VetMyFranchise

Five Guys vs McDonald's: 2026 FDD Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of FIVE GUYS FRANCHISOR, LLC and McDonald's USA, LLC using data from each brand's latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Investment ranges, royalty rates, unit counts, and Item 19 availability for both brands.

Metric
FIVE GUYS FRANCHISOR, LLC
McDonald's USA, LLC
Industry
Food & Beverage
Food & Beverage
Total Initial Investment
$978K - $1.4M
$1.5M - $2.8M
Franchise Fee
$25K
$45K
Royalty Rate
N/A
N/A
Total Units
1558
2023
Item 19 Financials Disclosed
No
Yes

Quick Summary

FIVE GUYS FRANCHISOR, LLC typically requires lower upfront investment than McDonald's USA, LLC. McDonald's USA, LLC discloses Item 19 financial performance representations; FIVE GUYS FRANCHISOR, LLC does not.

Get the Full Comparison

Side-by-side stats are a starting point. The full evaluation requires reading both FDDs in detail — Item 19 cohort data, Item 17 renewal/termination clauses, Item 11 support obligations, and Item 22 sample contracts. Get a $499 Pro Report on each brand for the 12-section deep-dive analysis.

FIVE GUYS FRANCHISOR, LLC Pro Report — $499 McDonald's USA, LLC Pro Report — $499

Or use the free side-by-side compare tool for top-line stats.

Frequently Asked Questions