Carl's Jr vs Fatburger Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
	Carl's Jr Franchise	Fatburger Franchise
Investment	$1,603,000 - $2,168,000	$498,100 - $850,600
Franchise Fee	$25,000 - $35,000	$50,000
Royalty Fee	4%	6%
Advertising Fee	6%	2%
Year Founded	1945	1952
Year Franchised	1984	1990
Term Of Agreement	20 years	5 Year
Term Of Agreement	20 years	5 Year
Renewal Fee	Varies	-
Business Experience Requirements
	Carl's Jr Franchise	Fatburger Franchise
Experience	Industry experience General business experience Preferable operational experience in a restaurant, but will consider people who have owned their own business	* Net Worth: $1,500,000.00 * Liquidity: $500,000.00 * For multi-unit deals, must meet all FCCR and capital requirements * Financial resources to support the business with debt/equity when necessary * Ability to develop additional restaurants (if required) * Excellent personal/professional and financial references * Clear credit and criminal background checks * Leadership standing in the community through participation with civic organizations * Understands the “business of running the business” * Sound business management skills * Mid-level entrepreneur spirit * Demonstrates leadership skills * Ability to manage and direct human resources under a proven system * Has an understanding of how to develop leadership skills on his/her team * Demonstrates a strong work ethic and a high level of integrity * Customer focused and responsive to customer needs * Possesses a strong decision-making ability * Effective communication skills * Ability to follow directions * Has a passion and enthusiasm for the business * Interested in working in a fast-paced and highly charged industry * Possesses a drive and desire to succeed
Financing Options
	Carl's Jr Franchise	Fatburger Franchise
	In-House/3rd Party	In-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees	No/No	-/-
Start-up Costs	No/No	-/-
Equipment	No/No	-/-
Inventory	No/No	-/-
Receivables	No/No	-/-
Payroll	No/No	-/-
Training & Support
	Carl's Jr Franchise	Fatburger Franchise
Training	Available at franchisee's location, 12 weeks of management training & at grand opening	-Proper training is absolutely essential for maintaining a successful operation while maintaining the consistency and integrity of the Fatburger operation and brand. To that end, Fatburger sets rigorous standards for staff development. -Fatburger provides its franchisees with a detailed and comprehensive curriculum outlining how to operate their Fatburger business. Franchisees will receive thorough instructions in: Restaurant Operations Restaurant Management Safety and Health Local Store Marketing Site Selection -Every franchisee receives a set of Fatburger manuals containing the entire training program. These can be kept on hand for reference to direct your daily operations. They provide quick and convenient information -- answering franchisees questions regarding all operating procedures. -Following the development of the new site, Fatburger assists franchisees in planning their grand opening. When franchisees open their doors, the Fatburger corporate operations team will be there to make sure the grand opening is a successful one.
Support	Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives	When franchisees join the Fatburger family, they receive the support provided by an organization committed to their success. Fatburger franchisees will also benefit from the experience of a professional management team. Fatburger has developed an effective, systematic process to get our franchisees up and running quickly. That includes architecture and design support, operational support, purchasing support, equipment selection support, training and recruitment support, advertising and marketing support, and real estate support.
Marketing	Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising	-No business can be successful without creative advertising and an intelligent marketing plan. To continually attract a diverse customer base, Fatburger advertising must react faster, be more daring, more innovative, and more focused on the specific community in which each location is situated. Fatburger's past experience has shown this is the only proven method to stay ahead of the competition. -Fatburger's flair for creative advertising and marketing sets us apart from other restaurants. The distinctive history, the L.A. roots, the world famous cooked-to-order burger, and the look and sound of the restaurants, all provide great opportunities for innovative marketing.
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.	-
Expansion Plans
	Carl's Jr Franchise	Fatburger Franchise
US Expansion	Yes	-
Canada Expansion	No	-
International Expansion	Yes	-

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.

#202 in Franchise 500 for 2021.

About Fatburger

The now famous Fatburger Restaurant had humble beginnings many years ago in the spotless kitchen of Ms. Lovie Yancey. Her guests enjoyed her hamburgers so much that she was encouraged to share her unique recipe with the world. Ms. Yancey took their advice and opened her first restaurant in Los Angeles, in 1952. She called this restaurant "Fatburger," while her loyal customers called it, "The Last Great Hamburger Stand." Now, over 60 years later, the red and yellow sign still holds the same promise. A promise to serve customers a great hamburger prepared fresh daily at every location. Customers will never find a frozen or prefabricated Fatburger in our restaurants.

At Fatburger, we are proud to say that word of mouth has filled our restaurants for over 60 years. Demographically, our appeal is limitless. Our customers come from every walk of life, mirroring the diversity of every community in which we are located. Teenagers, families with young children, singles, senior citizens, and people from all income levels, and ethnic backgrounds love a great burger. They tell their friends and associates about the superb homemade taste, spotless surroundings, friendly atmosphere and courteous service that they experience at Fatburger Restaurants