FranchiseBudget

Ace Hardware vs Crumbl Cookies Franchise Cost 2026

Ace Hardware runs $286K–$2.1M. Crumbl Cookies runs $369K–$875K. The gap at midpoint: $564K.

Ace Hardware

$286K–$2.1M

total investment

Investment Difference

$564K

Crumbl Cookies costs less

Crumbl Cookies

$369K–$875K

total investment

Cost Breakdown

Category Ace Hardware Crumbl Cookies Lower Cost
Total Investment $286K–$2.1M $369K–$875K Crumbl Cookies
Franchise Fee $5,000 $25,000 Ace Hardware
Royalty Rate 0.0% 8.0% Ace Hardware
Ad Fund Fee 0.0% 2.0% Ace Hardware
Net Worth Required $400K $400K Ace Hardware
Liquid Capital $250K $150K Crumbl Cookies
Est. Break-Even 5.3 yr 25.9 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
Full Ace Hardware Cost Breakdown →

Crumbl Cookies Profile

Category
food
Total Investment
$369K–$875K
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Royalty
8.0%
Est. Annual Revenue
$1.2M
Full Crumbl Cookies Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

Crumbl Cookies costs $564K less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Ace Hardware also wins on royalty rate.