Panda Express vs Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Panda Express and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen are quick-service restaurants franchises. Panda Express requires an investment of $515K – $3.3M while Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen requires $1.2M – $3.9M. In terms of revenue, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen reports higher average unit revenue at $2.0M. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen has SBA lending data on file with a 10.4% charge-off rate. FranchiseVerdict rates Panda Express A (Strongest tier) and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | Panda Express | Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tierStrongest tier | AStrongest tierStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $515K – $3.3M | $1.2M – $3.9M |
| Franchise Fee | $25K | $50K |
| Royalty Rate | 8.0% | 5.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $1.6M | $2.0M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | Limited data | 10.4% (332 loans) |
| Total Units | 2,502 | 3,177 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1995 | 1976 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$515K – $3.3M
$1.2M – $3.9M
Franchise Fee
$25K
$50K
Royalty Rate
8.0%
5.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$1.6M
$2.0M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
Limited data
10.4% (332 loans)
Total Units
2,502
3,177
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1995
1976
FDD Year
2025
2025