Panera Bread vs Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Panera Bread and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen are quick-service restaurants franchises. Panera Bread requires an investment of $1.3M – $4.7M while Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen requires $1.2M – $3.9M. In terms of revenue, Panera Bread reports higher average unit revenue at $2.6M. Note: Reported as net sales, not gross sales. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen has SBA lending data on file with a 10.4% charge-off rate. FranchiseVerdict rates Panera Bread A (Strongest tier) and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | Panera Bread | Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tierStrongest tier | AStrongest tierStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $1.3M – $4.7M | $1.2M – $3.9M |
| Franchise Fee | $35K | $50K |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 5.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $2.6M | $2.0M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | Limited data | 10.4% (332 loans) |
| Total Units | 2,206 | 3,177 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1993 | 1976 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$1.3M – $4.7M
$1.2M – $3.9M
Franchise Fee
$35K
$50K
Royalty Rate
5.0%
5.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$2.6M
$2.0M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
Limited data
10.4% (332 loans)
Total Units
2,206
3,177
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1993
1976
FDD Year
2025
2025