Moe's Southwest Grill vs Smoothie KingFranchise Comparison 2026
Moe's Southwest Grill and Smoothie King 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 | Moe's Southwest Grill | Smoothie King | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $30,000 | 0% |
| Total Investment (Low) | $350,000 | $295,000 | +19% |
| Total Investment (High) | $710,000 | $844,000 | -16% |
| Cash Required | $250,000 | $150,000 | +67% |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 6.0% | Lower |
| Advertising Fee | 3.0% | 2.0% | Higher |
| Estimated Revenue | $920,000 | $620,000 | +48% |
| Number of Locations | 720 | 1,300 | Fewer |
| Year Founded | 2000 | 1973 | Newer |
| Training Duration | 4 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 Moe's Southwest Grill
Fresh Tex-Mex with free chips and salsa. Part of Focus Brands. Strong unit economics and operational simplicity.
About Smoothie King
Purpose-driven smoothies for health and fitness. Strong brand heritage and growing health-conscious consumer base.
Investment Comparison
Moe's Southwest Grill requires a lower initial investment (avg $530,000) compared to Smoothie King(avg $569,500), making it more accessible for first-time franchisees. However, Smoothie King may offer similar revenue potential.
Fee Structure
Both brands have similar ongoing fee structures (8.0% total), so the difference in profitability will primarily come from top-line revenue, operating efficiency, and local market conditions.
Market Position
Smoothie King has a significantly larger footprint with 1,300 locations compared to Moe's Southwest Grill's 720. 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 Moe's Southwest Grill vs Smoothie King franchise?
Moe's Southwest Grill requires an initial investment of $350,000 to $710,000, while Smoothie King requires $295,000 to $844,000. Moe's Southwest Grill has the lower average investment at $530,000.
What are the ongoing fees for Moe's Southwest Grill vs Smoothie King?
Moe's Southwest Grill charges a 5.0% royalty plus 3.0% advertising fee (8.0% total). Smoothie King charges 6.0% royalty plus 2.0% advertising fee (8.0% total). Smoothie King has lower total ongoing fees.
Which franchise makes more money: Moe's Southwest Grill or Smoothie King?
Based on estimated average unit revenue, Moe's Southwest Grill generates $920,000 per location compared to $620,000 for Smoothie King. However, profitability depends on many factors including local market, operating costs, and management.
How many locations does Moe's Southwest Grill have vs Smoothie King?
Moe's Southwest Grill has 720 locations, while Smoothie King has 1,300 locations. Smoothie King has the larger footprint, which typically means stronger brand recognition and supply chain advantages.
Is Moe's Southwest Grill or Smoothie King a better franchise investment in 2026?
Both Moe's Southwest Grill and Smoothie King are established QSR brands with proven models. Moe's Southwest Grill offers a lower entry point, while Moe's Southwest Grill 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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