The Taco Maker vs Sonic Drive In Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of The Taco Maker vs Sonic Drive In including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
Investment |
$221,000 - $400,000 | $1,242,000 - $3,523,300 |
Franchise Fee |
$19,000 - $29,000 | $45,000 |
Royalty Fee |
5% | 2.45-5% |
Advertising Fee |
- | 3% |
Year Founded |
1978 | 1954 |
Year Franchised |
1978 | 1959 |
Term Of Agreement |
15 years | 20 years |
Term Of Agreement |
15 years | 20 years |
Renewal Fee |
$5K | 10 years for $6K |
Business Experience Requirements |
Experience |
Industry experience General business experience | Industry experience General business experience If no industry experience, must have an operating equity partner |
Financing Options |
|
In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party |
Franchise Fees |
No/Yes | No/Yes |
Start-up Costs |
No/Yes | No/Yes |
Equipment |
No/Yes | No/Yes |
Inventory |
No/Yes | No/Yes |
Receivables |
No/No | No/Yes |
Payroll |
No/No | No/Yes |
Training & Support |
Training |
- | On-The-Job Training: 400 hours
Classroom Training: 24 hours
Additional Training: At existing franchise location
|
Support |
Newsletter, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings/Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security/Safety Procedures
Field Operations
Franchisee Intranet Platform
|
Marketing |
Co-op advertising, National media | Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social media
SEO
Email marketing
Loyalty program/app
|
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) |
International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 60% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 25
Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. |
Expansion Plans |
US Expansion |
- | Yes |
Canada Expansion |
No | No |
International Expansion |
Yes | No |
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 Sonic Drive In
Sonic Industries Inc. was founded in 1973. In 1974, Sonic acquired the name 'Sonic Drive-In' from Troy Smith, Sr., and began franchising. Smith used his more than 15 years of experience in the restaurant business to develop and operate the Sonic franchise program. A wholly owned subsidiary of Sonic Corp., the company is based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and has locations throughout the United States. The company's storefronts recently got a facelift to give them a 'retro-futuristic' look.
Your estimated initial investment necessary to begin operation of a
Traditional Sonic Drive-In franchise ranges from approximately
$1,242,200 to $3,537,700 plus land costs and includes the $45,000
franchise fee that must be paid to Sonic.
Your estimated initial
investment necessary to begin operation of a Non-Traditional Sonic
franchise ranges from approximately $361,900 to $978,700 and includes
the $22,500 franchise fee that must be paid to Sonic.
#91 on Franchise Rankings.com
#4 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#28 in Franchise 500 for 2021.