Fuddruckers vs Chester's Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Fuddruckers Franchise
Chester's Franchise
Investment $495,000 - $1,565,000$12,385 - $277,313
Franchise Fee $35,000$3,500
Royalty Fee 5%-
Advertising Fee .25%-
Year Founded 19801952
Year Franchised 19832004
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Renewal Fee $25K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Fuddruckers Franchise
Chester's Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience

  • General business experience
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Fuddruckers Franchise
    Chester's Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Fuddruckers Franchise
    Chester's Franchise
    Training 6-week training programOn-The-Job Training: 30 hours Classroom Training: 3 hours Ongoing training as required
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Regional advertisingAd Templates Social media
    Operations 53% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 40

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (99% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		 International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 8

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (50% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Fuddruckers Franchise
    Chester's Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Fuddruckers

    The first Fuddruckers opened in San Antonio, Texas in 1980 with a classic American nostalgia theme. Fuddruckers operates and franchises more than 200 restaurants in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Middle East. The emphasis today is the same as it was in 1980 - we use only the freshest ingredients. Our restaurants serve only the freshest beef and feature on-premise bakeries where bread and dessert items are baked fresh daily. It's truly a "build-your-own meal" experience.

    About Chester's

    Chester’s serves Great Tasting Fresh Fried Chicken that’s cooked to perfection, with a unique taste and style. Our secret is a family recipe and process that’s been successful for over 40 years. Chester’s brings you delicious fried chicken, tempting tenders, sandwiches, wraps, salads, breakfast items and more. And that’s not all we’re known for! Our chicken is complimented by our signature Potato Wedges, Chester’s Original Sauce and delicious biscuits and sides. We offer a great deal of flexibility in the placement of Chester’s including restaurant-in-store (convenience stores, truck stops, supermarkets), co-branded with other national brands, malls and food-courts, and in-line shopping center locations. And there is variety in our menu formats, including take-out only, take-out and dine-in. We can tailor the restaurant to meet your needs and to properly position Chester’s in your market.

    "Entrepreneur

    #180 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #112 in Franchise 500 for 2021.