The franchise fee of $25,000 is significantly below the category average of $35,000-$40,000. What justifies this lower entry cost, and are there any required upfront costs not reflected in the franchise fee that prospective franchisees should anticipate?
#1
Your technology fee of $100/month is substantially lower than the typical range of $200-$500/month for fast casual restaurants. What technology systems and support are included, and have you considered increasing this fee in future franchise offerings?
#2
Financial performance data shows above-average unit sales (median $1.99M vs. category average ~$1.5M). What are the key operational or location factors that drive this outperformance, and are these replicable across different markets?
#3
Only 4 renewal conditions are specified compared to the typical 6-9 for this category. Can you detail the specific conditions franchisees must meet for renewal, and what happens if a franchisee fails to meet one or more conditions?
#4
The non-compete radius of 25 miles exceeds the typical range of 5-20 miles. How did you determine this specific radius, and does it vary by market or population density?
#5
Two units closed in 2022 and 2023 out of a 14-15 unit system (6.7% exit rate). What were the stated reasons for these closures, and what support or interventions did the franchisor provide before these units exited?
#6
The transfer fee of $5,000 is below typical ranges. Given the low transfer fee and protected but non-exclusive territory, how do you manage potential conflicts if a franchisee wants to transfer their unit to a buyer in an adjacent or overlapping service area?
#7
Item 19 financial performance data is provided, but how many of your 15 units actually reported sales figures, and does the disclosed data represent all reporting units or a subset?
#8
Can you provide specific examples of the 'minimum performance standards' referenced in your financial obligations section, including thresholds for unit closures or remediation requirements?
#9
Regarding mandatory suppliers across 6 categories: what is the franchisor's financial relationship with these suppliers, and how are supplier terms negotiated or verified for competitiveness?
#10
The dispute resolution clause requires binding arbitration with class action waiver. Have you received any arbitration claims since adopting this clause, and if so, what were the outcomes?
#11
Personal guarantees are required from all franchise owners. Are there any circumstances under which this requirement can be waived, and what recourse does the franchisor pursue if a franchisee defaults?
#12
Late payment interest is assessed at 1% monthly (12% annually). How frequently do franchisees fall behind on royalty or other fee payments, and what is your collections process?
#13
The renewal fee is listed as 'N/A' in the data. What is the actual renewal fee upon the second 10-year term, and does it equal the current franchise fee or increase based on inflation or market conditions?
#14
The territory is protected but non-exclusive. Can the franchisor open a District Taco location within your territory, and if so, under what circumstances and how is compensation determined?
#15
What specific support and training are included in your 100/100 Support & Training score, particularly regarding site selection, construction, opening, and ongoing operational support?
#16
Given your strong financial performance data, what is the typical return on investment and payback period for franchisees, and are these figures supported by audited data from existing operators?
#17
Can you clarify the cure periods referenced in your termination clause—specifically, what constitutes a 24-hour cure for 'law violations' and what types of violations fall into non-curable defaults?
#18
The advertising cooperative is mandatory. How are cooperative fees assessed, how is spending allocated across locations, and do individual franchisees have any governance or veto rights over cooperative decisions?
#19
With only 15 units in the system, what are your growth targets for the next 3-5 years, and what territories or markets are you prioritizing for expansion?
#20