Scorchers vs Zuka Juice
Scorchers vs Zuka Juice: Scorchers costs $19K to $307K to open; Zuka Juice costs $80K to $176K. Scorchers has 4 units, Zuka Juice has 14. SBA loan history: Scorchers = 8 loans (50.0% default); Zuka Juice = 17 loans (17.6% default). The franchise with more SBA funded units, a lower SBA default rate, and a lower royalty load is the safer financing bet; see the comparison below.
Scorchers vs Zuka Juice: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Analysis based on FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
Scorchers requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($19K vs $80K for Zuka Juice), a 76% spread.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Zuka Juice operates 14 units to Scorchers's 4, roughly 4× the system size.
SBA Lending Profile
Zuka Juice has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 17 7(a) approvals compared with 8 for Scorchers. Scorchers's peak SBA year was 2004 (3 loans); Zuka Juice's peak was 1998 (10 loans). Scorchers's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Scorchers has the most SBA funded units in OH, with 5. Zuka Juice leads in UT, with 5. Borrowers should pick the brand whose strongest SBA state matches their own state for warmer lender introductions. Average SBA loan size on funded Scorchers deals is $146K vs $144K for Zuka Juice, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 50.0% for Scorchers and 17.6% for Zuka Juice, Zuka Juice has the cleaner SBA loss record by 32.4 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 20 (Fair) for Scorchers and 36 (Fair) for Zuka Juice, giving Zuka Juice the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 20/100 | 36/100 |
Health Tier | Limited | Fair |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | N/A |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 8 | 17 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 50.0% | 17.6% |
Peer Tier | emerging | growing |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $19K to $307K | $80K to $176K |
Franchise Fee | N/A | N/A |
Royalty Rate | N/A | N/A |
Ad Fund | N/A | N/A |
Liquid Capital | N/A | N/A |
Net Worth Required | N/A | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 4 | 14 |
Franchised Units | 4 | 14 |
Company Owned | – | – |
Term Length | N/A | N/A |
Brand Information
Year Founded | N/A | N/A |
Franchising Since | N/A | N/A |
Years Franchising | N/A | N/A |
Headquarters | AKRON, OH | LAKE OSWEGO (OSWEGO), OR |
Category | Drinking Places | Drinking Places |
Website | ||
FDD Year | N/A | N/A |
Which Is Better, Scorchers or Zuka Juice?
Lower upfront capital required
Tie
Scorchers: $19K starting · Zuka Juice: $80K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Zuka Juice
Scorchers: 8 SBA loans · Zuka Juice: 17 SBA loans
Lower SBA default rate
Zuka Juice
Scorchers: 50.0% · Zuka Juice: 17.6%
Larger system & brand presence
Tie
Scorchers: 4 units · Zuka Juice: 14 units
More lender financing options
Zuka Juice
Scorchers: 4 unique lenders · Zuka Juice: 8 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation. Your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
Scorchers vs Zuka Juice: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Scorchers and Zuka Juice is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $19K to $307K.
Scorchers has 8 SBA loans on record and Zuka Juice has 17. Those totals are cumulative history rather than a measure of current appetite. Recent lending activity is trending down for at least one of these brands, so current lender appetite has to be checked deal by deal rather than assumed from the totals.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands, not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice, consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.
Scorchers vs Zuka Juice, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, Scorchers or Zuka Juice?
How much does a Scorchers franchise cost compared to Zuka Juice?
Can I finance Scorchers or Zuka Juice with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, Scorchers or Zuka Juice?
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Page Review
Reviewed by Edward L. Freeman, Founder and Managing Director, PeerSense
- PeerSense is a capital advisory firm that places commercial financing with direct capital sources; the capital source sets final terms.
- Edward L. Freeman founded PeerSense in January 2020.
- He is a Registered Franchise Consultant with Business Alliance, Inc., a credential issued in March 2022, and worked as a franchise consultant there from March 2022 to May 2023.
- His recorded experience includes a $22 million SBA construction loan, with about $16 million funded on the deal.
- In the 12 months through September 30, 2026, PeerSense tracked 912 publicly announced financings with a disclosed size of $361.32 billion. PeerSense Capital Data Report · Methodology page
Last reviewed LinkedIn profileAbout Edward Freeman