Krystal vs Smashburger
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Krystal and Smashburger are quick-service restaurants franchises. Krystal requires an investment of $1.4M – $2.2M while Smashburger requires $1.2M – $2.3M. Krystal discloses average revenue of $988K; Smashburger makes no financial performance representation in its Item 19, which is voluntary under the FTC Franchise Rule. Krystal has SBA lending data on file with a 22.7% charge-off rate. FranchiseVerdict rates Krystal C (Average) and Smashburger B (Above average).
| Metric | Krystal | Smashburger |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | CAverage | BAbove average |
| Investment Range | $1.4M – $2.2M | $1.2M – $2.3M |
| Franchise Fee | $35K | $40K |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 5.5% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $988K | N/ANo Item 19 representation |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 22.7% (33 loans) | Limited data |
| Total Units | 280 | 194 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | +13 units | -13 units |
| Year Began Franchising | 2020 | 2008 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$1.4M – $2.2M
$1.2M – $2.3M
Franchise Fee
$35K
$40K
Royalty Rate
5.0%
5.5%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$988K
N/ANo Item 19 representation
SBA Charge-Off Rate
22.7% (33 loans)
Limited data
Total Units
280
194
Unit Growth (YoY)
+13 units
-13 units
Year Began Franchising
2020
2008
FDD Year
2025
2025