Carl's Jr vs Smashburger Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Carl's Jr Franchise
Smashburger Franchise
Investment $1,603,000 - $2,168,000$743,130 - $1,404,535
Franchise Fee $25,000 - $35,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 4%5 - 6%
Advertising Fee 6%2%
Year Founded 19452007
Year Franchised 19842008
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee Variesnone


Business Experience Requirements
 
Carl's Jr Franchise
Smashburger Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Preferable operational experience in a restaurant, but will consider people who have owned their own business
    		• 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
     
    Carl's Jr 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
     
    Carl's Jr Franchise
    Smashburger Franchise
    Training Available at franchisee's location, 12 weeks of management training & at grand opening-
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesReal 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 Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising-
    Operations Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 100% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed.

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Carl's Jr Franchise
    Smashburger Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About Carl's Jr

    Carl's Jr. is known all through the Western U.S. as the place to go for premium quality burgers, specifically its 100% Angus hamburger Six Dollar Burger line.

    At Hardee's® and Carl's Jr.® our brand sets us apart from the competition. Our advertisements are created to be so bold and memorable that they've been known to crash internet video servers. Our taglines deliver bold statements and our visuals are designed to keep viewers wanting more. EAT LIKE YOU MEAN IT.

    Hardee's® and Carl's Jr.® have a strong track record of successfully developing new premium products to lead the category in taste, quality, and innovation. As an industry leader, we have consistently out-delivered all other quick-service restaurants in product development since our founding. Staying on top requires that we continue to lead the way in the products we serve through taste, quality, and innovation.


    ""  "Entrepreneur

    #100 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #202 in Franchise 500 for 2021.




    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.