Carl's Jr vs CRAVE Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Carl's Jr Franchise
CRAVE Franchise
Investment $1,603,000 - $2,168,000$157,900 - $453,500
Franchise Fee $25,000 - $35,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 4%6%
Advertising Fee 6%2%
Year Founded 19452018
Year Franchised 19842018
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee Varies-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Carl's Jr Franchise
CRAVE Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Preferable operational experience in a restaurant, but will consider people who have owned their own business
    		• $100,000 Liquid Capital

    Financing Options
     
    Carl's Jr Franchise
    CRAVE Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-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
    CRAVE Franchise
    Training Available at franchisee's location, 12 weeks of management training & at grand openingOngoing Training Programs
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesReal Estate Assistance Marketing Assistance Operational Support Systems in Place
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, 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.

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Carl's Jr Franchise
    CRAVE 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.


    ""  "Entrepreneur

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




    About CRAVE

    Crave began in 2018 and are unique and trendy fast casual BBQ and Hot Dog Joints, that offer BBQ sandwiches and sliders along with 100% All Beef Hot Dogs, Brats and Sausages grilled to perfection. You can top it anyway you like, with our array of toppings and of course add one of our delicious sides, such as baked fries or coleslaw. Crave also features a Self Serve Beer Wall! Customers can choose from the many beer options, as well as wine and cider. As much or little as you choose, it’s up to YOU!