Is Panera Bread or Jack in the Box cheaper to open?

Panera Bread costs $1,434,566–$4,651,324 and Jack in the Box costs $1,909,500–$4,041,500 to open (FDD Item 7). Panera Bread has the lower entry cost.

Which earns more, Panera Bread or Jack in the Box?

Panera Bread reports $2,595,936 average annual unit revenue vs $1,913,335 for Jack in the Box (FDD Item 19). Panera Bread is higher. For Panera Bread: Reported as net sales, not gross sales.

Which is the better franchise, Panera Bread or Jack in the Box?

FranchiseVerdict grades Panera Bread A and Jack in the Box A, from FDD Items 5–7, 19–21 and SBA loan performance. See the full side-by-side above.

Panera Bread vs Jack in the Box

Franchise Comparison 2026

Both Panera Bread and Jack in the Box are quick-service restaurants franchises. Panera Bread requires an investment of $1.4M – $4.7M while Jack in the Box requires $1.9M – $4.0M. In terms of revenue, Panera Bread reports higher average unit revenue at $2.6M. Note: Reported as net sales, not gross sales. FranchiseVerdict rates Panera Bread A (Strongest tier) and Jack in the Box A (Strongest tier).

Metric	Panera Bread	Jack in the Box
Verdict Grade	AStrongest tier	AStrongest tier
Investment Range	$1.4M – $4.7M	$1.9M – $4.0M
Franchise Fee	$35K	$50K
Royalty Rate	5.0%	5.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)	$2.6M	$1.9M
SBA Charge-Off Rate	Limited data	Limited data
Total Units	2,206	2,136
Unit Growth (YoY)	-8 units	-55 units
Year Began Franchising	1993	2019
FDD Year	2025	2026