Sonic Drive In vs Wayback Burgers Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Sonic Drive In Franchise
Wayback Burgers Franchise
Investment $1,242,000 - $3,523,300$209,000,524,500
Franchise Fee $45,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 2.45-5%5%
Advertising Fee 3%2%
Year Founded 19541991
Year Franchised 19592006
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee 10 years for $6K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Sonic Drive In Franchise
Wayback Burgers Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • If no industry experience, must have an operating equity partner
  • -

    Financing Options

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

    Training & Support

     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    Wayback Burgers Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 400 hours Classroom Training: 24 hours Additional Training: At existing franchise location Up to two people are included in the training process as part of the initial franchise fee. Additional staff may attend for a fee. On-The-Job Training: 80 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software 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.

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    Expansion Plans

     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    Wayback Burgers Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion NoYes

    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.

    "franchiserankingscom"     "Entrepreneur
    #91 on Franchise Rankings.com
    #4 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #28 in Franchise 500 for 2021.




    About Wayback Burgers

    Though only in a few states as yet, Wayback Burgers' potential has been demonstrated by our loyal following. From our first humble shop in Newark, DE, opened in 1991 as Jake's Hamburgers and still a state favorite, we've now begun franchising aggressively. Having only recently grown to 54 contracted locations (21 currently operating) throughout the East Coast and beyond, we're moving fast. With new stores available nationwide [we may need to file a prospectus in your state prior to executing an agreement], here's the opportunity to set your course for success. At Wayback Burgers, our juicy, fresh-off-the-griddle burgers are cooked to order and never frozen. Our signature house-made potato chips go perfectly with our thick, rich milkshakes. The warm, welcoming decor makes the short wait for a hot burger that much easier, or customers can pick up orders placed by phone, fax or Web. Monthly burger and shake specials keep things lively for our many repeat customers. Additional menu items include hot dogs, a variety of sandwiches, chicken fingers, and fresh salads. Many Americans crave better taste and atmosphere than fast food chains offer, but they want value, too. That's why the number of US fast casual burger units (including Wayback Burgers) nearly doubled from 2004-2008, and their revenues grew even more. The 17 largest fast casual burger chains grew sales by 11% in 2008, at the height of a recession! A Wayback Burgers franchise offers a way to capitalize on this demand with a proven system for success. Simple, classic fare from Wayback Burgers lets you capitalize on options like drive-through, delivery, catering and fundraisers. We also participate in VetFran to support our American armed services veterans. Open the restaurant you always dreamed of, or take advantage of our discount on multi-unit purchases. Whether you're looking to open several units, a few, or even just one, we'd love to talk to you. We offer multi-unit discounts and we're Area Developer friendly, too. Plus, our affordable investment level also makes Wayback Burgers the perfect opportunity for those wanting to open just one store.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a traditional Wayback Burgers restaurant franchise is approximately from $209,000 to $524,500 for a single unit. This includes $40,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
    The total investment to begin operation of a Wayback Burgers area development franchise to develop a minimum of three traditional franchised units is from $597,000 to $1,543,500. This includes $90,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
    The total investment to begin operation of a Wayback Burgers restaurant franchise at a Walmart location is approximately $218,500 to $529,500 for a single unit. This includes $22,000 to $162,000 in security deposits and premises improvement charges that you will also pay the franchisor or their affiliates.
    Veteran Incentives  $5,000 off franchise fee