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Description
Investment Icon

What Are the Initial Costs of a Carl's Jr. Franchise?

To open a Carl's Jr. franchise, you'll need to prepare for a significant initial investment that ranges from $1,334,670 to $2,256,000. This includes a franchise fee of $25,000. Additionally, you should have cash reserves between $188,000 and $333,000, and a net worth of $500,000 to $1,000,000. Understanding these financial requirements is crucial for aspiring franchisees to ensure they are financially equipped to start their journey.

Fees Icon

What Are the Ongoing Fees Associated with Carl's Jr. Franchise?

As a Carl's Jr. franchisee, you'll be responsible for ongoing fees that include a royalty fee of 4% of your gross sales and a marketing fee of 6%. These fees contribute to the overall brand support and advertising efforts that help drive customer traffic to your restaurant. It's essential to factor these ongoing costs into your financial planning to maintain profitability.

Revenue Icon

What Is the Average Revenue Potential for Carl's Jr. Franchisees?

Carl's Jr. franchisees can expect an average annual revenue of approximately $2,342,572 per unit. This figure can vary, with the lowest annual revenue around $404,427 and the highest reaching up to $3,581,063. Understanding the revenue potential can help you gauge the viability of a Carl's Jr. franchise as a lucrative investment opportunity.

Breakeven Icon

How Quickly Can You Expect to Break Even with a Carl's Jr. Franchise?

Franchisees can anticipate a breakeven time of about 18 months, which is also the expected investment payback period. This relatively quick return on investment can be appealing for those looking to enter the fast-food industry. However, achieving this timeline depends on various factors, including location, management, and market conditions.

Carl's Jr. Franchise Financial Requirements

Below, you’ll find an overview of the initial investment needed to launch the business, along with the ongoing fees required by the franchisor to maintain operations over time.

Net Worth Required icon The minimum total assets (minus liabilities) you must possess.

i Net Worth Required:

$500,000 - $1,000,000
Investment Payback icon The estimated period to recoup your total investment.

i Investment Payback:

18 Months
Franchise Fee icon The initial fee paid to join the franchise system.

i Franchise Fee:

$25,000
Royalty Fee icon Ongoing percentage of revenue paid to the franchisor.

i Royalty Fee:

4%
Marketing Fee icon Regular contribution toward the franchise’s advertising fund.

i Marketing Fee:

6%
Breakeven Time icon The estimated timeframe to recover your initial costs.

i Breakeven Time:

18 Months
Initial Investment icon The total amount required to launch the franchise.

i Initial Investment:

$1,334,670 - $2,256,000
Cash Required icon The minimum liquid capital you must have on hand.

i Cash Required:

$188,000 - $333,000
Average Revenue icon The typical yearly revenue generated per franchise location.

i Average Revenue:

$1,589,855
Median Revenue icon The middle value of yearly revenue among franchise locations.

i Median Revenue:

$1,287,971
Highest Revenue icon The largest reported annual revenue among franchisees.

i Highest Revenue:

$3,581,063
Lowest Revenue icon The smallest reported annual revenue among franchisees.

i Lowest Revenue:

$404,427
Industry icon A broad sector defining similar types of franchise businesses.

i Industry:

Restaurant Franchises
Category icon A more specific division within the broader industry.

i Category:

Quick-Service Restaurants
Leadership icon The key individuals guiding the franchise’s strategy and growth.

i Leadership:

Jason Marker
Corporate Address icon The official business address of the franchisor’s headquarters.

i Corporate Address:

6700 Tower Circle, Suite 1000 Franklin, TN 37067
Funding Year icon Available financing options to help start the franchise.

i Funding Year:

2013
Parent Company icon The main organization that owns the franchise brand.

i Parent Company:

CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc.

Carl's Jr. Franchise Unit Growth Summary

A breakdown of corporate, franchised, and total units, with yearly net changes.

The overall number of operating franchise locations.

Total Units i

1066
The number of locations owned by independent franchisees.

Franchised Units i

1018
The number of locations owned and run by the franchisor.

Corporate Units i

48
Units 2020 2021 2022
Total Units 1094 1079 1066
Net Change YoY -15 -13
Franchised Units 1046 1031 1018
Net Change YoY -15 -13
Corporate Units 48 48 48
Net Change YoY 0 0
Investment About

Investment Overview

The initial investment to open a Carl's Jr. franchise ranges from $1,334,670 to $2,256,000. This includes a franchise fee of $25,000. Potential franchisees should also consider the cash required, which falls between $188,000 and $333,000, along with a net worth requirement of $500,000 to $1,000,000 to ensure adequate financial backing for the business.

Potential About

Revenue Potential

Carl's Jr. franchises have shown promising financial performance, with average annual revenue per unit reported at $1,589,855. The median annual revenue stands at $1,287,971, while the lowest and highest annual revenues recorded are $404,427 and $3,581,063, respectively. This range indicates substantial earning potential for franchisees, depending on location and management.

Metrics About

Ongoing Fees

Franchisees are subject to ongoing fees that include a royalty fee of 4% of gross sales and a marketing fee of 6%. These fees are essential for maintaining brand presence and supporting marketing initiatives that drive customer traffic to the franchises.

Fees About

Breakeven and Payback Period

Franchisees can expect to reach breakeven within approximately 18 months. This timeline is crucial for new owners as it provides a clear picture of when they can start to see returns on their initial investment. The investment payback period is also estimated at 18 months, reinforcing the potential for a quick return on investment.

Breakeven About

Franchise Growth

As of recent years, Carl's Jr. has maintained a stable number of franchised units, with 1,046 in 2020, 1,031 in 2021, and 1,018 in 2022. This trend reflects a slight decline in franchised locations but highlights the brand's resilience in a competitive market, indicating a focus on optimizing existing units rather than aggressive expansion.

Units About

Corporate Structure

Carl's Jr. operates under a corporate structure that includes both franchised and corporate-owned units. As of 2022, there are 1,018 franchised units and 48 corporate units. This balance allows the brand to maintain control over its operations while benefiting from the entrepreneurial spirit of its franchisees, fostering a collaborative environment for growth and innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The initial investment for a Carl's Jr. franchise ranges from approximately $1,334,670 to $2,256,000. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, and other startup costs.