Hardee's vs Johnny Rockets Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Hardee's Franchise
Johnny Rockets Franchise
Investment $1,454,000 - $2,046,000$581,000 - $877,000
Franchise Fee $25,000 - $35,000$49,000
Royalty Fee 4%5%
Advertising Fee 5.5%-
Year Founded 19611986
Year Franchised 19621987
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years w/two 5-year options
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years w/two 5-year options
Renewal Fee Varies-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Hardee's Franchise
Johnny Rockets Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Preferable operational experience in a restaurant, but will consider people who have owned their own business
  • You and/or a business partner(s) must have at least two years restaurant owner/operator experience.

    You and/or a business partner(s) must have a net worth of $500 thousand per unit, and available liquid capital of $200 thousand per unit, or more, (net worth of $1.5 million per unit, and available liquid capital of $500 thousand per unit, or more, outside of the U.S.), in order to qualify for development of up to five units.

    Development of six units or more will be considered on a case by case basis, pending your net worth and available liquid capital.


    Financing Options

     
    Hardee's Franchise
    Johnny Rockets Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
    Equipment No/NoNo/No
    Inventory No/NoNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Hardee's Franchise
    Johnny Rockets Franchise
    Training Available at franchisee's location, 8 weeks management training & at grand opening-
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesMeetings, Grand opening, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingNational 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.

    Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 95% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 48 - 53

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (98% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Hardee's Franchise
    Johnny Rockets Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Hardee's

    Hardee's was founded in 1960 by Wilbur Hardee and has grown to more than 2,000 restaurants around the world. CKE Restaurants acquired Hardee's in 1997 and now, along side Carl's Jr., Hardee's is part of one powerful concept with two global banners. Hardee's is a platform for success for operators around the world. Over the years, Hardee's has continued its growth with an emphasis on quality, service, and cleanliness, pioneering concepts such as partial table service and self-serve beverage bars. The introduction of our Fresh Baked Buns™ in 2013 and our All Natural Burger™ in 2015 confirm our constant emphasis on product innovation and represent our focus on satisfying the tastes of young, hungry consumers.

    ""    "Entrepreneur

    "franchiserankingscom"
    #74 on Franchise Rankings.com
    #79 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #269 in Franchise 500 for 2021.






    About Johnny Rockets

    Johnny Rockets is an international restaurant chain that offers the food, fun and friendliness of classic, timeless, feel-good Americana. Every Johnny Rockets restaurant serves simple, great-tasting food from a menu of all-American favorites, including our juicy hamburgers, crispy American Fries, classic sandwiches and rich, delicious hand-dipped shakes and malts. It's the place to go for friendly service, flavorful food, uplifting music and relaxed, casual fun. With annual sales in excess of $300 million, Johnny Rockets is a time-tested brand with an extraordinarily high awareness level, a loyal customer base and a broad demographic appeal. The all-American theme is one that has proven to be universal and that leaps across all geographic and cultural boundaries. It easily translates into any language and relates to the best concepts of America, around the globe. Throughout the world, people appreciate the stereotypical home-cooked goodness of classic comfort foods; smiling, outgoing service and a bright, clean, cheerful atmosphere.

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