Hardee's vs Nathan's Famous Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Hardee's Franchise
Nathan's Famous Franchise
Investment $1,454,000 - $2,046,000$43,000 - $1,071,360
Franchise Fee $25,000 - $35,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 4%5.5%
Advertising Fee 5.5%2%
Year Founded 19611916
Year Franchised 19621988
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Renewal Fee Varies50% of franchise fee


Business Experience Requirements
 
Hardee's Franchise
Nathan's Famous Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Preferable operational experience in a restaurant, but will consider people who have owned their own business

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Hardee's Franchise
    Nathan's Famous Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoYes/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
    Equipment No/NoYes/No
    Inventory No/NoYes/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Hardee's Franchise
    Nathan's Famous Franchise
    Training Available at franchisee's location, 8 weeks management training & at grand opening-
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingCo-op 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.

    		 60% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 14

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (65% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Hardee's Franchise
    Nathan's Famous Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Hardee's

    Hardee's was founded in 1960 by Wilbur Hardee and has grown to more than 2,000 restaurants around the world. CKE Restaurants acquired Hardee's in 1997 and now, along side Carl's Jr., Hardee's is part of one powerful concept with two global banners. Hardee's is a platform for success for operators around the world. Over the years, Hardee's has continued its growth with an emphasis on quality, service, and cleanliness, pioneering concepts such as partial table service and self-serve beverage bars. The introduction of our Fresh Baked Buns™ in 2013 and our All Natural Burger™ in 2015 confirm our constant emphasis on product innovation and represent our focus on satisfying the tastes of young, hungry consumers.

    ""    "Entrepreneur

    "franchiserankingscom"
    #74 on Franchise Rankings.com
    #79 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #269 in Franchise 500 for 2021.






    About Nathan's Famous

    Franchising is a business concept that allows qualified investors to become part of an established, existing “system.” A good way to look at franchising is, you’re in business for yourself, but not by yourself. Strategically, this provides many benefits under a brand name that has consumer awareness and equity.
    Nathan’s has taken this basic premise and redefined it to exceed the most stringent business criteria of today’s investor.

    Nathan’s offers a wide range of restaurant designs and customized equipment, thereby offering business opportunities to qualified candidates regardless of space constraints or investment limitations.

    The estimated initial investment for a BMP Operation ranges from $43,000 to $86,300, including an initial license fee of $7,500. If you want to add an “Arthur Treacher’s” BMP Operation to your new or existing food service establishment, the additional estimated initial investment will be from $34,404 to $81,486, including an initial license fee of $7,500.

    "Top
    #78 in Gator's Top franchises
    #286 in Franchise 500 for 2020.