Golden Chick vs Mary Brown's Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Golden Chick vs Mary Brown's including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Golden Chick Franchise
Mary Brown's Franchise
Investment $440,950 - $1,348,500$500,000 - $600,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 4%5%
Advertising Fee 1%4%
Year Founded 19671969
Year Franchised 19721969
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee $10K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Golden Chick Franchise
Mary Brown's Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
    		• At Mary Brown’s, we’re looking for results-driven individuals with the determination to succeed. Passion and pride in everything you do is essential. Here’s what we’re looking for: * Hands-on ownership is preferred * Food service experience is an asset * Individual or multi-unit operators are welcome * Must have a willingness to learn, innovate and try new ideas * Entrepreneurial spirit – a desire to work with Mary Brown’s to grow your business * Commitment to delivering extraordinary Guest experiences every time * Pride in leading and motivating your team * A genuine love of people and enthusiasm for getting involved in your community

    Financing Options
     
    Golden Chick Franchise
    Mary Brown's Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/No-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/Yes-/-
    Payroll No/Yes-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Golden Chick Franchise
    Mary Brown's Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 140 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours Our training team ensures you’re armed with the knowledge you need - from hiring to preparing product and beyond. Highlights include: Best-in-class training at our training centre 3 week comprehensive Training Course teaches you how to produce and serve consistently perfect product - profitably Your training includes seminars, 1-on-1 sessions and classroom style courses on all aspects of our business and related systems. Learn about every aspect of your Mary Brown’s operation: * Food preparation * Office procedures * Basic management * Hiring * Guest focused, service-centric approach
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software -
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media Email marketing Loyalty program/app Mary Brown’s marketing is focused on driving sales and growing brand awareness. High impact multi-media marketing programs include radio, television, direct mail coupon programs and in-store materials. There is a strong digital/online presence including a web site, social media, YouTube promotion and e-newsletters. Location-specific programs are built by local field marketing managers to drive traffic and increase sales within a community or for a particular store. New Mary Brown’s stores are supported by grand opening events, public relations efforts and radio/print support to attract huge crowds.
    Operations 28% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 12 - 15

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		Our operations team teaches you how to optimize your results - they're with you throughout your opening and beside you as you build your business. Mary Brown’s mirror report system, implemented by our in-field operations directors, provides continuous monitoring of your operational procedures. This digital evaluation system assesses operational processes, service standards, quality control and hygiene and food safety on a store-by-store basis, ensuring brand integrity, consistency and optimal efficiencies.

    Expansion Plans
     
    Golden Chick Franchise
    Mary Brown's Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Golden Chick

    Howard Walker opened the first Golden Fried Chicken location in San Marcos, Texas, in 1967. The restaurants, which served fried chicken, chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, biscuits and other favorites, quickly spread through Texas and Oklahoma. In 1996, the name was changed from Golden Fried Chicken to Golden Chick. The conversion included an image update and the addition of new menu items, such as Golden Roasted Chicken and a variety of new side items to go along with all the existing menu item favorites. Free-standing and co-branded units offer dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, catering and optional delivery service.

    The Original & Still the Best.
    Veteran Incentives  33.33% off franchise fee


    "Entrepreneur
    #334 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #302 in Franchise 500 for 2021.


    About Mary Brown's

    A well established chain of restaurants specializing in chicken with a variety of side dishes. The successful Mary Brown's formula employs a simple but unique cooking system to produce an extensive, high-quality chicken menu.

    Mary Brown’s Chicken & Taters has a 50-year history of building successful stores. In that time, we’ve perfected our methodologies and systems. And yet, we’re still innovating. Staying ahead of trends. Employing technology to its fullest. When you become part of the Mary Brown’s family, our time-tested franchising system is there to support you every step of the way.

    Our real estate specialists choose a location for you that meets your criteria and ours - taking into account demographics, traffic patterns, visibility and much more. Our construction team manages the build of your Mary Brown’s location from start to finish - from store design to subcontracting to signage and beyond. No detail is overlooked.

    Our purchasing team ensures the highest quality products are available chain-wide for all Mary Brown’s menu items, reflecting market conditions and industry trends. Our suppliers are carefully selected for optimal quality, competitive pricing and reliable service. All Franchisees must use Mary Brown’s suppliers to ensure consistent product and service across the country - building and strengthening the Mary Brown’s brand.

    "Top

    #56 in Canada's Top franchises.