The Taco Maker vs Sonic Drive In Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
The Taco Maker Franchise
Sonic Drive In Franchise
Investment $221,000 - $400,000$1,242,000 - $3,523,300
Franchise Fee $19,000 - $29,000$45,000
Royalty Fee 5%2.45-5%
Advertising Fee -3%
Year Founded 19781954
Year Franchised 19781959
Term Of Agreement 15 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 15 years20 years
Renewal Fee $5K10 years for $6K


Business Experience Requirements

 
The Taco Maker Franchise
Sonic Drive In Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • If no industry experience, must have an operating equity partner

  • Financing Options

     
    The Taco Maker Franchise
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    The Taco Maker Franchise
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    Training -On-The-Job Training: 400 hours Classroom Training: 24 hours Additional Training: At existing franchise location
    Support Newsletter, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, National mediaCo-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 30% 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)

    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

     
    The Taco Maker Franchise
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About The Taco Maker

    After gaining valuable experience in successfully developing a large franchise system, Gil L. Craig founded
    The Taco Maker Inc. in 1968. Based in Ogden, Utah, The Taco Maker franchise system has locations in the United States, Latin America, Western Europe, and the Far and Middle East. Franchise sites include traditional freestanding buildings and mall food courts as well as the Express program, which complements
    The Taco Maker's co-branding relationship with companies including Blimpie and selected service station chains. Now seeking motivated, outgoing individuals looking to franchise and become a part of a fast growing community. We offer a winning combination of food brands that include The Taco Maker, Jake's Over the Top, and Mayan Juice - all available as part of the same outlet. We have locations in a variety of outlet types, with design formats to meet almost every need. Our facilities are designed to reflect specific motifs with state-of-the-art materials and equipment. All of this sets us apart from the competition. The creation of fine foods starts with kitchen and production lines that are clean and organized in such a way as to encourage efficiency and minimize waste. Franchise Opportunities are Available! The diversity of our multiple-brand outlets makes them the most successful opportunities available. Single-concept outlets are available when restrictive elements exist because of covenants or prior exclusivity on competing products. We have the ability to go into spaces from 400 square feet to 3500 square feet in traditional freestanding units, convenience stores, shopping malls, food courts, airports, and in-line strip centers, all of which have all proven their success.

    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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