Salsarita's Fresh Cantina vs Hard Times Cafe Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Salsarita's Fresh Cantina vs Hard Times Cafe including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Salsarita's Fresh Cantina Franchise
Hard Times Cafe Franchise
Investment $283,150 - $563,900$449,000 - $1,000,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 5%-
Advertising Fee 1% Nat'l 1.5% Local-
Year Founded 1999-
Year Franchised 2000-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee 15% of then-current fee-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Salsarita's Fresh Cantina Franchise
Hard Times Cafe Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Restaurant experience helpful
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    Financing Options

     
    Salsarita's Fresh Cantina Franchise
    Hard Times Cafe Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/Yes-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support

     
    Salsarita's Fresh Cantina Franchise
    Hard Times Cafe Franchise
    Training

    Training in Charlotte, NC at our "Burrito Bootcamp" for themselves and their manager. Salsarita's also helps you train your staff in the week prior to opening and running through the first full week of operation. We have Franchise Business Coaches available who can and will assist you in day-to-day operations and to make scheduled visits to your store.

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    Support Newsletter, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives-
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising-
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 20% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (50% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

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    Expansion Plans

     
    Salsarita's Fresh Cantina Franchise
    Hard Times Cafe Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About Salsarita's Fresh Cantina

    Founded in 2000, Salsarita's Fresh Cantina is one of the fastest-growing Mexican fast-casual Mexican restaurant chains, recognized for its people, food and world-class hospitality. Customers can create delicious made-to-order meals from a flavorful Mexican menu that offers burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, tortilla-crusted pizzas and salads with a wide selection of meats, fresh vegetables and homemade salsas in lively, family-friendly environment. For general information, please visit www.salsaritas.com or call 704-540-9447. For franchising information, please visit http://www.salsaritasfranchising.com or call 866.61SALSA.

    About Hard Times Cafe

    Hard Times Cafe and Hard Times Cafe & Cue is an American Chili Parlor with a 26 year history in the Washington DC area. World Famous for it's Chili recipes, Hard Times serves Chili, Chili Macs, Wings, Onion Rings, Nachos, Chili Dogs, Char-Grilled Burgers and more. To be considered as a Franchisee you must have 5 years restaurant operational experience with a minimum cash investment ability of $200,000 and sufficient net worth to secure financing for the development of a Hard Times Cafe.