# Hardee's vs Carl's Jr.: Franchise Costs & Requirements

> Source: https://qsr.pro/compare/hardees-vs-carls-jr
> Publisher: QSR Pro


Compare Hardee's and Carl's Jr. published franchise requirements, availability and operating commitments, with direct sources and scope notes.

The figures describe different transactions and obligations. Read each source’s restaurant format, sales basis and exclusions before comparing amounts.

## Hardee's

**Opportunity:** The brand prefers multi-unit agreements; smaller agreements may be considered. Its requirements page still cites the 2024 FDD. United States; confirm the format and territory with the franchisor [Hardee's franchising requirements](https://hardeesfranchising.com/franchising.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.) [Hardee's franchise FAQ](https://hardeesfranchising.com/faq.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)

**Operating commitment:** The franchisee acquires the real estate and contracts construction, with site and design assistance from the brand. United States; confirm the format and territory with the franchisor [Hardee's franchising requirements](https://hardeesfranchising.com/franchising.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.) [Hardee's franchise FAQ](https://hardeesfranchising.com/faq.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)

- **Initial investment / development estimate:** $1,375,000–$2,637,395. Historical 2024 FDD web-summary estimate; per unit Current FDD terms have not been verified. This is not a 2026 estimate. [Hardee's franchising requirements](https://hardeesfranchising.com/franchising.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Initial franchise fee:** Confirm conflicting sources. United States Requirements page gives $25,000–$35,000 by restaurant count; undated FAQ gives $25,000. Confirm current terms. [Hardee's franchising requirements](https://hardeesfranchising.com/franchising.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.) [Hardee's franchise FAQ](https://hardeesfranchising.com/faq.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Separate development fee:** $10,000. Per restaurant; listed separately from franchise fee  [Hardee's franchise FAQ](https://hardeesfranchising.com/faq.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Liquid capital / personal funds:** $300,000. Minimum liquid assets per unit; historical 2024 web summary Confirm current FDD requirements. [Hardee's franchising requirements](https://hardeesfranchising.com/franchising.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Net worth:** $1,000,000. Minimum net worth per unit; historical 2024 web summary Confirm current FDD requirements. [Hardee's franchising requirements](https://hardeesfranchising.com/franchising.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Royalty / service fee:** 4%. Percentage of gross sales  [Hardee's franchise FAQ](https://hardeesfranchising.com/faq.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Advertising / marketing contribution:** Confirm conflicting sources. United States Requirements page says up to 7%; FAQ says 5.5% of gross sales. Confirm current national, regional and local obligations. [Hardee's franchising requirements](https://hardeesfranchising.com/franchising.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.) [Hardee's franchise FAQ](https://hardeesfranchising.com/faq.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)

[Read the Hardee's cost guide](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/hardees)

## Carl's Jr.

**Opportunity:** The brand prefers multi-unit agreements; smaller agreements may be considered. Its requirements page still cites the 2024 FDD. United States; confirm the format and territory with the franchisor [Carl's Jr. franchising requirements](https://www.carlsjrfranchising.com/franchising.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.) [Carl's Jr. franchise FAQ](https://www.carlsjrfranchising.com/faq.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)

**Operating commitment:** The franchisee acquires the real estate and contracts construction, with site and design assistance from the brand. United States; confirm the format and territory with the franchisor [Carl's Jr. franchising requirements](https://www.carlsjrfranchising.com/franchising.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.) [Carl's Jr. franchise FAQ](https://www.carlsjrfranchising.com/faq.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)

- **Initial investment / development estimate:** $1,486,000–$3,176,500. Historical 2024 FDD web-summary estimate; per unit Current FDD terms have not been verified. This is not a 2026 estimate. [Carl's Jr. franchising requirements](https://www.carlsjrfranchising.com/franchising.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Initial franchise fee:** Confirm conflicting sources. United States Requirements page gives $25,000–$35,000 by restaurant count; undated FAQ gives $25,000. Confirm current terms. [Carl's Jr. franchising requirements](https://www.carlsjrfranchising.com/franchising.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.) [Carl's Jr. franchise FAQ](https://www.carlsjrfranchising.com/faq.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Separate development fee:** $10,000. Per restaurant; listed separately from franchise fee  [Carl's Jr. franchise FAQ](https://www.carlsjrfranchising.com/faq.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Liquid capital / personal funds:** $300,000. Minimum liquid assets per unit; historical 2024 web summary Confirm current FDD requirements. [Carl's Jr. franchising requirements](https://www.carlsjrfranchising.com/franchising.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Net worth:** $1,000,000. Minimum net worth per unit; historical 2024 web summary Confirm current FDD requirements. [Carl's Jr. franchising requirements](https://www.carlsjrfranchising.com/franchising.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Royalty / service fee:** 4%. Percentage of gross sales  [Carl's Jr. franchise FAQ](https://www.carlsjrfranchising.com/faq.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)
- **Advertising / marketing contribution:** Confirm conflicting sources. United States Requirements page says up to 7%; FAQ says 5.5% of gross sales. Confirm current national, regional and local obligations. [Carl's Jr. franchising requirements](https://www.carlsjrfranchising.com/franchising.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.) [Carl's Jr. franchise FAQ](https://www.carlsjrfranchising.com/faq.php) (Source reviewed 2026-10-01; this is not the source publication date.)

[Read the Carl's Jr. cost guide](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/carls-jr)

These requirements do not establish restaurant sales, owner earnings or payback.