Carl's Jr vs Dave's Hot Chicken Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Carl's Jr Franchise
Dave's Hot Chicken Franchise
Investment $1,603,000 - $2,168,000$419,800 - $2,386,500
Franchise Fee $25,000 - $35,000N/A
Royalty Fee 4%-
Advertising Fee 6%-
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
Dave's Hot Chicken Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Preferable operational experience in a restaurant, but will consider people who have owned their own business
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Carl's Jr Franchise
    Dave's Hot Chicken 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
    Dave's Hot Chicken 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 cooperatives-
    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
    Dave's Hot Chicken Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoYes
    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 Dave's Hot Chicken

    "Daves

    From its humble beginnings as a parking lot pop-up to a brick and mortar sensation with lines consistently around the block, Dave's can't keep up from its throngs of hot chicken fanatics. Dave's Hot Chicken is currently seeking experienced multi-unit restaurant operators. Prime territories are available throughout the country.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Dave’s Hot Chicken Restaurant (including non-traditional Restaurants) franchised business is between $419,800 and $861,500. This includes $30,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate(s).
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Dave’s Hot Chicken Restaurant franchised business that has a drive-thru and pickup window is between $1,102,800 and $2,386,500. This includes $30,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate(s).
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of two Dave’s Hot Chicken Restaurants under an Area Development franchised business is between $839,600 and $4,773,000. This includes $60,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate(s).
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of ten Dave’s Hot Chicken Restaurants under an Area Development franchised business is between $4,198,000 and $23,865,000. This includes between $300,000 and $335,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate(s).