Buffalo Wild Wings vs Firehouse Subs
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Buffalo Wild Wings and Firehouse Subs are full-service restaurants franchises. Buffalo Wild Wings requires an investment of $2.5M – $4.9M while Firehouse Subs requires $405K – $1.6M. In terms of revenue, Buffalo Wild Wings reports higher average unit revenue at $3.6M. On SBA loan performance, Buffalo Wild Wings has a lower charge-off rate (0.0%) compared to Firehouse Subs (11.1%). FranchiseVerdict rates Buffalo Wild Wings A (Strongest tier) and Firehouse Subs A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | Buffalo Wild Wings | Firehouse Subs |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tierStrongest tier | AStrongest tierStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $2.5M – $4.9M | $405K – $1.6M |
| Franchise Fee | $25K | $20K |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 6.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $3.6M | $974KOutlet subset |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 0.0% (22 loans) | 11.1% (638 loans) |
| Total Units | 1,178 | 1,291 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1991 | 2004 |
| FDD Year | 2026 | 2026 |
Investment Range
$2.5M – $4.9M
$405K – $1.6M
Franchise Fee
$25K
$20K
Royalty Rate
5.0%
6.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$3.6M
$974KOutlet subset
SBA Charge-Off Rate
0.0% (22 loans)
11.1% (638 loans)
Total Units
1,178
1,291
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1991
2004
FDD Year
2026
2026