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Updated RecentlyPanera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company vs Great American Cookie Company Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company vs Great American Cookie Company including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $1,010,985 - $2,252,846 | $177,700 - $476,135 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 | $15,000 - $35,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% | 6% |
| Advertising Fee | - | 1.5% |
| Year Founded | 1987 | 1977 |
| Year Franchised | 1993 | 1977 |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | Concurrent with lease |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | Concurrent with lease |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | *Experience as a multi-unit restaurant operator *Recognition as a top restaurant operator *Net worth of $7.5 million *Liquid assets of $3 million *Infrastructure and resources to meet our development schedule *Real estate experience in the market to be developed *Total commitment to the development of the Panera Bread brand *Cultural fit and a passion for fresh bread | |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/No | No/Yes |
| Start-up Costs | No/No | No/Yes |
| Equipment | No/No | No/Yes |
| Inventory | No/No | No/Yes |
| Receivables | No/No | No/No |
| Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
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| Training | - | On-The-Job Training: 37 hours Classroom Training: 36.5 hours |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations | Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Field Operations Site Selection |
| Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising | Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app |
| Operations |
Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 100% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 40 - 60
Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | - |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | No | No |
Company Overviews
About Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company
After more than 17 years in the retail industry, Ken Rosenthal changed gears and founded Saint Louis Bread Co. in 1987. His goal was to create a neighborhood bakery where people could pick up fresh-baked bread, meals and snacks. In 1993, Rosenthal sold Saint Louis Bread to Au Bon Pain Co. Six years later, the company was renamed Panera Bread.
The future growth of Panera Bread will be based upon company bakery-cafe development as well as the continued sale of franchise area development agreements.
Panera Bread does not sell single-unit franchises, so it is not possible to open just one bakery-cafe. Rather, we have chosen to develop by selling market areas which require the franchise developer to open a number of units, typically 15 bakery-cafes in a period of 6 years.
Panera Bread franchises must be well-capitalized to open great bakery-cafes and meet this aggressive development schedule. Additionally, they must have a proven track record as excellent multi-unit restaurant operators to operate great Panera Bread bakery-cafes.
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#38 on Franchise Rankings.com
About Great American Cookie Company
Beginning an establishment is an interest in your vocation AND your group! Don't you need to be the one to convey the treat cake to your neighborhood?
Our ease establishment opportunity is an incredible alternative for any individual who is searching for an approach to begin a profession as an entrepreneur! Every open door is distinctive, so whether you open your establishment in a shopping center, at an air terminal, or anyplace else in the middle of, you can alter your establishment for YOU!
Great American Cookies opened its first store in Atlanta's Perimeter Mall in 1977. From one family chocolate treat formula, it included an entire line of treats and brownies and started diversifying in 1978. Notwithstanding normal treats, most stores highlight extensive plate-or dish estimated treats with customized messages for gatherings or unique events.
On August 24, 1998, Mrs. Fields Original Cookies Inc. procured the organization. Mrs. Fields Famous Brands incorporates The Original Cookie Company, Pretzel Time, Hot Sam, Pretzelmaker and Mrs. Fields Cookies
Franchisor is seeking new franchise units throughout the U.S., Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Central America, Middle East, Mexico, South America
Veteran Incentives 25% off first-store franchise fee
#70 on Franchise Rankings.com
#136 in Franchise 500 for 2020.