Wendy's vs Carl's Jr.
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Wendy's and Carl's Jr. are quick-service restaurants franchises. Wendy's requires an investment of $1.6M – $3.1M while Carl's Jr. requires $1.5M – $3.2M. In terms of revenue, Wendy's reports higher average unit revenue at $2.0M. Wendy's has SBA lending data on file with a 0.8% charge-off rate. FranchiseVerdict rates Wendy's A (Strongest tier) and Carl's Jr. B (Above average).
| Metric | Wendy's | Carl's Jr. |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tier | BAbove average |
| Investment Range | $1.6M – $3.1M | $1.5M – $3.2M |
| Franchise Fee | $50K | $25K |
| Royalty Rate | 4.0% | 4.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $2.0M | $1.4M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 0.8% (200 loans) | Limited data |
| Total Units | 5,969 | 1,063 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | -6 units | -6 units |
| Year Began Franchising | 1971 | 1984 |
| FDD Year | 2026 | 2024 |
Investment Range
$1.6M – $3.1M
$1.5M – $3.2M
Franchise Fee
$50K
$25K
Royalty Rate
4.0%
4.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$2.0M
$1.4M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
0.8% (200 loans)
Limited data
Total Units
5,969
1,063
Unit Growth (YoY)
-6 units
-6 units
Year Began Franchising
1971
1984
FDD Year
2026
2024