Christian Brothers Automotive^®

Automotive • Year: 2026

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What Is Christian Brothers Automotive?

Christian Brothers Automotive is a franchise system that offers automotive repair and maintenance services. Franchises operate as brick-and-mortar automotive repair and service facilities serving the general public (B2C). Certain existing franchisees may also be granted an on-location vehicle service program to perform services on guest vehicles using a CBA-branded, specifically outfitted vehicle.

Christian Brothers Automotive Franchise: Pros and Cons

The system's top-tier Franchise Stability Score (100/100) shows unusually strong franchisee retention and long-term support, but the high upfront requirements - an $85,000 initial fee (Item 7 min $76,500) and $312,750 minimum assets - significantly raise the cash needed and break-even burden.

Pros

Franchise Stability Score is Excellent (100/100) - top tier compared with peers, signaling unusually strong franchisee retention and that operators overwhelmingly stay in the system.

Training and Support Score of 100 plus 545 hours of initial training (both well above typical for Automotive) - the franchisor invests heavily in operator preparation, which reduces your ramp-up time and operational guesswork.

Initial fees are refundable on failure (the franchisor answered "No" to non‑refundable fees - an uncommon, franchisee‑friendly term versus the typical industry practice) - this lowers your pre-opening financial downside if a launch fails.

Cons

The stated initial franchise fee is $85,000 (Item 7 min $76,500) and the Item 7 minimum assets requirement is $312,750 - all well above typical for Automotive, which substantially raises the cash you need to start and increases your break-even burden.

One franchisor‑initiated enforcement action (standing well above typical for ALL) indicates the franchisor actively pursues legal remedies against franchisees, creating potential operational friction between operators and corporate.

Zero company‑owned units (bottom 5% for Automotive) means the franchisor doesn't run its own locations, limiting their ability to test, iterate, and maintain firsthand operational experience for system improvements.

Lawsuits & Legal Risk

80/100

NORMAL

Christian Brothers Automotive reported no material legal proceedings.

Territory Protection

51/100

Good

Christian Brothers Automotive grants an exclusive, site-specific Territory for a single CBA location with site-limited advertising and market-density protections. Territory rights are contingent on performance quotas (rolling and comparative NOI), franchisor retains the right to sell via alternative distribution channels and to develop additional units, and relocation requires approval.

Training & Support

100

Excellent

Christian Brothers Automotive provides a comprehensive 545-hour training curriculum designed to prepare 0 initial trainees for launch and includes on-site training components. The program includes on-site launch assistance focused on operational readiness; franchisees are responsible for travel and living expenses, and on-site support does not require an additional fee.

Franchisee Stability

100

Excellent

Christian Brothers Automotive earns an Excellent Stability Score. Three-year turnover of 0.00% is well below the typical Automotive franchise (around 5%), placing the system at the very low end among industry peers. Out of 0 total exits across the three reported years, there were no terminations, no non-renewals, no franchisor buybacks, and no ceased operations.

The system reports no exits over the three-year span, and with about 302 franchised outlets in the most recent year this indicates unusually steady operator retention in that window. Given the system’s scale, that consistency likely reflects both replicable unit economics and sustained franchisor support. Still, prospective buyers should complete routine diligence: review financial performance, confirm local unit economics, and speak with current franchisees about training and ongoing support. For prospective franchisees, this is among the strongest retention profiles in franchising.

Unit Growth Analysis

Christian Brothers Automotive added 61 locations from 2023–2026, growing at roughly 7.9% per year. This matches the "Rocket Ship" risk profile - the concept is validated and expansion is steady, but as a new owner you should expect the franchisor's operations, training and marketing to be stretched; verify territory quality, responsive field support, and consistent lead generation before committing.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Christian Brothers Automotive Franchise?

Opening a Christian Brothers Automotive franchise requires a total initial investment of $515,250 to $650,400, according to the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. This range covers the franchise fee, real estate, equipment, training, and initial working capital needed to launch and operate through the early months.

Minimum Investment

$515,250

Franchise Fee

Real Estate

Equipment & Assets

Reserves

Training

Other

Maximum Investment

$650,400

Minimum Investment Breakdown

Franchise Fee$76,500

Real Estate$5,000

Equipment & Assets$312,750

Reserves$30,000

Training$0

Other$91,000

Maximum Investment Breakdown

Franchise Fee$85,000

Real Estate$5,000

Equipment & Assets$365,400

Reserves$40,000

Training$0

Other$155,000

Investment Analysis

This investment analysis is coming soon. Have ideas for other analyses you'd like us to add? Get in touch.

The initial investment amounts shown are estimates only. Actual costs may vary based on location size, business model, and multi-unit ownership arrangements. We recommend reviewing the full Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Christian Brothers Automotive a good franchise to own?

Whether Christian Brothers Automotive is a good franchise depends on your goals, experience, and local market. Key factors from the 2026 FDD: Christian Brothers Automotive operates 326 locations, received a legal risk score of 80/100, a training and support score of 100/100. Financial performance data is disclosed in Item 19. Prospective franchisees should review the full Franchise Disclosure Document and consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decision.

Is a Christian Brothers Automotive franchise worth the investment?

The value of a Christian Brothers Automotive franchise investment depends on factors such as location, operator experience, and market demand. The initial investment ranges from $515,250 to $650,400. Christian Brothers Automotive disclosed average gross sales of $2,865,872 in 2026. Franchise investments carry inherent risk, and prospective buyers should conduct thorough due diligence before committing capital.

How long does it take to break even with a Christian Brothers Automotive franchise?

Break-even timelines for Christian Brothers Automotive franchises are not disclosed in the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. Break-even periods vary significantly based on initial investment level, local market conditions, operating costs, and revenue ramp-up speed. Prospective franchisees should build a pro forma financial model using Item 7 cost estimates and, where available, Item 19 financial performance data from the FDD.

Is Christian Brothers Automotive a franchise or a corporate-owned business?

As of the 2026 FDD, Christian Brothers Automotive operates 326 franchised locations and 0 company-owned locations. Franchise opportunities are available through the franchisor's disclosure process.

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