Panda Express vs Smalls Sliders
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Panda Express and Smalls Sliders are quick-service restaurants franchises. Panda Express requires an investment of $515K – $3.3M while Smalls Sliders requires $1.4M – $2.1M. Panda Express discloses average revenue of $1.6M; Smalls Sliders does not report Item 19 data. FranchiseVerdict rates Panda Express A (Top Quintile) and Smalls Sliders B (Above Average).
| Metric | Panda Express | Smalls Sliders |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | ATop QuintileTop Quintile | BAbove AverageAbove Average |
| Investment Range | $515K – $3.3M | $1.4M – $2.1M |
| Franchise Fee | $25K | $35K |
| Royalty Rate | Greater of 8% of Gross Volume or $4,000 per 4-week period | 6.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $1.6M | N/A |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | Limited data | Limited data |
| Total Units | 2,502 | 45 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 2004 | 2021 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2026 |
Investment Range
$515K – $3.3M
$1.4M – $2.1M
Franchise Fee
$25K
$35K
Royalty Rate
Greater of 8% of Gross Volume or $4,000 per 4-week period
6.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$1.6M
N/A
SBA Charge-Off Rate
Limited data
Limited data
Total Units
2,502
45
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
2004
2021
FDD Year
2025
2026