Smoothie King vs Hardee'sFranchise Comparison 2026
Smoothie King 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 | Smoothie King | Hardee's | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $25,000 | +20% |
| Total Investment (Low) | $295,000 | $1.4M | -79% |
| Total Investment (High) | $844,000 | $2.6M | -68% |
| Cash Required | $150,000 | $340,000 | -56% |
| Royalty Rate | 6.0% | 4.0% | Higher |
| Advertising Fee | 2.0% | 5.5% | Lower |
| Estimated Revenue | $620,000 | $1.2M | -50% |
| Number of Locations | 1,300 | 1,740 | Fewer |
| Year Founded | 1973 | 1960 | Newer |
| Training Duration | 2 weeks | 2 weeks | Same |
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 Smoothie King
Purpose-driven smoothies for health and fitness. Strong brand heritage and growing health-conscious consumer base.
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
Smoothie King requires a lower initial investment (avg $569,500) 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
Smoothie King has lower ongoing fees (8.0% 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 Smoothie King's 1,300. 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 Smoothie King vs Hardee's franchise?
Smoothie King requires an initial investment of $295,000 to $844,000, while Hardee's requires $1.4M to $2.6M. Smoothie King has the lower average investment at $569,500.
What are the ongoing fees for Smoothie King vs Hardee's?
Smoothie King charges a 6.0% royalty plus 2.0% advertising fee (8.0% total). Hardee's charges 4.0% royalty plus 5.5% advertising fee (9.5% total). Smoothie King has lower total ongoing fees.
Which franchise makes more money: Smoothie King or Hardee's?
Based on estimated average unit revenue, Hardee's generates $1.2M 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 Smoothie King have vs Hardee's?
Smoothie King has 1,300 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 Smoothie King or Hardee's a better franchise investment in 2026?
Both Smoothie King and Hardee's are established QSR brands with proven models. Smoothie King 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.
Stay Updated on Franchise Comparisons
Get detailed franchise cost analysis and investment insights delivered weekly.
QSR Intelligence Briefing
Daily insights on the QSR industry. No spam, just intelligence.