Arby’s vs McDonald’s
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Arby’s and McDonald’s are quick-service restaurants franchises. Arby’s requires an investment of $869K – $2.5M while McDonald’s requires $1.5M – $2.8M. In terms of revenue, McDonald’s reports higher average unit revenue at $4.1M. On SBA loan performance, McDonald’s has a lower charge-off rate (16.7%) compared to Arby’s (18.2%). FranchiseVerdict rates Arby’s B (Above average) and McDonald’s A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | Arby’s | McDonald’s |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | BAbove averageAbove average | AStrongest tierStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $869K – $2.5M | $1.5M – $2.8M |
| Franchise Fee | $38K | $45K |
| Royalty Rate | 4.0% | 5.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $1.3M | $4.1M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 18.2% (198 loans) | 16.7% (24 loans) |
| Total Units | 3,265 | 13,706 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 2015 | 1955 |
| FDD Year | 2026 | 2026 |
Investment Range
$869K – $2.5M
$1.5M – $2.8M
Franchise Fee
$38K
$45K
Royalty Rate
4.0%
5.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$1.3M
$4.1M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
18.2% (198 loans)
16.7% (24 loans)
Total Units
3,265
13,706
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
2015
1955
FDD Year
2026
2026