Christian Brothers Automotive franchise
Christian Brothers Automotive runs full-service car repair and maintenance shops known for customer service and a faith-based culture. Instead of a royalty on sales it takes a share of each shop's profits. At the end of 2025 there were 326 Christian Brothers Automotive locations in the US, all franchised.
- Cost to open
- $515K–$650K
- Franchise fee
- $85,000
- Royalty
- 50% of profit
- Locations, 2025
- 326+61 in 3 yrs
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Company snapshot
- First location
- 1982
- Franchisor based in
- Houston, Texas
- Time to open
- 30 to 36 months on average
- Agreement length
- 15 years
- Territory
- Protected territory
- Financing
- Some financing offered
From Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation’s 2026 filing.
How much a Christian Brothers Automotive franchise costs
Opening one Christian Brothers Automotive shop costs an estimated $515,250 to $650,400. That covers the franchise fee and everything else needed to open, through the first months of working capital.
Source: Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation, 2026 filing, page 29
Christian Brothers Automotive franchise fee
The franchise fee is $85,000, per shop, $20,000 of it non-refundable when paid. You pay it when you sign the franchise agreement.
Source: Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation, 2026 filing, page 14
Royalty and ongoing fees
| Royalty | 50% of monthly split profits, paid monthly. |
|---|
Source: Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation, 2026 filing, page 17
Sales and earnings
Shares figures Christian Brothers Automotive publishes sales or earnings figures for its locations: it reports sales and financial results drawn from franchisees' GAAP financial statements. The full tables, with notes on which locations are counted, are in its filing.
Source: Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation, 2026 filing, page 65
Locations opened and closed
| Year | Franchised | Company-owned | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 280 (+15) | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 302 (+22) | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 326 (+24) | 0 | 0 |
Closed or left counts terminations, non-renewals, locations bought back by the franchisor and locations that stopped operating.
Source: Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation, 2026 filing, page 73
How Christian Brothers Automotive compares
Of the 10 auto repair franchises on this site, Christian Brothers Automotive is the 7th cheapest to open and the 9th largest by number of locations.
| Measure | Christian Brothers Automotive | Typical auto repair |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to open, low end | $515K | $318K |
| Closed or left per year | 0% | 1.2% |
| Change in franchised locations, 3 yrs | +23% | +13.9% |
| Shares earnings figures | Yes | 10 of 10 |
Typical is the median across the 10 brands in auto repair franchises.
Other auto repair franchises
Christian Brothers Automotive franchise questions
How long does it take to open a Christian Brothers Automotive?
30 to 36 months on average, according to Christian Brothers Automotive's 2026 filing. Finding a site, permits and build-out are what usually stretch it.
Does Christian Brothers Automotive help with financing?
Yes, in some cases. Christian Brothers Automotive may finance part of the cost, such as the franchise fee, for qualified buyers; terms are in its filing.
Do Christian Brothers Automotive franchisees get a protected territory?
Yes. Christian Brothers Automotive assigns a protected territory where it won't open or license another location while you meet the agreement's terms.
How long is a Christian Brothers Automotive franchise agreement?
The initial term is 15 years. Renewal is usually possible if you're in good standing, often for a fee and a remodel.
Is Christian Brothers Automotive growing or shrinking?
Over the last 3 years 61 franchised locations opened and 0 closed or left, a net change of +23%. About 0% of locations closed or left each year. That is below the 1.2% typical for auto repair franchises.
How does Christian Brothers Automotive compare with other auto repair franchises?
Of the 10 auto repair franchises here, Christian Brothers Automotive is the 7th cheapest to open (low end $515K against a $318K median) and the 9th largest by number of locations.
Does Christian Brothers Automotive say how much franchisees make?
Yes: it reports sales and financial results drawn from franchisees' GAAP financial statements. Your results can differ; the filing explains which locations are counted.
Where is Christian Brothers Automotive based?
Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation is based in Houston, Texas; the first location opened in 1982.