Johnny Rockets vs Smashburger Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Johnny Rockets Franchise
Smashburger Franchise
Investment $581,000 - $877,000$743,130 - $1,404,535
Franchise Fee $49,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 5%5 - 6%
Advertising Fee -2%
Year Founded 19862007
Year Franchised 19872008
Term Of Agreement 10 years w/two 5-year options-
Term Of Agreement 10 years w/two 5-year options-
Renewal Fee -none


Business Experience Requirements

 
Johnny Rockets Franchise
Smashburger 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.

Smashburger (Smashburger Franchising LLC) is seeking multi-unit development partners domestically and internationally. To be considered, individuals or partnerships must meet the following minimum criteria: *Demonstrated enthusiasm, drive, and passion and a proven record of success in the restaurant industry *Five years multi-unit restaurant management experience as an owner and/or operator *Experience operating a minimum business of 10 or more units *Minimum financial net worth of $2 million and liquidity of $500,000 *Typical development agreement commitment of 5-20 units *Operating, real estate and trade area experience in development territory *Dedicated support team for Smashburger *Ability to obtain a liquor license (where applicable)

Financing Options

 
Johnny Rockets Franchise
Smashburger 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
Smashburger Franchise
Training --
Support Meetings, Grand opening, Field operations/evaluationsReal Estate and Site Selection Lease Approval Pre-opening Management Training Vendors and Equipment Store Opening Support Information Technology Marketing and Public Relations Operations Support Purchasing and Distribution
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
Smashburger 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 Smashburger

Spread the Burger Love and Become a Smashburger Franchisee Today Smashburger franchisees are proven multi-unit operators, leaders in the industry whose energy, passion and entrepreneurial spirit fuel an eagerness to feed hungry burger lovers. To be every city's favorite burger place, Smashburger chooses only the best people to be Smashburger franchisees. Our franchise partners are committed to setting a new standard of guest experience. From the taste of the food, to the speed and accuracy of the order, the power of our people to make decisions, the friendly face at the counter and the cleanliness of the restaurant, our Smashburger franchise partners proudly strive to deliver a great guest experience in every restaurant, every time. Together the Smashburger corporate team and the Smashburger franchisees will quickly make Smashburger every city's favorite burger place. The Smashburger corporate team is dedicated to ensuring the success of the Smashburger franchisees so Smashburger can become every city's favorite burger place. The Smashburger corporate team has a variety of backgrounds, including operations, real estate, marketing, public relations, human resources, purchasing and information technology. The Smashburger team specializes in helping Smashburger franchisees during pre-opening, grand opening and provides on-going support. Smashburger succeeds if our franchisees succeed, and we are committed to your success!
The Smashburger team will provide you with the systems, resources and support you need to operate your business successfully.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Smashburger Restaurant is estimated to be $743,130 to $1,404,535. This includes $41,500 to $71,500 that must be paid to franchisor or its affiliates. If we grant you area development rights, the total investment necessary to acquire these rights is estimated to be $20,000 to $480,000 (based on a standard 2 to 25 restaurant development deal, determined by multiplying $20,000 by the total number of restaurants you agree to develop, less one), all of which must be paid to franchisor or its affiliates.