Golden Corral vs Indigo Joe's Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Golden Corral vs Indigo Joe's including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Golden Corral Franchise
Indigo Joe's Franchise
Investment $2,700,795 - $7,037,915$1,200,000 - $1,300,000
Franchise Fee $50,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 4%5%
Advertising Fee 2.4%1.5%
Year Founded 19731994
Year Franchised 19862002
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years +10
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years +10
Renewal Fee 15 years (plus two, 5-year renewal options)$10K


Business Experience Requirements
 
Golden Corral Franchise
Indigo Joe's Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • (or must have partner with industry experience.)
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Golden Corral Franchise
    Indigo Joe's Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Golden Corral Franchise
    Indigo Joe's Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 665 hours Classroom Training: 8.5 hours Additional Training: At company training location

    Prior to the opening of the store, it is essential to successfully complete Indigo Joe's intensive 6-week franchise training program. This program will educate the franchise owner in all aspects of restaurant operations as well as provide him or her with all the necessary tools. Topics that will be covered include customer service, preparation of Indigo Joe's menu items, quality and food portion control, beverage and inventory management, cost control, employee hiring and scheduling, store safety guidelines, management tools and systems, turnover reduction and budgeting and forecasting. Store Opening training is provided for 7 days prior to the opening date and until 7 days after. This training is a more "hands on" approach to managing and successfully running an Indigo Joe's restaurant.
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform

    Indigo Joe's provides on-going operational support through their field service representatives
    Marketing National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/appCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 80% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 100

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		 International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 15

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Golden Corral Franchise
    Indigo Joe's Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Golden Corral

    Golden Corral restaurants began as budget steakhouses located principally in small cities from Virginia to Texas. In the mid-1980s, guest requests prompted Golden Corral to reinvent itself by introducing the Buffet & Grill Metro unit that features 160 hot and cold items, a carving station, and the Brass Bell Bakery, which offers rolls, muffins, cookies, pies and pizza made from scratch. The buffet was expanded in 2001 to include cooked-to-order sirloin steaks.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a restaurant ranges from $2,700,795 to $5,340,215 for the less expensive restaurant design, and from $3,453,379 to $7,037,915 for the more expensive restaurant design. This amount includes $51,400 to $4,482,285 that must or may be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates.

    #90 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

    About Indigo Joe's

    Indigo Joe's Sports Pub & Restaurant is no average sports bar and grill but most importantly, a family oriented restaurant. It is committed to being the very best place for fans to view their favorite sports teams. Team banners are grouped by conference and region and many customers enjoy the 'coaches wall', which includes customized, autographed pictures of some of the most famous sports figures to date. The franchise allows for multiple revenue opportunities which includes in-store, take out and catering sales. The multiple-unit organization is backed by a franchise training and ongoing support program. The franchise owner will benefit from our Corporate Support Team which will provide the introductory training program, on going support in operations and marketing and advertising. Indigo Joe's understands the importance of Marketing and Advertising in becoming successful and in creating brand recognition. Attention to details keeps the customer happy and encourages him to tell others about his experience. This franchise program allows for multiple revenue opportunities including in-store, take-out and catering sales. The multiple unit organization is backed by franchise training and an ongoing support program.