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Updated RecentlySouth Bend Chocolate Company vs The Fudge Company Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of South Bend Chocolate Company vs The Fudge 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 | $85,700 - $676,460 | $32,000 - $45,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 | $12,500 - $15,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4% | 3% |
| Advertising Fee | - | - |
| Year Founded | 1991 | 1978 |
| Year Franchised | 1997 | 1981 |
| Term Of Agreement | 4 years | - |
| Term Of Agreement | 4 years | - |
| Renewal Fee | $150 | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | ||
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/No | No/No |
| Start-up Costs | No/No | No/No |
| Equipment | No/No | No/No |
| Inventory | No/No | No/No |
| Receivables | No/No | No/No |
| Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
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| Training | Ongoing (monthly visits) | - |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations | Grand opening |
| Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising | - |
| Operations |
0% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 - 20
Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
20% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 95% of current franchisees are owner/operators |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | - |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | No | Yes |
Company Overviews
About South Bend Chocolate Company
Chocolate is in the Tarner family's blood. When Mark Tarner founded the South Bend Chocolate Company (SBCC) in 1991, he had already spent several years working in his father's chocolate factory. Privately owned and operated, the South Bend Chocolate Company got its start making chocolates under a license from the
University of Notre Dame, and currently makes licensed chocolates for
other schools, including Indiana University and Purdue University. In
addition, South Bend Chocolate Company also wholesales its product line to gift shops, gourmet
food stores, coffee shops and gift basket companies throughout the
country.
South Bend Chocolate Company franchises operate retail kiosks, Chocolate Caf'ites and
Caf'xpress coffee carts in malls throughout Indiana and other states.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of the Kiosk model
ranges from $85,700 to $111,005, and for the Cafe Model range from
$340,552 to $676,460.
For the Kiosk model, this includes $55,000 to
$57,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate, and for the
Café model includes $57,000 to $61,000 that must be paid to the
franchisor or affiliate.
About The Fudge Company
Based in Charlevoix, Michigan, The Fudge Company began in 1978 and started franchising in 1981.