Breadsmith vs Bread Poets Baking Company Franchise Comparison

While studying in Norway, college student Dan Sterling got his first taste of European bread. Sterling returned to the United States and graduated from Harvard Business School before starting his own company. But he never lost his love of bread, and after volunteering to help a local bakery with its accounting, he decided to launch a bakery of his own. He opened the first Breadsmith location in 1993, and the company began franchising in 1994.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Breadsmith primary franchise store is $380,250 to $449,750 ($377,250 - $451,750 for veterans). This includes $100,000 to $115,000 (less $3,000 if you are a veteran) that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate.

An additional investment of $95,500 to $163,500 is necessary if a satellite location is opened in connection with the primary store. This includes $5,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate.

#333 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

#333 in Franchise 500 for 2021.

Bread Poets provides a unique opportunity to make an incredible tangible product and immediately see the fruits of your labor. Sure it’s hard work but having been in this business for almost 15 years, we can honestly say that it is extremely gratifying!

We take the franchising end of our business very seriously and are committed to giving our franchisees all the tools necessary to succeed. However, with any business venture, the recipe for success falls squarely on the shoulders of the individuals running each location. There’s an old adage in the franchise business: "You’re in business for yourself but not by yourself”. Therein lies the strength of a franchise system. We’ve been through many hardships, constantly refined our systems and recipes, and basically know this business inside and out. You not only invest in the name Bread Poets and our products, but you benefit from the lessons we’ve already learned - giving you the advantage to hit the ground running with a tried and true system that works and a product that will simply amaze your customers!

We hope you’ve had the chance to visit Bread Poets - soaking in the atmosphere of busy bakers hoppin’ around the bakery to an upbeat melody as the fresh bread is being pulled from the oven. The sight, the sound, the smell and the taste leave an indelible impression on all who walk through our doors. The products are unique only to us and the chatter at the bread board affirms that there is nothing quite like Bread Poets bread.

If you should be among the chosen to open a Bread Poets you will spend time in our Bismarck location learning how to run a bakery - from doing the doughs, to baking, to customer service up at the counter. We will cover it all. There will also be office training that covers bookkeeping, recordkeeping, ordering and staffing.