Nathan's Famous vs Johnny Rockets Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Nathan's Famous Franchise
Johnny Rockets Franchise
Investment $43,000 - $1,071,360$581,000 - $877,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$49,000
Royalty Fee 5.5%5%
Advertising Fee 2%-
Year Founded 19161986
Year Franchised 19881987
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years w/two 5-year options
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years w/two 5-year options
Renewal Fee 50% of franchise fee-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Nathan's Famous Franchise
Johnny Rockets Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
    		•  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
     
    Nathan's Famous Franchise
    Johnny Rockets Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees Yes/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
    Equipment Yes/NoNo/No
    Inventory Yes/NoNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Nathan's Famous Franchise
    Johnny Rockets Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsMeetings, Grand opening, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op advertisingNational media, Regional advertising
    Operations 60% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 14

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (65% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		 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
     
    Nathan's Famous Franchise
    Johnny Rockets Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Nathan's Famous

    Franchising is a business concept that allows qualified investors to become part of an established, existing “system.” A good way to look at franchising is, you’re in business for yourself, but not by yourself. Strategically, this provides many benefits under a brand name that has consumer awareness and equity.
    Nathan’s has taken this basic premise and redefined it to exceed the most stringent business criteria of today’s investor.

    Nathan’s offers a wide range of restaurant designs and customized equipment, thereby offering business opportunities to qualified candidates regardless of space constraints or investment limitations.

    The estimated initial investment for a BMP Operation ranges from $43,000 to $86,300, including an initial license fee of $7,500. If you want to add an “Arthur Treacher’s” BMP Operation to your new or existing food service establishment, the additional estimated initial investment will be from $34,404 to $81,486, including an initial license fee of $7,500.

    "Top
    #78 in Gator's Top franchises
    #286 in Franchise 500 for 2020.


    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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