Dairy Queen vs El Pollo Loco: Franchise Comparison
Side-by-side analysis using official FDD data
| Metric | Dairy Queen | El Pollo Loco |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Investment Range | $1,150,000 – $2,440,000 | $793,750 – $2,685,500 |
| Franchise Fee | N/A | $40,000 |
| Royalty Rate | 4.0% | 5.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 5.0% | 5.0% |
| Total Fee Burden | 9.0% | 10.0% |
| Median Revenue | No Item 19 | $2,168,985 |
| Est. Annual Profit | N/A | $216,898 |
| Est. Profit Margin | N/A | 10.0% |
| Closure Rate | N/A | 0.1% |
| Total Units | 4,400 | 498 |
| Unit Growth | N/A | 7.6% |
| Franchise Score | 57.0/100 | 83.0/100 |
Which Is the Better Franchise?
Based on the metrics above, Dairy Queen leads on 3 metrics, while El Pollo Loco leads on 2 metrics.
On paper, Dairy Queen comes out ahead in this comparison across more key franchise metrics.
The Franchise Breakdown Score — a composite rating factoring in costs, revenue, stability, and risk — gives Dairy Queen a 57.0/100 and El Pollo Loco a 83.0/100.
This comparison is generated from publicly available FDD data and is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice. Always conduct your own due diligence before making any franchise investment decision.