Crumbl Cookies vs Great American Cookies
Franchise Comparison (2026)
2026 FDD Data
Crumbl Cookies commands premium investment ($816K-$1.44M vs $110K-$512K) but delivers dramatically higher revenue ($1.69M average vs industry benchmark). Great American Cookies offers a much lower barrier to entry with FAT Brands backing. Crumbl has grown to 1,000+ locations since 2017; Great American has 377 locations since 1977.
Crumbl Cookies and Great American Cookies represent two different generations of cookie franchises - viral social media phenomenon versus established mall staple. This FDD comparison examines their franchise fees, investment requirements, and revenue potential. Understanding these cookie franchise differences will help dessert entrepreneurs choose the right opportunity.
Quick Comparison
Crumbl Cookies
$50,000
Great American Cookies
$25,000
Crumbl Cookies
$816,066 - $1,442,533
Great American Cookies
$110,000 - $512,000
Crumbl Cookies
8% of gross sales
Great American Cookies
6% of gross sales
Crumbl Cookies
1,000
Great American Cookies
377
Crumbl Cookies
$1.69M
Great American Cookies
N/A
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Crumbl Cookies | Great American Cookies |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Investment | ||
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 | $25,000 |
| Total Investment (Low) | $816,066 | $110,000 |
| Total Investment (High) | $1,442,533 | $512,000 |
| Net Worth Required | $500,000 | $250,000 |
| Liquid Capital Required | $150,000 | $100,000 |
| Ongoing Fees | ||
| Royalty Rate | 8% | 6% |
| Advertising Fund | 3.5% | 4% |
| Technology Fee | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| System Size & Growth | ||
| Total Units | 1,000 | 377 |
| Franchised Units | 1,000 | 377 |
| Company-Owned Units | 0 | 0 |
| 3-Year Net Growth | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Financial Performance (Item 19) | ||
| Item 19 Disclosed | Yes | No |
| Average Revenue | $1,687,731 | N/A |
| Median Revenue | Not Disclosed | 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 | 9 years | 49 years |
| Risk Indicators | ||
| Litigation Matters | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Termination Rate | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
Key Differences
Investment Range: Crumbl at $816K-$1.44M vs Great American at $110K-$512K
Average Revenue: Crumbl at $1.69M average; Great American below industry average
Franchise Fee: Crumbl at $50,000 vs Great American at $25,000
Royalty Fee: Crumbl at 8% vs Great American at 6%
Growth Speed: Crumbl reached 1,000 locations in 7 years; Great American has 377 in 47 years
Brand Model: Crumbl is social media viral; Great American is mall-based traditional
Parent Company: Great American owned by FAT Brands
Investment Fit Analysis
Who Should Consider Crumbl Cookies
Crumbl suits investors seeking a high-growth viral brand with proven premium revenue performance.
$1.69M average revenue
$357K average net profit
1,000+ locations in 7 years
Social media viral marketing model
Weekly rotating menu creates buzz
Higher investment ceiling ($1.44M max)
Who Should Consider Great American Cookies
Great American Cookies suits investors seeking accessible entry into cookie space with FAT Brands corporate backing.
Much lower investment ($110K-$512K)
Lower franchise fee ($25K)
FAT Brands corporate resources
Mall and outlet locations
Lower royalty (6% vs 8%)
47-year brand heritage
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.