Carl's Jr vs Chicken Delight Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Carl's Jr Franchise
Chicken Delight Franchise
Investment $1,603,000 - $2,168,000$428,900 - $603,100
Franchise Fee $25,000 - $35,000$20,000
Royalty Fee 4%5%
Advertising Fee 6%4%
Year Founded 19451952
Year Franchised 19841952
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Renewal Fee VariesLegal fees (to be determined)


Business Experience Requirements

 
Carl's Jr Franchise
Chicken Delight Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Preferable operational experience in a restaurant, but will consider people who have owned their own business

  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Carl's Jr Franchise
    Chicken Delight Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
    Equipment No/NoNo/No
    Inventory No/NoNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Carl's Jr Franchise
    Chicken Delight Franchise
    Training Available at franchisee's location, 12 weeks of management training & at grand opening-
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesGrand opening, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingAd slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 100% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed.

    2% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (99% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Carl's Jr Franchise
    Chicken Delight Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    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.




    About Chicken Delight

    When Al Tunick bought some deep fryers from a company that was going out of business, he didn't quite know what to do with them. With the help of some friends, Tunick began experimenting, trying to cook different foods in the fryers. The entrepreneur found his answer in chicken, and in 1952, Chicken Delight was born. The company quickly expanded throughout the United States and first moved into Canada in 1958.
    Winnipeg entrepreneur Otto Koch purchased his first Chicken Delight franchise in 1969. Seeing the potential of the chain in Canada, Koch built and acquired additional franchise locations and in 1976 bought Chicken Delight of Canada Ltd. By providing quality service and cleanliness, the Canadian operation prospered. This success led to Koch’s acquisition of the U.S. and International arm - Chicken Delight International Inc. in 1979. For the first time the total Chicken Delight system was under one roof. Otto Koch passed away in December 2010 - but that wasn’t the end for Chicken Delight. Winnipeg couple Jim and Nadine Cartman became the new owners of Chicken Delight in June 2012. Under their leadership, Chicken Delight is now undergoing a brand refresh with focus on renovating existing stores, adding new menu items and improving customer service.
    The Cartmans and their team keep a close eye on the marketplace and are constantly looking to expand Chicken Delight through franchising.
    Learn more about franchising
    Chicken Delight features a menu of fried chicken, pizza and ribs for dine-in, delivery and takeout.

    Don't Cook Tonight, Call Chicken Delight!