Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken vs Panda Express
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken and Panda Express are quick-service restaurants franchises. Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken requires an investment of $1.3M – $2.4M while Panda Express requires $515K – $3.3M. In terms of revenue, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken reports higher average unit revenue at $1.8M. FranchiseVerdict rates Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken B (Above average) and Panda Express A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken | Panda Express |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | BAbove average | AStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $1.3M – $2.4M | $515K – $3.3M |
| Franchise Fee | $35K | $25K |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 8.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $1.8M | $1.6M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | N/A | Limited data |
| Total Units | 126 | 2,502 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | -13 units | +8 units |
| Year Began Franchising | 2021 | 1995 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$1.3M – $2.4M
$515K – $3.3M
Franchise Fee
$35K
$25K
Royalty Rate
5.0%
8.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$1.8M
$1.6M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
N/A
Limited data
Total Units
126
2,502
Unit Growth (YoY)
-13 units
+8 units
Year Began Franchising
2021
1995
FDD Year
2025
2025