Arby’s vs Wendy's
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Arby’s and Wendy's are quick-service restaurants franchises. Arby’s requires an investment of $869K – $2.5M while Wendy's requires $1.6M – $3.1M. In terms of revenue, Wendy's reports higher average unit revenue at $2.0M. On SBA loan performance, Wendy's has a lower charge-off rate (0.8%) compared to Arby’s (18.2%). FranchiseVerdict rates Arby’s B (Above average) and Wendy's A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | Arby’s | Wendy's |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | BAbove averageAbove average | AStrongest tierStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $869K – $2.5M | $1.6M – $3.1M |
| Franchise Fee | $38K | $50K |
| Royalty Rate | 4.0% | 4.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $1.3M | $2.0M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 18.2% (198 loans) | 0.8% (200 loans) |
| Total Units | 3,265 | 5,969 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 2015 | 1971 |
| FDD Year | 2026 | 2026 |
Investment Range
$869K – $2.5M
$1.6M – $3.1M
Franchise Fee
$38K
$50K
Royalty Rate
4.0%
4.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$1.3M
$2.0M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
18.2% (198 loans)
0.8% (200 loans)
Total Units
3,265
5,969
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
2015
1971
FDD Year
2026
2026