Sonic Drive In vs BurgerFuel Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Sonic Drive In vs BurgerFuel including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Sonic Drive In Franchise
BurgerFuel Franchise
Investment $1,242,000 - $3,523,300$510,500 - $864,500
Franchise Fee $45,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 2.45-5%6% of net
Advertising Fee 3%4% of net
Year Founded 19541995
Year Franchised 19591995
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years +10
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years +10
Renewal Fee 10 years for $6K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Sonic Drive In Franchise
BurgerFuel Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • If no industry experience, must have an operating equity partner
  • Seeking hardworking and dedicated people with great attitude, sound financial backing, affinity with food, customer service and a desire to develop and innovate. Like our customers, the people who work for BurgerFuel have a singular aligning characteristic - they are Gourmet Burger Connoisseurs, and they want only the best. Added to this are several other qualities that we look for in the people who want to work with us. * An affinity with food. We like to think that our franchise holders want to make our burgers not only for their high turnover/financial return, but because they love food and believe in the products they are preparing. Knowledge of food and a flair for food combining will help with your business and the development of the business as a whole. Our training systems will provide you with detailed knowledge of our food and hygiene standards and the BurgerFuel 'flavour'. * A hardworking and dedicated attitude. The business, whilst a proven formula, requires the continual attention of the franchisee. * A customer service connection. We have a loyal customer base and it is our duty to cater to their needs. This is a primary focus. * Organisational and management skills. These are a necessity - for the daily running of the shop and for dealing with staff and organising rosters. * Flair and character. Just as our shops have an in-built atmosphere, we seek people who can transmit the same good feeling to our customers. People come to BurgerFuel for a reason, and part of that reason should be you! * The desire to develop and innovate. The shop and menu require constant attention. In keeping with the whole concept it is expected that franchisees will appreciate these needs and implement what is required. The aesthetics of BurgerFuel should be understood and recognised as important to the whole BurgerFuel concept. * Basic accounting and financial knowledge. To be able to undertake to run your own business a franchisee will ideally have some understanding of financial planning and control. * Financial security. It is assumed that at least 60% of the business will be funded by assets and cash. Borrowings are not sufficient to fund a business.

    Financing Options

     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    BurgerFuel Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/Yes-/-
    Payroll No/Yes-/-

    Training & Support

     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    BurgerFuel Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 400 hours Classroom Training: 24 hours Additional Training: At existing franchise location -
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform -
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Email marketing Loyalty program/app -
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 60% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 25

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed.

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    BurgerFuel Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion No-

    Company Overviews

    About Sonic Drive In

    Sonic Industries Inc. was founded in 1973. In 1974, Sonic acquired the name 'Sonic Drive-In' from Troy Smith, Sr., and began franchising. Smith used his more than 15 years of experience in the restaurant business to develop and operate the Sonic franchise program. A wholly owned subsidiary of Sonic Corp., the company is based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and has locations throughout the United States. The company's storefronts recently got a facelift to give them a 'retro-futuristic' look.

    Your estimated initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Traditional Sonic Drive-In franchise ranges from approximately $1,242,200 to $3,537,700 plus land costs and includes the $45,000 franchise fee that must be paid to Sonic.
    Your estimated initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Non-Traditional Sonic franchise ranges from approximately $361,900 to $978,700 and includes the $22,500 franchise fee that must be paid to Sonic.

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    About BurgerFuel

    BurgerFuel is a leader in the gourmet burger market, dedicated to serving high quality burgers in an atmosphere as charged as the food. Burgers range from 100% ground beef and chicken to moist fish varieties and vegetarian society approved patties. Combined with fun and irreverent marketing campaigns BurgerFuel creates the perfect environment for Franchisees to grow and enjoy their business. The ultimate experience in gourmet burgers. 100% pure NZ grass-fed beef, butterfly-cut chicken breast and fresh ingredients. New Zealand operated since 1995. If you like the idea of owning a BurgerFuel, then you've come to the right place. You'll be in good company, along with a bunch of passionate entrepreneurs like yourself among our franchise network in New Zealand. This is a great opportunity to become a part of the BurgerFuel story, establish your own business (or empire) and flip a few burgers. The BurgerFuel franchise system offers a premium brand with a loyal following along with robust systems, procedures and training - essentially everything you need to mix in with a great attitude and outstanding work ethic for a successful venture. Feel free to check out the rest of our website, visit some stores and eat a few burgers as you think about your BurgerFuel journey. When you're ready to start, just fill out the application form and get it to us! A range of territories are available throughout the North and South Island in New Zealand and worldwide. Check out http://www.burgerfuel.com/nz/franchise-nz/territories