Taco John's vs Chester's Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Taco John's Franchise
Chester's Franchise
Investment $475,000 - $1,599,000$12,385 - $277,313
Franchise Fee $25,000$3,500
Royalty Fee 5%-
Advertising Fee 4%-
Year Founded 19681952
Year Franchised 19692004
Term Of Agreement 20 years+10+10+1010 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years+10+10+1010 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Taco John's Franchise
Chester's Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience

  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Taco John's Franchise
    Chester's 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/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Taco John's Franchise
    Chester's Franchise
    Training -On-The-Job Training: 30 hours Classroom Training: 3 hours Ongoing training as required
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicksAd Templates Social media
    Operations 37% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 15

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (75% 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

     
    Taco John's Franchise
    Chester's Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Taco John's

    The story of Taco John's sounds more like a legend than the history of a business. In Cheyenne, Wyoming, a man named Juan opened a tiny taco house, serving uniquely seasoned and generously sized tacos and burritos. An immediate hit with the locals, the taco house was quickly purchased by local businessmen Harold Holmes and Jim Woodson in 1969. Renamed Taco John's, it began selling franchises right away and now has restaurants across America. The privately held company is still based in Cheyenne.

    "Entrepreneur

    #115 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #315 in Franchise 500 for 2021.


    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.