Krystal vs Wendy's
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Krystal and Wendy's are quick-service restaurants franchises. Krystal requires an investment of $1.4M – $2.2M while Wendy's requires $410K – $3.1M. In terms of revenue, Wendy's reports higher average unit revenue at $2.1M. On SBA loan performance, Wendy's has a lower charge-off rate (0.8%) compared to Krystal (22.7%). FranchiseVerdict rates Krystal D (Below Average) and Wendy's A (Top Quintile).
| Metric | Krystal | Wendy's |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | DBelow AverageBelow Average | ATop QuintileTop Quintile |
| Investment Range | $1.4M – $2.2M | $410K – $3.1M |
| Franchise Fee | $35K | $50K |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 4-6% of Gross Sales depending on restaurant type and development program (4% traditional/Groundbreaker, 5% Pacesetter, 6% military/Build-to-Suit) |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $982K | $2.1M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 22.7% (33 loans) | 0.8% (200 loans) |
| Total Units | 280 | 7,397 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1990 | 1971 |
| FDD Year | 2024 | 2026 |
Investment Range
$1.4M – $2.2M
$410K – $3.1M
Franchise Fee
$35K
$50K
Royalty Rate
5.0%
4-6% of Gross Sales depending on restaurant type and development program (4% traditional/Groundbreaker, 5% Pacesetter, 6% military/Build-to-Suit)
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$982K
$2.1M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
22.7% (33 loans)
0.8% (200 loans)
Total Units
280
7,397
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1990
1971
FDD Year
2024
2026