Ace Hardware vs Chick-fil-A Franchise Cost 2026
Ace Hardware runs $286K–$2.1M. Chick-fil-A runs $342K–$2.2M. The gap at midpoint: $100K.
Ace Hardware
$286K–$2.1M
total investment
Investment Difference
$100K
Ace Hardware costs less
Chick-fil-A
$342K–$2.2M
total investment
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Ace Hardware | Chick-fil-A | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $286K–$2.1M | $342K–$2.2M | Ace Hardware |
| Franchise Fee | $5,000 | $10,000 | Ace Hardware |
| Royalty Rate | 0.0% | 0.0% | Ace Hardware |
| Ad Fund Fee | 0.0% | 0.0% | Ace Hardware |
| Net Worth Required | $400K | $0 | Chick-fil-A |
| Liquid Capital | $250K | $10K | Chick-fil-A |
| Est. Break-Even | 5.3 yr | 1.3 yr | Chick-fil-A |
Ace Hardware Profile
- Category
- retail
- Total Investment
- $286K–$2.1M
- Franchise Fee
- $5,000
- Royalty
- 0.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $2.8M
Chick-fil-A Profile
- Category
- food
- Total Investment
- $342K–$2.2M
- Franchise Fee
- $10,000
- Royalty
- 0.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $8.1M
Bottom Line
Ace Hardware costs $100K less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Ace Hardware also wins on royalty rate.