McAlister’s Deli vs Smashburger
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both McAlister’s Deli and Smashburger are full-service restaurants franchises. McAlister’s Deli requires an investment of $910K – $2.6M while Smashburger requires $1.2M – $2.3M. McAlister’s Deli discloses average revenue of $1.9M; Smashburger does not report Item 19 data. On SBA loan performance, McAlister’s Deli has a lower charge-off rate (7.7%) compared to Smashburger (18.2%). FranchiseVerdict rates McAlister’s Deli A (Top Quintile) and Smashburger F (Bottom Quintile).
| Metric | McAlister’s Deli | Smashburger |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | ATop QuintileTop Quintile | FBottom QuintileBottom Quintile |
| Investment Range | $910K – $2.6M | $1.2M – $2.3M |
| Franchise Fee | $36K | $40K |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 5.5% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $1.9M | N/A |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 7.7% (43 loans) | 18.2% (11 loans) |
| Total Units | 572 | 194 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1991 | 2008 |
| FDD Year | 2026 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$910K – $2.6M
$1.2M – $2.3M
Franchise Fee
$36K
$40K
Royalty Rate
5.0%
5.5%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$1.9M
N/A
SBA Charge-Off Rate
7.7% (43 loans)
18.2% (11 loans)
Total Units
572
194
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1991
2008
FDD Year
2026
2025