Hardee's vs The Counter Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Hardee's Franchise
The Counter Franchise
Investment $1,454,000 - $2,046,000$711,133 - $1,939,750
Franchise Fee $25,000 - $35,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 4%6%
Advertising Fee 5.5%2%
Year Founded 19612003
Year Franchised 19622005
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee Varies-


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

    Training & Support
     
    Hardee's Franchise
    The Counter Franchise
    Training Available at franchisee's location, 8 weeks management training & at grand opening On-The-Job Training: 964 hours Classroom Training: 164 hours
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingCo-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    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.

    		 Absentee Ownership Allowed

    Expansion Plans
     
    Hardee's Franchise
    The Counter Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    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 The Counter

    Our premium build-your-own burger experience offers over 312,000+ combinations, a modern industrial design and unique beers and wines. gourmet hamburger franchise franchising Featured in GQ magazine as "One of the 20 Hamburgers to eat before you die" and "Best Burger" on OPRAH, we are awarding area development agreements throughout the USA to multi-unit operators that qualify. We have more than 75+ stores currently in development throughout the U.S. We're looking for franchisees that would only consider a Custom Built Life by investing in a spirited brand that reflects a part of who you are and what you believe in. Join our effort to own the premium gourmet burger segment and let's have a good time doing it.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of The Counter franchise ranges from $724,133 to $1,939,750 for a traditional restaurant franchise and between $711,133 to $1,924,750 for a non-traditional restaurant. This includes $38,000 to $47,500 for a traditional and $25,000 to $32,500 for a
    non-traditional restaurant that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
    Veteran Incentives 20% off franchise fee