Hardee's vs Carts of America Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Hardee's Franchise
Carts of America Franchise
Investment $1,454,000 - $2,046,000$3,299 - $6,999
Franchise Fee $25,000 - $35,000N/A
Royalty Fee 4%-
Advertising Fee 5.5%-
Year Founded 19611972
Year Franchised 19621972
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee Varies-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Hardee's Franchise
Carts of America Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Preferable operational experience in a restaurant, but will consider people who have owned their own business
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Hardee's Franchise
    Carts of America 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

     
    Hardee's Franchise
    Carts of America 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 cooperatives-
    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

     
    Hardee's Franchise
    Carts of America Franchise
    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.

    ""    "Entrepreneur

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






    About Carts of America

    The Original All American was founded in 1972 on the premise that the customer is always king. We recognized that the need to supply people with their own low-cost, fairly easy to run profitable business was real. With this in mind we created a very durable hot dog cart, the ORIGINAL - The Original All American. It was meant to be a virtually indestructible workhorse. It is, 42 years later. It is virtually unchanged. It is the most copied hot dog cart ever built. We started it.

    Since 1972 we have added 5 more equally durable carts to our lineup and we continue to provide great customer service & follow-through. We even do your licensing paperwork for you and we provide a free detailed business plan. We are the oldest cart-manufacturing specialists in North America. We are as happy to serve you now as we were in 1972.

     
     
    We are one of the largest factory direct showrooms in the Midwest United States, Located in northern Indiana and Punta Gorda, FL. Carts of America sells a full line of hot dog carts and mobile food stands that you can view and purchase any time. Our carts are made from one of the highest qualities of stainless steel available in the food service industry and that is why we back them with a manufacturer's one year warranty that protects you from major issues in your first year of ownership. If you are just starting out in a new vendor cart business or are looking to expand your cart business with a more complex model, we have what you are looking for.  When you call you will talk to someone who actually works in the business and knows the ropes of starting, owning and operating your own business, they have helped many people start their own businesses and become successful food business operators. Many of their customers still call just to talk about the business. They are happy to help you in any way they can.