What is the range for the estimated total initial investment for a Hardees franchise?
Hardees 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fees to HR: | |||||
| Initial Franchise Fee (3) | $25,000 | $25,000 | Lump sum or installments | See Item 5 | HR |
| Opening Training | $32,000 | $72,000 | As incurred | See Item 5 | Vendors, HR |
| Support Team Fee (3) | |||||
| Type of Expenditure | Low Amount | High Amount | Method of Payment (2) | ||
| Total Fees to HR | $57,000 | ||||
| Build-Out Costs: | |||||
| Point of Sale System | $55,000 | $72,000 | Vendors, HR and | ||
| (4) | third parties | ||||
| Soft Costs (5) | $5,000 | $25,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Vendors and third parties |
| Equipment (4) | $350,000 | $540,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Vendors, HR |
| Signage (6) | $15,000 | $55,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Vendors and third parties |
| Total Build-Out | $425,000 | $692,000 | |||
| Costs | |||||
| Preliminary Operating Expenses: | |||||
| Initial Training (7) | $20,000 | $60,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Third parties |
| Pre-Opening Costs (8) | $26,000 | $44,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Vendors, HR |
| Additional Funds - | $160,000 | $250,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Vendors, HR |
| 3 months (9) | |||||
| Total Preliminary | $206,000 | $354,000 | |||
| Operating Expenses | |||||
| TOTAL | $688,000 $1,143,000 | ||||
| ESTIMATED | |||||
| INITIAL | |||||
| INVESTMENT (10) |
Source: Item 7 — Estimated Initial Investment (FDD pages 36–39)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated total initial investment to develop a Hardees restaurant at a travel center location or gas and convenience location ranges from $688,000 to $1,143,000. This investment covers various cost categories, including fees to Hardees, build-out costs, and preliminary operating expenses. These costs are for a new franchised restaurant located inside a travel center or gas and convenience location, with an approximate size of 800 to 2,200 square feet and a limited menu kitchen.
The initial franchise fee is $25,000, with opening training costs ranging from $32,000 to $72,000. Build-out costs, including the point of sale system, soft costs, equipment, and signage, range from $425,000 to $692,000. Preliminary operating expenses, including initial training, pre-opening costs, and additional funds for the first three months, range from $206,000 to $354,000.
Several factors can influence the total investment. The estimates assume that the building, site work, and improvements are paid by the travel center host or the owner of the gas and convenience location. The type of signage installed is also governed by local ordinances, which can affect costs. Additionally, the low end of the equipment costs assumes that certain items are already existing in the travel center or gas and convenience location. Prospective franchisees should carefully review these figures with a business advisor to understand the potential costs and factors that may affect their investment.