Back Yard Burgers vs Whataburger Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Back Yard Burgers vs Whataburger including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Back Yard Burgers Franchise
Whataburger Franchise
Investment $465,000 - $1,680,000$1,200,000
Franchise Fee $35,000N/A
Royalty Fee 5%-
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 19861950
Year Franchised 19880
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee $1K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Back Yard Burgers Franchise
Whataburger Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Back Yard Burgers Franchise
    Whataburger Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Back Yard Burgers Franchise
    Whataburger Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, 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 advertising-
    Operations 60% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 35

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Back Yard Burgers Franchise
    Whataburger Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion No-

    Company Overviews

    About Back Yard Burgers

    What started as a premium quality burger sold in a grocery store in Cleveland, Mississippi in 1987 quickly caught fire. Lattimore "Lattie” Michael realized he had a recipe for success and thus opened the first Back Yard Burgers drive-thru restaurant. Customers flocked to it, eating up the fresh-grilled burgers, great conversation and the neighborly feel that reminded them of their backyard cookouts. A year later, Back Yard Burgers opened up in Tennessee and Florida. And the rest is delicious history.
    WHY BE A BACK YARD BURGERS FRANCHISEE?
    *Uniqueness - back yard flavor
    *A proven brand with a solid operating system
    *Growth free standing building
    *Unique development opportunities
    *Non universities, c-stores and professional sports
    *Strong positioning
    *Signature products
    *Persuasive, professional marketing
    *Operations support
    *Exclusive Territories

    About Whataburger

    A Great Company, A Great Burger. Those simple ideas have guided us through more than 70 years of Whataburger history, which began in 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger in Corpus Christi, Texas. From day one, Harmon believed that valuing his employees would ensure the success of the company, and he was right. What was once a two-man burger stand has grown to over 650 Whataburger locations across 10 states. We are an uncommon company within the burger industry, because we've never compromised the quality of our products and we genuinely respect our people. We are a family owned and operated company and everyone who works at Whataburger - from the home office to the restaurants - is referred to as a Family Member.

    Whataburger doesn’t demand any kind of royalty fee.