What is the estimated low and high range for signage costs for a Carls Jr. franchise?
Carls_Jr Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of Expenditure | Low Amount | High Amount | Method of Payment (2) | When Due | To Whom Payment Is To Be Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Build-Out Costs: | |||||
| Signage (6) | $15,000 | $55,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Vendors and third parties |
- (6) The type of signage installed is governed by local ordinances regarding height and size restrictions. The estimates included in the table above reflect the cost of faces signs only and assumes that all sign foundations and poles are already installed.
The low estimates assumes that the Franchised Location is located at a Travel Center Location or Gas and Convenience Location that does not meet the requirements of our Travel Center Program and includes exterior building signs and a 25-foot pole. A typical unit with a drive-thru has 2-4 illuminated directional signs.
The high estimate assumes your Franchised Restaurant is located at a Travel Center Location or Gas and Convenience Location that meets the requirements for our Travel Center Program – meaning, the location is within a ½ mile of an interstate or limited access highway and includes a combination of high rise pylon sign, streel level onsite pylon sign, monument sign, billboard or other highway sign.
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 35–37)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated cost for signage ranges from $15,000 to $55,000 for a restaurant located at a Travel Center Location or Gas and Convenience Location. This estimate reflects the cost of the sign faces only, assuming that all sign foundations and poles are already installed. The type of signage installed is governed by local ordinances regarding height and size restrictions.
The low estimate assumes that the Franchised Location is located at a Travel Center Location or Gas and Convenience Location that does not meet the requirements of the Travel Center Program and includes exterior building signs and a 25-foot pole. A typical unit with a drive-thru has 2-4 illuminated directional signs. The high estimate assumes the Franchised Restaurant is located at a Travel Center Location or Gas and Convenience Location that meets the requirements for the Travel Center Program, meaning the location is within a ½ mile of an interstate or limited access highway and includes a combination of high rise pylon sign, street level onsite pylon sign, monument sign, billboard or other highway sign.
As the FDD notes, these costs are 'as arranged' and 'as incurred' and are paid to vendors and third parties. Given the variability in signage costs based on location and local regulations, prospective franchisees should carefully investigate these costs for their specific location to avoid unexpected expenses. Franchisees should also confirm with Carls Jr. what signage is required and what is optional.