ScorecardWorth It?HistoryDatabaseCompareDistress Signals
OtherRevenue OnlyItem 19: ✓ DisclosedHigh Confidence · 100/100FDD data: 2025 · Fresh

KFC Franchise Cost and Profit

FDD-based startup cost, franchise fee, revenue, profit, SBA default rate, and investment risk signals for KFC.

Based on 2025 FDD · 10 filings in corpus

FranchiseIQ Score
63
C
Moderate Risk
Composite score from 3 risk dimensions. Click for breakdown ↓
Health Score
C+
66/100
6/7 metrics · High confidence

Cost and profit at a glance

How much does a KFC franchise cost and make?

Based on FDDIQ's FDD corpus, a KFC franchise shows an estimated initial investment of $1.1M – $3.8M. Reported owner economics show $135K. Use the links below to compare the cost, revenue, SBA loan history, and ROI against other franchises before you request the full FDD.

Startup Cost
$1.1M – $3.8M
Total initial investment
Profit / Revenue
$135K
FDD Item 19 signal
Payback Signal
17.9 years
Modeled return metric
SBA Default Rate
0.0%
Loan repayment history
Compare franchise costsEstimate franchise ROICheck SBA default ratesBrowse Other franchisesCompare similar franchises

Quick fee read: $45K franchise fee · 9.5% royalty/ad burden. These figures are directional screening data, not a substitute for reading the current FDD and speaking with existing operators.

10-brand free summary pilot · report unlocked

KFC is in the free pilot, so the buyer-grade evidence is visible on this page.

Use this as a source-document screening summary: FDD investment range, royalty/ad burden, Item 19 economics, SBA repayment outcomes, unit movement, and comparable-brand context. Treat missing or low-confidence fields as diligence flags — not as blanks to ignore.

FDD-derived fieldsSBA matched where availableItem 19 labeledUnit movement checkedHigh confidence
What is unlocked
• Risk Engine rationale and sub-scores• Growth Forecast table when forecast data exists• Fee, cost, SBA, and comparable-brand context
Need another brand? Unlock the 10-report pack →Compare against the sample report
Total Investment Range$1.1M$3.8M
MinMid: $2.4MMax

Key Metrics

Franchise Fee
$45K
Royalty Rate
5%
Ad Fund Rate
4.5%
Total Burden
9.5%
Royalty + ad fund
Units (2023)
34
Net Unit Growth
-
Year over year

Financial Analysis

Cash-on-Cash Return
5.6%
Annual estimated return
Payback Period
17.9 yrs
Break-even timeline
SBA Default Rate
0.0%
vs ~7.2% industry avg
Median Revenue
$1.3M
Item 19 disclosed

Estimated using sector-average margins. Actual franchise economics vary by location, operator, and market conditions.

KFC vs. Other Average

MetricKFCOther Avg
SBA Default Rate0.0%7.2%
Cash-on-Cash Return5.6%15.5%
Total Investment$2.4M$250K

Industry averages based on FranchiseIQ corpus benchmarks. ▲ = better than avg, ▼ = worse.

SBA Loan Performance

Real lending data from SBA 7(a) loans (2013-2024). 46 loans across 18 states.

Default Rate
0.0%
Low Risk
Total SBA Loans
46
18 states
Total Loan Volume
$49.4M
SBA 7(a) approved
Avg Loan Size
$1.1M
Per franchisee
Loan Status Breakdown
30
Paid in Full (65%)
8
Currently Active
0
Charged Off
$0
Total Charged Off ($)
Paid Active Charged Off

Source: SBA 7(a) loan data via FOIA. Default rate = charged-off loans / total originated. Industry avg default rate ~7.2%.

Compare

KFC vs Brightmind LearningKFC vs USAKFC vs Agile Pursuits Franchising INC Tide Cleaners

Multi-Brand Operators · Who Runs This Brand

Harman Group
View Hub
Taylorsville, UT· 400+ locations
310 locations of this brand
Part of a multi-brand portfolio. See how operators structure holdings, financing, and growth →
Sizzling Platter
View Hub
Bountiful, UT· 480+ locations
40 locations of this brand
Part of a multi-brand portfolio. See how operators structure holdings, financing, and growth →
Luihn Brothers
View Hub
Jacksonville, FL· 200+ locations
30 locations of this brand
Part of a multi-brand portfolio. See how operators structure holdings, financing, and growth →
Valenti Restaurants
View Hub
Jacksonville, FL· 100+ locations
30 locations of this brand
Part of a multi-brand portfolio. See how operators structure holdings, financing, and growth →
TLC Enterprises
View Hub
Little Rock, AR· 90+ locations
25 locations of this brand
Part of a multi-brand portfolio. See how operators structure holdings, financing, and growth →
Explore all multi-brand franchise operators →

Similar Franchises · Other

Brightmind Learning
USA
Agile Pursuits Franchising INC Tide Cleaners
$40K$2.5M
Brightmind Learning
Investment N/A
USA
Investment N/A
Agile Pursuits Franchising INC Tide Cleaners
$40K – $2.5M
Leaves
$244K – $490K

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Questions to Ask Before You Sign

5 data-driven questions every KFC franchise buyer should ask.

  1. 1.What is KFC's SBA default rate compared to its competitors?Learn more →
  2. 2.Does KFC disclose Item 19 financial performance representations?Learn more →
  3. 3.What is the net unit growth trend over the past 3 years?Learn more →
  4. 4.What is the franchisee termination and transfer rate per Item 20?Learn more →
  5. 5.What do the FDD litigation disclosures (Item 3) reveal about franchisor legal history?Learn more →
Generate attorney questions for KFCValidation call guide →
Data sourced from publicly filed Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) submitted to state franchise regulators. SBA loan data from public SBA 7(a) records. Information reflects the most recent FDD filing in our database and may not reflect current terms. Always verify with the franchisor's current FDD before making any investment decision. Not legal or financial advice.

Explore More

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