Compare initial investment, fees, and requirements for every major burger franchise. From affordable regional brands to the big McDonald's investment.
| Brand | Total Investment | Franchise Fee | Cash Required | Net Worth | Royalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burger King | $300K - $3.3M | $50K | $500K | $1.5M | 4.5% |
| Five Guys | $300K - $673K | $25K | $250K | $1.5M | 6% |
| Wendy's | $1.1M - $3.6M | $50K | $500K | $5M | 4% |
| Sonic Drive-In | $1.2M - $3.5M | $45K | $1M | $1M | 5% |
| McDonald's | $1.3M - $2.3M | $45K | $500K | $1M | 4% |
| Hardee's | $1.4M - $2.6M | $25K | $340K | $1M | 4% |
| Carl's Jr. | $1.5M - $3.2M | $25K | $380K | $1M | 4% |
| Jack in the Box | $1.9M - $4.0M | $50K | $500K | $1.5M | 5% |
| Culver's | $2.6M - $8.6M | $55K | $825K | $2.5M | 4% |
Wide investment range: Burger franchises range from under $200K for smaller regional brands to over $2M for premium concepts and McDonald's. The category offers options for various capital levels.
Real estate drives cost: The biggest variable in burger franchise investment is real estate. Drive-thru locations with premium visibility command the highest costs but typically deliver the strongest unit economics.
Royalties are consistent: Most burger franchises charge 4-6% royalties plus 4-5% advertising fees. The combined ~10% off the top is industry standard across major brands.
Liquidity matters: Burger franchises typically require 30-40% of total investment in liquid capital. Don't expect to finance the entire amount — you'll need substantial cash on hand.
Use our comparison tool to evaluate burger franchises on investment, fees, unit economics, and growth potential.
Compare Franchises →Daily insights on the QSR industry. No spam, just intelligence.