Great Clips vs Sonic
Franchise Comparison 2026
Great Clips is a personal care & beauty franchise, while Sonic operates in quick-service restaurants. Great Clips requires an investment of $188K – $420K while Sonic requires $670K – $2.5M. In terms of revenue, Sonic reports higher average unit revenue at $1.6M. On SBA loan performance, Great Clips has a lower charge-off rate (5.3%) compared to Sonic (8.3%). FranchiseVerdict rates Great Clips A (Top Quintile) and Sonic A (Top Quintile).
| Metric | Great Clips | Sonic |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | ATop QuintileTop Quintile | ATop QuintileTop Quintile |
| Investment Range | $188K – $420K | $670K – $2.5M |
| Franchise Fee | $20K | $15K |
| Royalty Rate | 6.0% | 5.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $411K | $1.6M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 5.3% (604 loans) | 8.3% (144 loans) |
| Total Units | 4,441 | 3,412 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1983 | 1974 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2026 |
Investment Range
$188K – $420K
$670K – $2.5M
Franchise Fee
$20K
$15K
Royalty Rate
6.0%
5.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$411K
$1.6M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
5.3% (604 loans)
8.3% (144 loans)
Total Units
4,441
3,412
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1983
1974
FDD Year
2025
2026