Max & Erma's vs Zaxby's Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Max & Erma's Franchise
Zaxby's Franchise
Investment $622,500 - $3,100,000$343,200 - $695,200
Franchise Fee $40,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 4%6%
Advertising Fee -2.87%-5%
Year Founded 19721990
Year Franchised 19981994
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Max & Erma's Franchise
Zaxby's Franchise
Experience -Prospective Franchisees must meet the following criteria to be considered: Collective net worth of at least $1,000,000, with liquid assets greater than $500,000 (liquidity being defined as cash or any asset that could be converted to cash within ten business days). Ability to satisfactorily pass background checks for the following: reasonable credit worthiness, no criminal convictions, no history of extensive litigation, and satisfactory motor vehicle report. Willingness of all investors to personally guarantee any obligations that are required under the license agreement. Willingness to make a commitment to this venture within 60 – 90 days of signing a license agreement. Belief that guest service is of critical importance in restaurant operations.

Financing Options

 
Max & Erma's Franchise
Zaxby's 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-/Yes

Training & Support

 
Max & Erma's Franchise
Zaxby's Franchise
Training -The initial training program is eight weeks long, consisting of a one-week orientation phase at Zaxby's Franchising, Inc.'s training center, three two-week phases at a training restaurant and the final one-week phase back at ZFI's training center. Ongoing support and training updates, in addition to other business development practices - including onsite inspections - are conducted regularly throughout the franchise system.
Support --
Marketing --
Operations --

Expansion Plans

 
Max & Erma's Franchise
Zaxby's Franchise
US Expansion -Yes
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion No-

Company Overviews

About Max & Erma's

In 1972, Max & Erma created a fun, unique, gourmet hamburger restaurant you could take friends & family to, decorating it with quirky artifacts & local paraphernalia. Since that day, we've been committed to providing our guests with delicious all-American food & friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere the whole neighborhood can enjoy. We've grown over the years, but always remain true to what made us successful - delivering a great guest experience. After all, Max & Erma wouldn't have it any other way.

We believe that a great experience starts with our food. That's why we use the freshest, highest quality ingredients in everything we serve. Freshness and quality are truly the foundations upon which Max & Erma's was built. We make every effort to do things the right way, not the easy way. We believe this dedication and passion is the reason we're better and the reason our guests return more often. Our market research tells us that our guests know what they are going to order before they get to our restaurant because they crave certain items, our signature dishes. Many guest favorites include our delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies, Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Sandwich, Cajun Shrimp & Pasta, Laredo Steak, Santa Fe Salad, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Hand-Battered Onion rings and our famous Gourmet Hamburgers.

About Zaxby's

Zaxby's Franchising, Inc., actively seeks highly qualified individuals be become licensees. Prior business experience, financial qualifications, motivation, team spirit and a track record of personal success are all important factors in our evaluation process. Prospective licensees must meet the following criteria to be considered: Collective net worth of at least $700,000, with liquid assets greater than $400,000 (liquidity being defined as cash or any asset that could be converted to cash within ten business days). Ability to satisfactorily pass background checks for the following: reasonable credit worthiness, no criminal convictions, no history of extensive litigation, and satisfactory motor vehicle report. Willingness of all investors to personally guarantee any obligations that are required under the license agreement. Willingness to make a commitment to this venture within 60 - 90 days of signing a license agreement. Belief that guest service is of critical importance in restaurant operations.
The Zaxby's Mission Statement - Consistently Create Encore Experiences That Enrich Lives One Person At A Time - recognizes the value of all individuals.

ZFI is committed to developing a diverse community of licensees and, in that regard, the Zaxby's franchise opportunity is open to all qualified applicants, regardless of age, gender, race or ethnicity.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Zaxby’s franchised business is $343,200 to $695,200. This includes $40,200 to $45,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates. In addition, if you enter into a Multi-Restaurant Development Agreement to develop more than one Zaxby’s restaurant, you must pay the franchisor a fee of $17,500 for each Zaxby’s restaurant scheduled for development and subsequently must pay an additional $17,500 upon execution of the License Agreement for each Zaxby’s restaurant, which amounts are credited towards the initial franchise fee for each restaurant.

#148 in Franchise 500 for 2021.  Not in Franchise 500 for 2020.