Hardee's vs Steak n Shake Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Hardee's Franchise
Steak n Shake Franchise
Investment $1,454,000 - $2,046,000$672,000 - $1,835,000
Franchise Fee $25,000 - $35,000$25,000 - $40,000
Royalty Fee 4%5.5%
Advertising Fee 5.5%-
Year Founded 19611934
Year Franchised 19621945
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee Varies-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Hardee's Franchise
Steak n Shake Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Preferable operational experience in a restaurant, but will consider people who have owned their own business
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    Financing Options
     
    Hardee's Franchise
    Steak n Shake Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
    Equipment No/NoNo/No
    Inventory No/NoNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Hardee's Franchise
    Steak n Shake 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 cooperatives� Unparalleled Operations Support - A Steak n Shake Manager of Field Operations will help you open your restaurant and will be available for consultation with day-to-day operations. To help ensure a smooth restaurant opening experience, Steak n Shake will provide your first training hours via seasoned Steak n Shake trainers/staff. You will also receive our Operating Standards System, Manager-in-Training and Management Development Programs. Through your Manager of Field Operations, you will have the multi-functional resources of the Steak n Shake Company working on your behalf.
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising� World Class Marketing - The Steak n Shake marketing is directed toward building brand loyalty and is not price-driven or reliant on low price discounting. Steak n Shake's television and print marketing are product-benefit directed, showing why Steak n Shake is superior to fast food alternatives with a fun, irreverent, tongue-in-cheek humorous approach. Sample television spots are available on this website for your viewing pleasure. The Marketing System is user-friendly and designed for the success of Franchisees.
    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.

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    Expansion Plans
     
    Hardee's Franchise
    Steak n Shake 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

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    #269 in Franchise 500 for 2021.






    About Steak n Shake

    Benefits of Franchising The benefits of franchising with Steak n Shake can't be duplicated:
    * Proven Concept - The Steak n Shake concept has withstood all types of economic circumstances and continually emerged stronger and stronger.
    * Growing - Since 1996, Steak n Shake system-wide sales have grown from $268 million to $549 million. In the past decade, the chain has doubled in size.
    * Huge, Untapped Development Potential - Steak n Shake currently operates over 490 restaurants in just 20 states. Looking ahead, we forecast that Steak n Shake has the potential to develop over 1,000 units nationwide.
    * Unique Niche Positioning - There is no single offering that is a head-on alternative to our restaurant concept. Steak n Shake serves a distinct niche in the mid-scale, casual dining segment of the restaurant industry.
    * Core Products that Generate a Strong Loyal Following - The core of the Steak n Shake menu includes STEAKBURGERS, thin and crispy French Fries, Chili, and Hand-dipped Milk Shakes.
    * Product Development - Steak n Shake has a pipeline of new products that build on core products consumers love. Recent innovations have included new Side-by-Side Milkshakes and Sippable Sundaes.

    Future innovations will include more milkshake innovation, burger news, and health conscious offerings. All of these benefits equal a great chance at success in the restaurant business. The only thing missing is you.