands so you can make an informed decision.
What to Look For
- Initial Investment: The total capital required to open, including franchise fee, construction, equipment, and working capital. Make sure you can afford not just the low end, but closer to the high end.
- Ongoing Fees: Royalty and advertising fees eat into your profit margin. A brand with 10% total fees keeps $10K less per $100K in sales compared to a 5% brand. Over time, this compounds significantly.
- Estimated Revenue: Higher revenue doesn't always mean higher profit, but it's a strong indicator of unit economics and brand strength. Look for Item 19 in the FDD for actual franchisee earnings.
- Number of Locations: More locations usually means better brand recognition, stronger supply chain, and stronger support infrastructure. But smaller brands can offer more flexibility and growth opportunity.
Important Note
These comparisons are based on public FDD data and industry estimates. Actual costs and revenues vary significantly by location, operator experience, and market conditions. Always review the current FDD and speak with existing franchisees before making investment decisions.
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