Blaze Pizza vs Hardee'sFranchise Comparison 2026
Blaze Pizza and Hardee's represent two different approaches in the QSR space. Here's how they compare on investment costs, fees, revenue potential, and market presence.
Quick Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Blaze Pizza | Hardee's | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $25,000 | +20% |
| Total Investment (Low) | $350,000 | $1.4M | -75% |
| Total Investment (High) | $850,000 | $2.6M | -68% |
| Cash Required | $250,000 | $340,000 | -26% |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 4.0% | Higher |
| Advertising Fee | 1.0% | 5.5% | Lower |
| Estimated Revenue | $850,000 | $1.2M | -31% |
| Number of Locations | 340 | 1,740 | Fewer |
| Year Founded | 2011 | 1960 | Newer |
| Training Duration | 3 weeks | 2 weeks | Longer |
Note: Data sourced from public FDD filings and industry reports. Actual costs vary by location, real estate, and format. Always review current FDD Item 7 and Item 19 disclosures before making investment decisions.
Detailed Analysis
About Blaze Pizza
Fast-fire'd artisan pizzas with unlimited toppings. Fast-casual positioning with build-your-own model similar to Chipotle.
About Hardee's
Legacy QSR brand in the Midwest and Southeast known for charbroiled burgers and biscuit-based breakfast. Part of CKE Restaurants.
Investment Comparison
Blaze Pizza requires a lower initial investment (avg $600,000) compared to Hardee's(avg $2.0M), making it more accessible for first-time franchisees. However, Hardee's may offer higher revenue potential.
Fee Structure
Blaze Pizza has lower ongoing fees (6.0% total) compared to Hardee's(9.5% total), which means more of each sales dollar stays with the franchisee. Over time, this can significantly impact profitability.
Market Position
Hardee's has a significantly larger footprint with 1,740 locations compared to Blaze Pizza's 340. This larger network typically means better brand recognition, more purchasing power, and stronger operational support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Blaze Pizza vs Hardee's franchise?
Blaze Pizza requires an initial investment of $350,000 to $850,000, while Hardee's requires $1.4M to $2.6M. Blaze Pizza has the lower average investment at $600,000.
What are the ongoing fees for Blaze Pizza vs Hardee's?
Blaze Pizza charges a 5.0% royalty plus 1.0% advertising fee (6.0% total). Hardee's charges 4.0% royalty plus 5.5% advertising fee (9.5% total). Blaze Pizza has lower total ongoing fees.
Which franchise makes more money: Blaze Pizza or Hardee's?
Based on estimated average unit revenue, Hardee's generates $1.2M per location compared to $850,000 for Blaze Pizza. However, profitability depends on many factors including local market, operating costs, and management.
How many locations does Blaze Pizza have vs Hardee's?
Blaze Pizza has 340 locations, while Hardee's has 1,740 locations. Hardee's has the larger footprint, which typically means stronger brand recognition and supply chain advantages.
Is Blaze Pizza or Hardee's a better franchise investment in 2026?
Both Blaze Pizza and Hardee's are established QSR brands with proven models. Blaze Pizza offers a lower entry point, while Hardee's shows higher average revenue. The best choice depends on your available capital, local market conditions, and personal goals. Always review the current FDD before making investment decisions.
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