Wendy's vs Wingstop
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Wendy's and Wingstop are quick-service restaurants franchises. Wendy's requires an investment of $1.6M – $3.1M while Wingstop requires $310K – $1.0M. In terms of revenue, Wingstop reports higher average unit revenue at $2.0M. Note: Reported as net sales, not gross sales. On SBA loan performance, Wendy's has a lower charge-off rate (0.8%) compared to Wingstop (8.4%). FranchiseVerdict rates Wendy's A (Strongest tier) and Wingstop A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | Wendy's | Wingstop |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tierStrongest tier | AStrongest tierStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $1.6M – $3.1M | $310K – $1.0M |
| Franchise Fee | $50K | $25K |
| Royalty Rate | 4.0% | 6.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $2.0M | $2.0M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 0.8% (200 loans) | 8.4% (465 loans) |
| Total Units | 5,969 | 2,586 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1971 | 1997 |
| FDD Year | 2026 | 2026 |
Investment Range
$1.6M – $3.1M
$310K – $1.0M
Franchise Fee
$50K
$25K
Royalty Rate
4.0%
6.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$2.0M
$2.0M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
0.8% (200 loans)
8.4% (465 loans)
Total Units
5,969
2,586
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1971
1997
FDD Year
2026
2026