Franchise Facts Report → compare → Carl's Jr vs Qdoba
Carl's Jr vs Qdoba
Two quick-service restaurant franchises, compared on the numbers their own Franchise Disclosure Documents put on record — investment, fees, Item 19 earnings, outlet churn, and litigation. Not marketing copy.
| Carl's Jr | Qdoba | |
|---|---|---|
| Total initial investment FDD Item 7 | $1,486,000 – $3,176,500 | $476,800 – $1,096,700 |
| Initial franchise fee FDD Item 5 | $25,000 | $30,000 |
| Royalty FDD Item 6 | 4% | 5% |
| Item 19 earnings disclosed FDD Item 19 | Yes | Yes |
| Avg unit revenue (headline) FDD Item 19 | $1,373,117 | $1,303,054 |
| Franchised outlets FDD Item 20 | 982 | 447 |
| Net outlet change (latest yr) FDD Item 20 | -32 | +41 |
| Closure rate FDD Item 20 | 2.9% | 3.2% |
| Franchisee lawsuits FDD Item 3 | 4 | disclosed |
| Risk level our read | High | Medium |
| FDD year registration | 2025 | 2023 |
Are Carl's Jr and Qdoba the same company?
No — Carl's Jr and Qdoba are franchised by separate companies. Carl's Jr's franchisor is CARL'S JR. RESTAURANTS LLC; Qdoba's is Qdoba Restaurant Corporation. Each registers and files its own Franchise Disclosure Document, and you would be signing with a different entity depending on which you chose. Note that a registry filing names the franchisor, not necessarily its ultimate parent — two brands owned by the same parent company can still have separate franchisors.
Cost to open
Qdoba is the cheaper franchise to open: its FDD Item 7 puts the total initial investment at $476,800 – $1,096,700, against $1,486,000 – $3,176,500 for Carl's Jr.
How much does each make? (Item 19)
Both franchisors make an Item 19 financial performance representation. On the headline average unit revenue each discloses, Carl's Jr reports the higher figure ($1,373,117 vs $1,303,054). Revenue is not profit — check each Item 19 for which units the figure covers.
Closures & failure rate
Carl's Jr reports 982 franchised outlets, net change -32 in the latest reported year, a 2.9% closure rate (FDD Item 20). Qdoba reports 447 franchised outlets, net change +41 in the latest reported year, a 3.2% closure rate (FDD Item 20). Outlet churn — closures, terminations, non-renewals — is the closest thing an FDD has to a failure rate.
Litigation
Carl's Jr discloses 4 franchisee-vs-franchisor proceedings in FDD Item 3. Qdoba discloses litigation in FDD Item 3 (each case is described there).
Deciding between Carl's Jr and Qdoba?
See what else fits before you choose. Tell us your budget and state and we'll send you the 5–10 quick-service restaurant franchises (or any industries you pick) with the strongest FDD record for it.
Carl's Jr vs Qdoba — frequently asked
Are Carl's Jr and Qdoba the same company?
No — Carl's Jr and Qdoba are franchised by separate companies. Carl's Jr's franchisor is CARL'S JR. RESTAURANTS LLC; Qdoba's is Qdoba Restaurant Corporation. Each registers and files its own Franchise Disclosure Document, and you would be signing with a different entity depending on which you chose. Note that a registry filing names the franchisor, not necessarily its ultimate parent — two brands owned by the same parent company can still have separate franchisors.
What is the difference between Carl's Jr and Qdoba?
Carl's Jr and Qdoba are quick-service restaurant franchises from different franchisors (CARL'S JR. RESTAURANTS LLC and Qdoba Restaurant Corporation). Qdoba is the cheaper franchise to open: its FDD Item 7 puts the total initial investment at $476,800 – $1,096,700, against $1,486,000 – $3,176,500 for Carl's Jr. Both franchisors make an Item 19 financial performance representation. On the headline average unit revenue each discloses, Carl's Jr reports the higher figure ($1,373,117 vs $1,303,054). Revenue is not profit — check each Item 19 for which units the figure covers.
Is Carl's Jr more profitable than Qdoba?
Both franchisors make an Item 19 financial performance representation. On the headline average unit revenue each discloses, Carl's Jr reports the higher figure ($1,373,117 vs $1,303,054). Revenue is not profit — check each Item 19 for which units the figure covers.
Which is cheaper to open — Carl's Jr or Qdoba?
Qdoba is the cheaper franchise to open: its FDD Item 7 puts the total initial investment at $476,800 – $1,096,700, against $1,486,000 – $3,176,500 for Carl's Jr.
Is Carl's Jr or Qdoba growing faster?
Carl's Jr reports 982 franchised outlets, net change -32 in the latest reported year, a 2.9% closure rate (FDD Item 20). Qdoba reports 447 franchised outlets, net change +41 in the latest reported year, a 3.2% closure rate (FDD Item 20).
Go deeper on each brand
Quick-service restaurant rankings
Figures are as disclosed in each brand's most recent registered FDD (Carl's Jr 2025, Qdoba 2023). “—” means the FDD does not disclose it or the table did not parse cleanly — never an estimate.