Golden Corral vs Black Bear Diners Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Golden Corral Franchise
Black Bear Diners Franchise
Investment $2,700,795 - $7,037,915$1,133,800 - $2,114,200
Franchise Fee $50,000$55,000
Royalty Fee 4%4.5%
Advertising Fee 2.4%1%
Year Founded 19731995
Year Franchised 19862002
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Renewal Fee 15 years (plus two, 5-year renewal options)-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Golden Corral Franchise
Black Bear Diners Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • (or must have partner with industry experience.)
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Golden Corral Franchise
    Black Bear Diners Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/No-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Golden Corral Franchise
    Black Bear Diners Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 665 hours Classroom Training: 8.5 hours Additional Training: At company training location On-The-Job Training: 240 hours Additional Training: At certified training restaurants
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet PlatformNewsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing
    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)

    		Number of Employees Required to Run: 65

    Expansion Plans
     
    Golden Corral Franchise
    Black Bear Diners Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    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 Black Bear Diners

    Black Bear Diner is proud of the training and support we provide to our franchisees. Through this we have earned the honor of being one of Franchise Business Review’s “Top 50 Franchisors” for two years. We have an experienced support team to make sure you and your staff are fully supported and well trained.

    "Entrepreneur
    #469 in Franchise 500 for 2020.