Chester's vs Ward's Restaurants Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Chester's Franchise
Ward's Restaurants Franchise
Investment $12,385 - $277,313$250,000 - $400,000
Franchise Fee $3,500$20,000
Royalty Fee --
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 1952-
Year Franchised 2004-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Chester's Franchise
Ward's Restaurants Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Chester's Franchise
    Ward's Restaurants Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/No-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support

     
    Chester's Franchise
    Ward's Restaurants Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 30 hours Classroom Training: 3 hours Ongoing training as required -
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform-
    Marketing Ad Templates Social media-
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 8

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (50% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    Chester's Franchise
    Ward's Restaurants Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About Chester's

    Chester’s serves Great Tasting Fresh Fried Chicken that’s cooked to perfection, with a unique taste and style. Our secret is a family recipe and process that’s been successful for over 40 years. Chester’s brings you delicious fried chicken, tempting tenders, sandwiches, wraps, salads, breakfast items and more. And that’s not all we’re known for! Our chicken is complimented by our signature Potato Wedges, Chester’s Original Sauce and delicious biscuits and sides. We offer a great deal of flexibility in the placement of Chester’s including restaurant-in-store (convenience stores, truck stops, supermarkets), co-branded with other national brands, malls and food-courts, and in-line shopping center locations. And there is variety in our menu formats, including take-out only, take-out and dine-in. We can tailor the restaurant to meet your needs and to properly position Chester’s in your market.

    "Entrepreneur

    #180 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #112 in Franchise 500 for 2021.


    About Ward's Restaurants

    Ward’s Food Systems, Inc is the exclusive franchising agent for Ward’s Restaurants. Ward’s Food Systems provide consulting and support services to Ward’s franchisees, They assist in planning, site selection, construction, training, and opening of the new restaurant. After opening, regular visits by our franchise consultants help insure a successful program.

    Is a Ward’s franchise right for you? It has been for many people from all walks of life. If you are serious about ownership in the restaurant industry, willing to devote your time and energy, and have an adequate net worth, the proven concept of a Ward’s restaurant could be for you. We welcome your inquiries into the possibilities of becoming a Ward’s franchise owner. Feel free to call us at your convenience for more detailed information and a personal appointment.