Ace Hardware vs Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise Cost 2026
Ace Hardware runs $286K–$2.1M. Buffalo Wild Wings runs $1.6M–$3.9M. The gap at midpoint: $1.6M.
Ace Hardware
$286K–$2.1M
total investment
Investment Difference
$1.6M
Ace Hardware costs less
Buffalo Wild Wings
$1.6M–$3.9M
total investment
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Ace Hardware | Buffalo Wild Wings | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $286K–$2.1M | $1.6M–$3.9M | Ace Hardware |
| Franchise Fee | $5,000 | $50,000 | Ace Hardware |
| Royalty Rate | 0.0% | 5.0% | Ace Hardware |
| Ad Fund Fee | 0.0% | 3.5% | Ace Hardware |
| Net Worth Required | $400K | $1.5M | Ace Hardware |
| Liquid Capital | $250K | $750K | Ace Hardware |
| Est. Break-Even | 5.3 yr | 22.7 yr | Ace Hardware |
Ace Hardware Profile
- Category
- retail
- Total Investment
- $286K–$2.1M
- Franchise Fee
- $5,000
- Royalty
- 0.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $2.8M
Buffalo Wild Wings Profile
- Category
- food
- Total Investment
- $1.6M–$3.9M
- Franchise Fee
- $50,000
- Royalty
- 5.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $3.5M
Bottom Line
Ace Hardware costs $1.6M less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Ace Hardware also wins on royalty rate.