Hardee's vs Krystal Restaurants Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Hardee's Franchise
Krystal Restaurants Franchise
Investment $1,454,000 - $2,046,000$900,000 - $1,300,000
Franchise Fee $25,000 - $35,000$32,500
Royalty Fee 4%4.5%
Advertising Fee 5.5%-
Year Founded 19611932
Year Franchised 19621990
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Renewal Fee Varies$8.1K


Business Experience Requirements
 
Hardee's Franchise
Krystal Restaurants 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
    Krystal Restaurants Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Hardee's Franchise
    Krystal Restaurants 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, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad 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.

    		 Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 94% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 30

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Hardee's Franchise
    Krystal Restaurants Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    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 Krystal Restaurants

    The Krystal Company is the oldest quick service restaurant chain in the South and the second oldest in the United States. The Chattanooga-based company currently has more than 450 restaurants in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Founded in 1932, Krystal restaurants have become more than sparkling-clean eateries where friendly employees serve up fresh, delicious food. Krystal has become a cultural icon and an experience that virtually every man, woman and child in the South has shared. Nearly everyone in the region has a Krystal memory. The Krystal brand, and the great food, service, value and setting which it represents, has taken a prominent place in the South's cultural landscape.