Johnny Rockets vs Whataburger Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Johnny Rockets Franchise
Whataburger Franchise
Investment $581,000 - $877,000$1,200,000
Franchise Fee $49,000N/A
Royalty Fee 5%-
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19861950
Year Franchised 19870
Term Of Agreement 10 years w/two 5-year options-
Term Of Agreement 10 years w/two 5-year options-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Johnny Rockets Franchise
Whataburger Franchise
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.

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Financing Options
 
Johnny Rockets Franchise
Whataburger 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
 
Johnny Rockets Franchise
Whataburger Franchise
Training --
Support Meetings, Grand opening, Field operations/evaluations-
Marketing National media, Regional advertising-
Operations 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)

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Expansion Plans
 
Johnny Rockets Franchise
Whataburger Franchise
US Expansion --
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion Yes-

Company Overviews

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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About Whataburger

A Great Company, A Great Burger. Those simple ideas have guided us through more than 70 years of Whataburger history, which began in 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger in Corpus Christi, Texas. From day one, Harmon believed that valuing his employees would ensure the success of the company, and he was right. What was once a two-man burger stand has grown to over 650 Whataburger locations across 10 states. We are an uncommon company within the burger industry, because we've never compromised the quality of our products and we genuinely respect our people. We are a family owned and operated company and everyone who works at Whataburger - from the home office to the restaurants - is referred to as a Family Member.

Whataburger doesn’t demand any kind of royalty fee.