Golden Chick vs East Coast Wings Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Golden Chick Franchise
East Coast Wings Franchise
Investment $440,950 - $1,348,500$661,375 - $1,098,570
Franchise Fee $30,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 4%5%
Advertising Fee 1%2%
Year Founded 19671995
Year Franchised 19722004
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Renewal Fee $10K25% of then current fee


Business Experience Requirements

 
Golden Chick Franchise
East Coast Wings Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Golden Chick Franchise
    East Coast Wings Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/YesNo/No
    Payroll No/YesNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Golden Chick Franchise
    East Coast Wings Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 140 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours On-The-Job Training: 240 hours Classroom Training: 48 hours
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media Email marketing Loyalty program/app Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    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)

    Absentee Ownership Allowed

    Number of Employees Required to Run: 25 - 50


    Expansion Plans

     
    Golden Chick Franchise
    East Coast Wings Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    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 East Coast Wings

    East Coast Wings & Grill is a casual dining full service and counter service restaurant with an emphasis of buffalo style wings. East Coast Wings was originally founded in 1995. In 2000, Steve G. Kontos bought the concept, and in 2002, Sam G. Ballas joined with him, and re-organized it to what today's patrons know as "East Coast Wings & Grill".
    With their 46 years of combined restaurant experience, East Coast Wings & Grill has become a local favorite in all markets the brand has entered.
     National Winner 1st place - Traditional hot sauce and 2nd place - creative spicy
     Our famous wings have consistently won, "Best Wings" in most all markets entered. And to boot, our brand has a very diversified menu: with our overstuffed sandwiches, super salads, deli style specialties and taste-tempting appetizers.
    Unique to East Coast Wings & Grill is our over 75 different flavors and 675 combinations of wings - Teriyaki Ginger Garlic, Honey Barbeque, Mango Habanero, Jamaican Jerk, Blue Cheese, Honey Mustard, Bourbon Street, Kickin' Thai, Cajun and many more.
    Our infamous Buffalo Shrimp, which is available in our 75 flavors, 9 heat indexes and 675 combinations, has quickly become the next best thing to our famous wings.

    Veteran Incentives  $5,000 off franchise fee