Hardee's vs Smashburger Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Hardee's vs Smashburger including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
Investment |
$1,454,000 - $2,046,000 | $743,130 - $1,404,535 |
Franchise Fee |
$25,000 - $35,000 | $40,000 |
Royalty Fee |
4% | 5 - 6% |
Advertising Fee |
5.5% | 2% |
Year Founded |
1961 | 2007 |
Year Franchised |
1962 | 2008 |
Term Of Agreement |
20 years | - |
Term Of Agreement |
20 years | - |
Renewal Fee |
Varies | none |
Business Experience Requirements |
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 |
|
In-House/3rd Party | In-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 |
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 cooperatives | Real 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 |
US Expansion |
Yes | - |
Canada Expansion |
No | - |
International Expansion |
Yes | - |
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.
#74 on Franchise Rankings.com
#79 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#269 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.