Dave’s Hot Chicken vs Schlotzsky’s
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Dave’s Hot Chicken and Schlotzsky’s are full-service restaurants franchises. Dave’s Hot Chicken requires an investment of $620K – $2.0M while Schlotzsky’s requires $648K – $2.0M. Schlotzsky’s discloses average revenue of $1.1M; Dave’s Hot Chicken does not report Item 19 data. Schlotzsky’s has SBA lending data on file with a 20.6% charge-off rate. FranchiseVerdict rates Dave’s Hot Chicken D (Below Average) and Schlotzsky’s B (Above Average).
| Metric | Dave’s Hot Chicken | Schlotzsky’s |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | DBelow AverageBelow Average | BAbove AverageAbove Average |
| Investment Range | $620K – $2.0M | $648K – $2.0M |
| Franchise Fee | $40K | $36K |
| Royalty Rate | 6.0% | 6.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | N/A | $1.1M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | N/A | 20.6% (533 loans) |
| Total Units | 169 | 308 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 2019 | 2017 |
| FDD Year | 2024 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$620K – $2.0M
$648K – $2.0M
Franchise Fee
$40K
$36K
Royalty Rate
6.0%
6.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
N/A
$1.1M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
N/A
20.6% (533 loans)
Total Units
169
308
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
2019
2017
FDD Year
2024
2025