Is Doner Shack or Layne’s Chicken Fingers cheaper to open?

Doner Shack costs $498,000–$1,007,000 and Layne’s Chicken Fingers costs $451,500–$1,050,000 to open (FDD Item 7). Layne’s Chicken Fingers has the lower entry cost.

Which is the better franchise, Doner Shack or Layne’s Chicken Fingers?

FranchiseVerdict grades Doner Shack C and Layne’s Chicken Fingers B, from FDD Items 5–7, 19–21 and SBA loan performance. See the full side-by-side above.

Doner Shack vs Layne’s Chicken Fingers

Franchise Comparison 2026

Both Doner Shack and Layne’s Chicken Fingers are quick-service restaurants franchises. Doner Shack requires an investment of $498K – $1.0M while Layne’s Chicken Fingers requires $452K – $1.1M. Layne’s Chicken Fingers discloses average revenue of $2.0M; Doner Shack makes no financial performance representation in its Item 19, which is voluntary under the FTC Franchise Rule. Note: Includes company-owned outlets. FranchiseVerdict rates Doner Shack C (Average) and Layne’s Chicken Fingers B (Above average).

Metric	Doner Shack	Layne’s Chicken Fingers
Verdict Grade	CAverage	BAbove average
Investment Range	$498K – $1.0M	$452K – $1.1M
Franchise Fee	$40K	$45K
Royalty Rate	6.0%	5.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)	N/ANo Item 19 representation	$2.0MIncl. company outlets
SBA Charge-Off Rate	Limited data	Limited data
Total Units	0	19
Unit Growth (YoY)	+0 units	+5 units
Year Began Franchising	2024	2018
FDD Year	2025	2025