Burger King vs Five GuysFranchise Comparison 2026
Burger King and Five Guys represent two different approaches in the QSR space. Here's how they compare on investment costs, fees, revenue potential, and market presence.
Quick Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burger King | Five Guys | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 | $25,000 | +100% |
| Total Investment (Low) | $316,000 | $306,000 | +3% |
| Total Investment (High) | $3.3M | $641,000 | +415% |
| Cash Required | $500,000 | $300,000 | +67% |
| Royalty Rate | 4.5% | 6.0% | Lower |
| Advertising Fee | 4.0% | 1.5% | Higher |
| Estimated Revenue | $1.4M | $1.4M | 0% |
| Number of Locations | 7,000 | 1,700 | More |
| Year Founded | 1954 | 1986 | Older |
| Training Duration | 8 weeks | 3 weeks | Longer |
Note: Data sourced from public FDD filings and industry reports. Actual costs vary by location, real estate, and format. Always review current FDD Item 7 and Item 19 disclosures before making investment decisions.
Detailed Analysis
About Burger King
Flame-grilled burger concept with strong international presence. Owned by Restaurant Brands International.
About Five Guys
Premium burger concept with fresh ingredients and no freezers. Higher food costs but strong brand loyalty and per-unit sales.
Investment Comparison
Five Guys requires a lower initial investment (avg $473,500) compared to Burger King(avg $1.8M), making it more accessible for first-time franchisees. However, Burger King may offer similar revenue potential.
Fee Structure
Five Guys has lower ongoing fees (7.5% total) compared to Burger King(8.5% total), which means more of each sales dollar stays with the franchisee. Over time, this can significantly impact profitability.
Market Position
Burger King has a significantly larger footprint with 7,000 locations compared to Five Guys's 1,700. This larger network typically means better brand recognition, more purchasing power, and stronger operational support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Burger King vs Five Guys franchise?
Burger King requires an initial investment of $316,000 to $3.3M, while Five Guys requires $306,000 to $641,000. Five Guys has the lower average investment at $473,500.
What are the ongoing fees for Burger King vs Five Guys?
Burger King charges a 4.5% royalty plus 4.0% advertising fee (8.5% total). Five Guys charges 6.0% royalty plus 1.5% advertising fee (7.5% total). Five Guys has lower total ongoing fees.
Which franchise makes more money: Burger King or Five Guys?
Based on estimated average unit revenue, Five Guys generates $1.4M per location compared to $1.4M for Burger King. However, profitability depends on many factors including local market, operating costs, and management.
How many locations does Burger King have vs Five Guys?
Burger King has 7,000 locations, while Five Guys has 1,700 locations. Burger King has the larger footprint, which typically means stronger brand recognition and supply chain advantages.
Is Burger King or Five Guys a better franchise investment in 2026?
Both Burger King and Five Guys are established QSR brands with proven models. Five Guys offers a lower entry point, while Five Guys shows higher average revenue. The best choice depends on your available capital, local market conditions, and personal goals. Always review the current FDD before making investment decisions.
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