The Taco Maker vs Carl's Jr Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of The Taco Maker vs Carl's Jr including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
The Taco Maker Franchise
Carl's Jr Franchise
Investment $221,000 - $400,000$1,603,000 - $2,168,000
Franchise Fee $19,000 - $29,000$25,000 - $35,000
Royalty Fee 5%4%
Advertising Fee -6%
Year Founded 19781945
Year Franchised 19781984
Term Of Agreement 15 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 15 years20 years
Renewal Fee $5KVaries


Business Experience Requirements
 
The Taco Maker Franchise
Carl's Jr Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Preferable operational experience in a restaurant, but will consider people who have owned their own business
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    Financing Options
     
    The Taco Maker Franchise
    Carl's Jr Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    The Taco Maker Franchise
    Carl's Jr Franchise
    Training -Available at franchisee's location, 12 weeks of management training & at grand opening
    Support Newsletter, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, National mediaCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 30% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 35

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		 Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 100% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed.

    Expansion Plans
     
    The Taco Maker Franchise
    Carl's Jr Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About The Taco Maker

    After gaining valuable experience in successfully developing a large franchise system, Gil L. Craig founded
    The Taco Maker Inc. in 1968. Based in Ogden, Utah, The Taco Maker franchise system has locations in the United States, Latin America, Western Europe, and the Far and Middle East. Franchise sites include traditional freestanding buildings and mall food courts as well as the Express program, which complements
    The Taco Maker's co-branding relationship with companies including Blimpie and selected service station chains. Now seeking motivated, outgoing individuals looking to franchise and become a part of a fast growing community. We offer a winning combination of food brands that include The Taco Maker, Jake's Over the Top, and Mayan Juice - all available as part of the same outlet. We have locations in a variety of outlet types, with design formats to meet almost every need. Our facilities are designed to reflect specific motifs with state-of-the-art materials and equipment. All of this sets us apart from the competition. The creation of fine foods starts with kitchen and production lines that are clean and organized in such a way as to encourage efficiency and minimize waste. Franchise Opportunities are Available! The diversity of our multiple-brand outlets makes them the most successful opportunities available. Single-concept outlets are available when restrictive elements exist because of covenants or prior exclusivity on competing products. We have the ability to go into spaces from 400 square feet to 3500 square feet in traditional freestanding units, convenience stores, shopping malls, food courts, airports, and in-line strip centers, all of which have all proven their success.

    About Carl's Jr

    Carl's Jr. is known all through the Western U.S. as the place to go for premium quality burgers, specifically its 100% Angus hamburger Six Dollar Burger line.

    At Hardee's® and Carl's Jr.® our brand sets us apart from the competition. Our advertisements are created to be so bold and memorable that they've been known to crash internet video servers. Our taglines deliver bold statements and our visuals are designed to keep viewers wanting more. EAT LIKE YOU MEAN IT.

    Hardee's® and Carl's Jr.® have a strong track record of successfully developing new premium products to lead the category in taste, quality, and innovation. As an industry leader, we have consistently out-delivered all other quick-service restaurants in product development since our founding. Staying on top requires that we continue to lead the way in the products we serve through taste, quality, and innovation.


    ""  "Entrepreneur

    #100 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #202 in Franchise 500 for 2021.