Johnny Rockets vs First Watch
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Johnny Rockets and First Watch are full-service restaurants franchises. Johnny Rockets requires an investment of $517K – $2.7M while First Watch requires $1.2M – $2.0M. Johnny Rockets discloses average revenue of $1.6M; First Watch makes no financial performance representation in its Item 19, which is voluntary under the FTC Franchise Rule. Note: Reported as net sales, not gross sales. Johnny Rockets has SBA lending data on file with a 41.2% charge-off rate. FranchiseVerdict rates Johnny Rockets D (Below average) and First Watch A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | Johnny Rockets | First Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | DBelow average | AStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $517K – $2.7M | $1.2M – $2.0M |
| Franchise Fee | $50K | $40K |
| Royalty Rate | 6.0% | 4.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $1.6M | N/ANo Item 19 representation |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 41.2% (39 loans) | Limited data |
| Total Units | 100 | 474 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | -2 units | +14 units |
| Year Began Franchising | 1987 | 2008 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2023 |
Investment Range
$517K – $2.7M
$1.2M – $2.0M
Franchise Fee
$50K
$40K
Royalty Rate
6.0%
4.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$1.6M
N/ANo Item 19 representation
SBA Charge-Off Rate
41.2% (39 loans)
Limited data
Total Units
100
474
Unit Growth (YoY)
-2 units
+14 units
Year Began Franchising
1987
2008
FDD Year
2025
2023