Ace Hardware vs Cookout Franchise Cost 2026
Ace Hardware runs $286K–$2.1M. Cookout runs $500K–$1.2M. The gap at midpoint: $336K.
Ace Hardware
$286K–$2.1M
total investment
Investment Difference
$336K
Cookout costs less
Cookout
$500K–$1.2M
total investment
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Ace Hardware | Cookout | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $286K–$2.1M | $500K–$1.2M | Cookout |
| Franchise Fee | $5,000 | $0 | Cookout |
| Royalty Rate | 0.0% | 0.0% | Ace Hardware |
| Ad Fund Fee | 0.0% | 0.0% | Ace Hardware |
| Net Worth Required | $400K | $500K | Ace Hardware |
| Liquid Capital | $250K | $250K | Ace Hardware |
| Est. Break-Even | 5.3 yr | 2.8 yr | Cookout |
Ace Hardware Profile
- Category
- retail
- Total Investment
- $286K–$2.1M
- Franchise Fee
- $5,000
- Royalty
- 0.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $2.8M
Cookout Profile
- Category
- food
- Total Investment
- $500K–$1.2M
- Franchise Fee
- $0
- Royalty
- 0.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $2.5M
Bottom Line
Cookout costs $336K less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Ace Hardware also wins on royalty rate.