Steak n Shake vs Smashburger Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Steak n Shake Franchise
Smashburger Franchise
Investment $672,000 - $1,835,000$743,130 - $1,404,535
Franchise Fee $25,000 - $40,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 5.5%5 - 6%
Advertising Fee -2%
Year Founded 19342007
Year Franchised 19452008
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee -none


Business Experience Requirements
 
Steak n Shake Franchise
Smashburger Franchise
Experience -Smashburger (Smashburger Franchising LLC) is seeking multi-unit development partners domestically and internationally. To be considered, individuals or partnerships must meet the following minimum criteria: *Demonstrated enthusiasm, drive, and passion and a proven record of success in the restaurant industry *Five years multi-unit restaurant management experience as an owner and/or operator *Experience operating a minimum business of 10 or more units *Minimum financial net worth of $2 million and liquidity of $500,000 *Typical development agreement commitment of 5-20 units *Operating, real estate and trade area experience in development territory *Dedicated support team for Smashburger *Ability to obtain a liquor license (where applicable)

Financing Options
 
Steak n Shake Franchise
Smashburger Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/No-/-
Start-up Costs No/No-/-
Equipment No/No-/-
Inventory No/No-/-
Receivables No/No-/-
Payroll No/No-/-

Training & Support
 
Steak n Shake Franchise
Smashburger Franchise
Training --
Support � 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.Real Estate and Site Selection Lease Approval Pre-opening Management Training Vendors and Equipment Store Opening Support Information Technology Marketing and Public Relations Operations Support Purchasing and Distribution
Marketing � 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 --

Expansion Plans
 
Steak n Shake Franchise
Smashburger Franchise
US Expansion Yes-
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion No-

Company Overviews

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.

About Smashburger

Spread the Burger Love and Become a Smashburger Franchisee Today Smashburger franchisees are proven multi-unit operators, leaders in the industry whose energy, passion and entrepreneurial spirit fuel an eagerness to feed hungry burger lovers. To be every city's favorite burger place, Smashburger chooses only the best people to be Smashburger franchisees. Our franchise partners are committed to setting a new standard of guest experience. From the taste of the food, to the speed and accuracy of the order, the power of our people to make decisions, the friendly face at the counter and the cleanliness of the restaurant, our Smashburger franchise partners proudly strive to deliver a great guest experience in every restaurant, every time. Together the Smashburger corporate team and the Smashburger franchisees will quickly make Smashburger every city's favorite burger place. The Smashburger corporate team is dedicated to ensuring the success of the Smashburger franchisees so Smashburger can become every city's favorite burger place. The Smashburger corporate team has a variety of backgrounds, including operations, real estate, marketing, public relations, human resources, purchasing and information technology. The Smashburger team specializes in helping Smashburger franchisees during pre-opening, grand opening and provides on-going support. Smashburger succeeds if our franchisees succeed, and we are committed to your success!
The Smashburger team will provide you with the systems, resources and support you need to operate your business successfully.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Smashburger Restaurant is estimated to be $743,130 to $1,404,535. This includes $41,500 to $71,500 that must be paid to franchisor or its affiliates. If we grant you area development rights, the total investment necessary to acquire these rights is estimated to be $20,000 to $480,000 (based on a standard 2 to 25 restaurant development deal, determined by multiplying $20,000 by the total number of restaurants you agree to develop, less one), all of which must be paid to franchisor or its affiliates.