Ace Hardware vs Taco Bell Franchise Cost 2026
Ace Hardware runs $286K–$2.1M. Taco Bell runs $575K–$3.4M. The gap at midpoint: $786K.
Ace Hardware
$286K–$2.1M
total investment
Investment Difference
$786K
Ace Hardware costs less
Taco Bell
$575K–$3.4M
total investment
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Ace Hardware | Taco Bell | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $286K–$2.1M | $575K–$3.4M | Ace Hardware |
| Franchise Fee | $5,000 | $45,000 | Ace Hardware |
| Royalty Rate | 0.0% | 5.5% | Ace Hardware |
| Ad Fund Fee | 0.0% | 4.25% | Ace Hardware |
| Net Worth Required | $400K | $1.5M | Ace Hardware |
| Liquid Capital | $250K | $750K | Ace Hardware |
| Est. Break-Even | 5.3 yr | 46.1 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
Taco Bell Profile
- Category
- food
- Total Investment
- $575K–$3.4M
- Franchise Fee
- $45,000
- Royalty
- 5.5%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $1.9M
Bottom Line
Ace Hardware costs $786K less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Ace Hardware also wins on royalty rate.