Hardee's vs Chick-fil-A Franchise Comparison

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.

   

It all started in 1946 when Truett Cathy opened his first restaurant, The Dwarf Grill, in Hapeville, Georgia. Credited with inventing the boneless breast of chicken sandwich, Truett founded Chick-fil-A, Inc. in the early 1960's and pioneered the establishment of restaurants in shopping malls with the opening of the first Chick-fil-A Restaurant at a mall in suburban Atlanta in 1967. Since then, Chick-fil-A has steadily grown to become the second largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain in the United States. With over 1565 locations in 39 states and annual sales of more than $3.5 billion, Chick-fil-A is still privately held and family-owned. With 43 consecutive years of positive sales growth, Chick-fil-A has set itself apart by pioneering innovations and delicious products, including the ever-popular Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich and most recently the new Chick-fil-A Spicy Chicken Sandwich. The Chick-fil-A franchise opportunity represents an exceptional offering in the quick-service restaurant industry. For an initial financial commitment of $10,000 for franchise agreements with an effective date after December 31, 2014, selected franchisees (who we call Operators) are granted the rights necessary to operate a franchised Chick-fil-A Restaurant business. Effective January 1, 2015, each franchised Operator will have the option to transfer his/her rights and interests under the franchise agreement to a business entity formed and organized by the franchised Operator for the purpose of owning and operating his/her franchised Chick-fil-A restaurant business. The Chick-fil-A franchise opportunity requires that the individual be free of any other active business ventures and operate the Restaurant on a full-time, hands-on basis. Chick-fil-A Operators must successfully complete an extensive, multi-week training program prior to commencing operation of a franchised Chick-fil-A Restaurant business. With additional development courses and franchise support available, Chick-fil-A Operators are equipped to handle decisions and reap the rewards of a challenging business.