Ace Hardware vs Jersey Mike's Franchise Cost 2026
Ace Hardware runs $286K–$2.1M. Jersey Mike's runs $252K–$755K. The gap at midpoint: $681K.
Ace Hardware
$286K–$2.1M
total investment
Investment Difference
$681K
Jersey Mike's costs less
Jersey Mike's
$252K–$755K
total investment
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Ace Hardware | Jersey Mike's | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $286K–$2.1M | $252K–$755K | Jersey Mike's |
| Franchise Fee | $5,000 | $18,500 | Ace Hardware |
| Royalty Rate | 0.0% | 6.5% | Ace Hardware |
| Ad Fund Fee | 0.0% | 2.0% | Ace Hardware |
| Net Worth Required | $400K | $300K | Jersey Mike's |
| Liquid Capital | $250K | $100K | Jersey Mike's |
| Est. Break-Even | 5.3 yr | 13.7 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
Jersey Mike's Profile
- Category
- food
- Total Investment
- $252K–$755K
- Franchise Fee
- $18,500
- Royalty
- 6.5%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $1.0M
Bottom Line
Jersey Mike's costs $681K less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Ace Hardware also wins on royalty rate.