KFC vs Papa John's Pizza
Franchise Comparison 2026
KFC is a quick-service restaurants franchise, while Papa John's Pizza operates in full-service restaurants. KFC requires an investment of $1.9M – $3.8M while Papa John's Pizza requires $281K – $890K. In terms of revenue, KFC reports higher average unit revenue at $1.3M. Note: Reported as net sales, not gross sales. On SBA loan performance, KFC has a lower charge-off rate (12.3%) compared to Papa John's Pizza (19.6%). FranchiseVerdict rates KFC B (Above average) and Papa John's Pizza A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | KFC | Papa John's Pizza |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | BAbove averageAbove average | AStrongest tierStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $1.9M – $3.8M | $281K – $890K |
| Franchise Fee | $45K | $25K |
| Royalty Rate | 4.0% | 5.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $1.3M | $1.1MIncl. company outlets |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 12.3% (281 loans) | 19.6% (190 loans) |
| Total Units | 3,638 | 3,294 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 2016 | 2021 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2026 |
Investment Range
$1.9M – $3.8M
$281K – $890K
Franchise Fee
$45K
$25K
Royalty Rate
4.0%
5.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$1.3M
$1.1MIncl. company outlets
SBA Charge-Off Rate
12.3% (281 loans)
19.6% (190 loans)
Total Units
3,638
3,294
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
2016
2021
FDD Year
2025
2026