Franchising FAQs
What kind of experience do I need to be considered as a potential Bruegger's franchisee?
Our experience shows that the most successful franchisees are solid business people, results-oriented with a passion for the restaurant business. They possess the financial capability to construct and operate our bakery-cafés. Restaurant management experience is critical to franchisee success. For that reason, Bruegger's requires that at least one member of the ownership team or an approved operating partner have a background in restaurant management.
What investment is required?
The estimated initial development costs of a single bakery-café range from $404,600 to $591,600, which includes the franchise fee but does not include the lease or purchase of real estate. You will need to demonstrate financial stability, with liquid assets available to devote to this project of $150,000 and a minimum net worth of $335,000.
Is there an ongoing royalty fee?
Yes, the royalty fee is 5% of gross sales.
How long is my franchise agreement?
Your initial franchise agreement is 10 years. There is an additional 10 year option.
What is the franchise fee?
The franchise fee is $30,000.
Does Bruegger's provide training?
We know how important training is to the success of our franchisees, and we take it very seriously. Bruegger's dedicated trainers will be sure that you and your employees are familiar with the proven and effective operating concepts before you open your first two bakeries. You and your operating partner will train in one of our Training Bakeries for up to 8 weeks prior to the opening of your first bakery-café. In addition, one of our experienced Franchise Operations Consultants will be assigned to assist you with the first two bakeries you open and provide ongoing site visits, training and operational assistance.
Does Bruegger's provide financing?
Bruegger's does not provide financing. Bruegger's is registered with the SBA Franchise Registry, which expedites the processing of SBA loans should you decide to apply for SBA financial assistance. Bruegger's also has developed relationships with a number of lenders, both conventional and SBA, who are comfortable lending to our franchise restaurant owners.
Who determines the site and builds the bakery-café?
We know, based on our experience opening bagel bakeries since 1983, what site characteristics are most conducive to a successful Bruegger's. We share that information with you. Additionally you will receive support from a dedicated real estate manager who will work closely with you to choose a site that we collectively feel most closely meets our criteria. You will submit all relevant information concerning the site to us, and we will analyze it. Based on our experience, we'll either approve the site or advise you to choose another site (of course, this is no guarantee of success). Once a site is approved, we will provide you with representative plans and specifications. You are responsible for hiring the architects, designers and construction company to work with you to build your bakery-café.
What kind of site works best?
A Bruegger's bakery-café can succeed in a variety of locations such as downtowns, strip centers and traditional drive-ins as well as quick service locations. We believe any site where well-educated, sophisticated consumers can be found has the potential to be a successful Bruegger's. Square footage should range 1500-2500 square feet. A prime site is one that is situated on an inbound morning commuter side and allows for easy access to the location. We require first floor or street location and convenient customer parking in a suburban location. Bruegger's also offers non-traditional prototypes that can be implemented in smaller locations such as airports, universities or other locations that may represent a good location for Bruegger's but lacking in the size required for a full bakery configuration.
Is marketing support available?
Yes, a percentage of your gross sales as specified in your franchise agreement goes into a fund that is used to promote Bruegger's both nationally and locally. You are also required to spend 2% of your gross sales on local advertising.
What about development of new products & equipment?
Bruegger's understands how important it is to monitor current trends in the quick casual dining sector. We have a team devoted to the development and execution of new and creative offerings, such as new sandwich ideas, that will work with you to ensure success and ease of implementation.
Where do I obtain supplies for my bakery-café?
The proprietary dough must be purchased from a nearby commissary, an approved vendor, or produced in your own commissary. Bruegger's requires that you purchase most other supplies from authorized vendors and designates the use of specific products in your bakery-café. All of this information is explained in our Manuals.
Does Bruegger's franchise internationally?
Bruegger's is seeking International Master Developers who are experienced with the development of US-based restaurant chains in their country of interest.
