Back Yard Burgers vs Johnny Rockets Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Back Yard Burgers Franchise
Johnny Rockets Franchise
Investment $465,000 - $1,680,000$581,000 - $877,000
Franchise Fee $35,000$49,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 19861986
Year Franchised 19881987
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years w/two 5-year options
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years w/two 5-year options
Renewal Fee $1K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Back Yard Burgers Franchise
Johnny Rockets Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
    		•  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
     
    Back Yard Burgers Franchise
    Johnny Rockets Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Back Yard Burgers Franchise
    Johnny Rockets Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesMeetings, Grand opening, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingNational media, Regional advertising
    Operations 60% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 35

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (90% 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
     
    Back Yard Burgers Franchise
    Johnny Rockets Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Back Yard Burgers

    What started as a premium quality burger sold in a grocery store in Cleveland, Mississippi in 1987 quickly caught fire. Lattimore "Lattie” Michael realized he had a recipe for success and thus opened the first Back Yard Burgers drive-thru restaurant. Customers flocked to it, eating up the fresh-grilled burgers, great conversation and the neighborly feel that reminded them of their backyard cookouts. A year later, Back Yard Burgers opened up in Tennessee and Florida. And the rest is delicious history.
    WHY BE A BACK YARD BURGERS FRANCHISEE?
    *Uniqueness - back yard flavor
    *A proven brand with a solid operating system
    *Growth free standing building
    *Unique development opportunities
    *Non universities, c-stores and professional sports
    *Strong positioning
    *Signature products
    *Persuasive, professional marketing
    *Operations support
    *Exclusive Territories

    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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