Jimmy John's vs Sonic
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Jimmy John's and Sonic are quick-service restaurants franchises. Jimmy John's requires an investment of $366K – $728K while Sonic requires $1.5M – $2.5M. In terms of revenue, Sonic reports higher average unit revenue at $1.6M. On SBA loan performance, Jimmy John's has a lower charge-off rate (5.8%) compared to Sonic (8.3%). FranchiseVerdict rates Jimmy John's A (Strongest tier) and Sonic B (Above average).
| Metric | Jimmy John's | Sonic |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tierStrongest tier | BAbove averageAbove average |
| Investment Range | $366K – $728K | $1.5M – $2.5M |
| Franchise Fee | $35K | $15K |
| Royalty Rate | 6.0% | 5.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $986K | $1.6M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 5.8% (1074 loans) | 8.3% (144 loans) |
| Total Units | 2,689 | 3,412 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 2017 | 1974 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2026 |
Investment Range
$366K – $728K
$1.5M – $2.5M
Franchise Fee
$35K
$15K
Royalty Rate
6.0%
5.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$986K
$1.6M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
5.8% (1074 loans)
8.3% (144 loans)
Total Units
2,689
3,412
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
2017
1974
FDD Year
2025
2026