Chick-fil-A vs Sonic
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Chick-fil-A and Sonic are quick-service restaurants franchises. Chick-fil-A requires an investment of $586K – $3.4M while Sonic requires $1.5M – $2.5M. In terms of revenue, Chick-fil-A reports higher average unit revenue at $9.3M. Sonic has SBA lending data on file with a 8.3% charge-off rate. FranchiseVerdict rates Chick-fil-A A (Strongest tier) and Sonic B (Above average).
| Metric | Chick-fil-A | Sonic |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tierStrongest tier | BAbove averageAbove average |
| Investment Range | $586K – $3.4M | $1.5M – $2.5M |
| Franchise Fee | $10K | $15K |
| Royalty Rate | 10.0% | 5.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $9.3M | $1.6M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | Limited data | 8.3% (144 loans) |
| Total Units | 2,684 | 3,412 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1992 | 1974 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2026 |
Investment Range
$586K – $3.4M
$1.5M – $2.5M
Franchise Fee
$10K
$15K
Royalty Rate
10.0%
5.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$9.3M
$1.6M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
Limited data
8.3% (144 loans)
Total Units
2,684
3,412
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1992
1974
FDD Year
2025
2026