Arby's vs Hardee's
Franchise Comparison (2026)
2026 FDD Data
Arby's requires lower minimum investment ($645K vs $1.3M) and holds #54 Franchise 500 ranking with Inspire Brands backing. Both charge 4% royalty, but Arby's has lower advertising fees (4.2% vs 5%). Arby's has nearly twice as many locations (3,400 vs 1,800) and offers $5,000 veteran discount.
Arby's and Hardee's are two established QSR franchises with different menu positioning - roast beef sandwiches versus charbroiled burgers. This FDD comparison examines their franchise fees, investment requirements, and corporate backing. Understanding how these fast food franchises differ will help QSR investors make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison
Arby's
$25,000 - $37,500
Hardee's
$25,000 - $35,000
Arby's
$645,000 - $2,451,000
Hardee's
$1,303,000 - $3,436,000
Arby's
4% (Traditional) / 6.2% (Non-Traditional)
Hardee's
4%
Arby's
3,400
Hardee's
1,800
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Arby's | Hardee's |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Investment | ||
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Total Investment (Low) | $645,000 | $1,303,000 |
| Total Investment (High) | $2,451,000 | $3,436,000 |
| Net Worth Required | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Liquid Capital Required | $500,000 | $300,000 |
| Ongoing Fees | ||
| Royalty Rate | 4% | 4% |
| Advertising Fund | 4.2% | 5% |
| Technology Fee | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| System Size & Growth | ||
| Total Units | 3,400 | 1,800 |
| Franchised Units | 3,400 | 1,800 |
| Company-Owned Units | 0 | 0 |
| 3-Year Net Growth | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Financial Performance (Item 19) | ||
| Item 19 Disclosed | No | No |
| Average Revenue | N/A | N/A |
| Median Revenue | N/A | N/A |
| Franchise Terms | ||
| Initial Term | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Renewal Term | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Territory Protection | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Requirements | ||
| Owner-Operator Required | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Training Hours | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Years Franchising | 62 years | 66 years |
| Risk Indicators | ||
| Litigation Matters | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Termination Rate | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
Key Differences
Minimum Investment: Arby's at $645K vs Hardee's at $1.3M
Franchise 500: Arby's ranked #54; Hardee's not ranked
Network Size: Arby's has 3,400 locations vs Hardee's at 1,800
Advertising Fees: Arby's at 4.2% vs Hardee's at 5%
Menu Focus: Arby's is roast beef/sandwiches; Hardee's is charbroiled burgers
Parent Company: Arby's is Inspire Brands; Hardee's is CKE Restaurants
Veteran Discount: Arby's offers $5,000 off franchise fee
Investment Fit Analysis
Who Should Consider Arby's
Arby's suits investors seeking a top-50 QSR franchise with lower investment and Inspire Brands corporate backing.
#54 on Franchise 500
Lower minimum investment ($645K)
Inspire Brands support and buying power
$5,000 veteran discount
3,400 locations
Unique roast beef positioning
Who Should Consider Hardee's
Hardee's suits investors seeking charbroiled burger concept with CKE Restaurants backing and lower liquid capital requirement.
Lower liquid capital required ($300K)
CKE Restaurants backing (Carl's Jr.)
Charbroiled burger positioning
1,800 locations worldwide
Strong breakfast menu
Regional strength in Southeast/Midwest
Frequently Asked Questions
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Disclaimer
This comparison is provided for informational purposes only. Data has been aggregated from publicly available sources including Franchise Disclosure Documents, industry publications, and franchise analysis websites.
Prospective franchisees should review the complete FDD for each franchise, conduct their own due diligence, and consult with qualified legal and financial advisors before making any investment decisions.