Sonic Drive In vs Fatburger Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Sonic Drive In vs Fatburger including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Sonic Drive In Franchise
Fatburger Franchise
Investment $1,242,000 - $3,523,300$498,100 - $850,600
Franchise Fee $45,000$50,000
Royalty Fee 2.45-5%6%
Advertising Fee 3%2%
Year Founded 19541952
Year Franchised 19591990
Term Of Agreement 20 years5 Year
Term Of Agreement 20 years5 Year
Renewal Fee 10 years for $6K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Sonic Drive In Franchise
Fatburger Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • If no industry experience, must have an operating equity partner
    		• * Net Worth: $1,500,000.00 * Liquidity: $500,000.00 * For multi-unit deals, must meet all FCCR and capital requirements * Financial resources to support the business with debt/equity when necessary * Ability to develop additional restaurants (if required) * Excellent personal/professional and financial references * Clear credit and criminal background checks * Leadership standing in the community through participation with civic organizations * Understands the “business of running the business” * Sound business management skills * Mid-level entrepreneur spirit * Demonstrates leadership skills * Ability to manage and direct human resources under a proven system * Has an understanding of how to develop leadership skills on his/her team * Demonstrates a strong work ethic and a high level of integrity * Customer focused and responsive to customer needs * Possesses a strong decision-making ability * Effective communication skills * Ability to follow directions * Has a passion and enthusiasm for the business * Interested in working in a fast-paced and highly charged industry * Possesses a drive and desire to succeed

    Financing Options
     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    Fatburger 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/Yes-/-
    Payroll No/Yes-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    Fatburger Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 400 hours Classroom Training: 24 hours Additional Training: At existing franchise location -Proper training is absolutely essential for maintaining a successful operation while maintaining the consistency and integrity of the Fatburger operation and brand. To that end, Fatburger sets rigorous standards for staff development. -Fatburger provides its franchisees with a detailed and comprehensive curriculum outlining how to operate their Fatburger business. Franchisees will receive thorough instructions in:
    • Restaurant Operations
    • Restaurant Management
    • Safety and Health
    • Local Store Marketing
    • Site Selection
    -Every franchisee receives a set of Fatburger manuals containing the entire training program. These can be kept on hand for reference to direct your daily operations. They provide quick and convenient information -- answering franchisees questions regarding all operating procedures. -Following the development of the new site, Fatburger assists franchisees in planning their grand opening. When franchisees open their doors, the Fatburger corporate operations team will be there to make sure the grand opening is a successful one.
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform When franchisees join the Fatburger family, they receive the support provided by an organization committed to their success. Fatburger franchisees will also benefit from the experience of a professional management team. Fatburger has developed an effective, systematic process to get our franchisees up and running quickly. That includes architecture and design support, operational support, purchasing support, equipment selection support, training and recruitment support, advertising and marketing support, and real estate support.
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Email marketing Loyalty program/app -No business can be successful without creative advertising and an intelligent marketing plan. To continually attract a diverse customer base, Fatburger advertising must react faster, be more daring, more innovative, and more focused on the specific community in which each location is situated. Fatburger's past experience has shown this is the only proven method to stay ahead of the competition. -Fatburger's flair for creative advertising and marketing sets us apart from other restaurants. The distinctive history, the L.A. roots, the world famous cooked-to-order burger, and the look and sound of the restaurants, all provide great opportunities for innovative marketing.
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 60% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 25

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed.

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    Fatburger Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion No-

    Company Overviews

    About Sonic Drive In

    Sonic Industries Inc. was founded in 1973. In 1974, Sonic acquired the name 'Sonic Drive-In' from Troy Smith, Sr., and began franchising. Smith used his more than 15 years of experience in the restaurant business to develop and operate the Sonic franchise program. A wholly owned subsidiary of Sonic Corp., the company is based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and has locations throughout the United States. The company's storefronts recently got a facelift to give them a 'retro-futuristic' look.

    Your estimated initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Traditional Sonic Drive-In franchise ranges from approximately $1,242,200 to $3,537,700 plus land costs and includes the $45,000 franchise fee that must be paid to Sonic.
    Your estimated initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Non-Traditional Sonic franchise ranges from approximately $361,900 to $978,700 and includes the $22,500 franchise fee that must be paid to Sonic.

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    About Fatburger

    The now famous Fatburger Restaurant had humble beginnings many years ago in the spotless kitchen of Ms. Lovie Yancey. Her guests enjoyed her hamburgers so much that she was encouraged to share her unique recipe with the world. Ms. Yancey took their advice and opened her first restaurant in Los Angeles, in 1952. She called this restaurant "Fatburger," while her loyal customers called it, "The Last Great Hamburger Stand." Now, over 60 years later, the red and yellow sign still holds the same promise. A promise to serve customers a great hamburger prepared fresh daily at every location. Customers will never find a frozen or prefabricated Fatburger in our restaurants.

    At Fatburger, we are proud to say that word of mouth has filled our restaurants for over 60 years. Demographically, our appeal is limitless. Our customers come from every walk of life, mirroring the diversity of every community in which we are located. Teenagers, families with young children, singles, senior citizens, and people from all income levels, and ethnic backgrounds love a great burger. They tell their friends and associates about the superb homemade taste, spotless surroundings, friendly atmosphere and courteous service that they experience at Fatburger Restaurants