Hard Times Cafe vs Black Bear Diners Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Hard Times Cafe Franchise
Black Bear Diners Franchise
Investment $449,000 - $1,000,000$1,133,800 - $2,114,200
Franchise Fee $30,000$55,000
Royalty Fee -4.5%
Advertising Fee -1%
Year Founded -1995
Year Franchised -2002
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Hard Times Cafe Franchise
Black Bear Diners Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options
 
Hard Times Cafe Franchise
Black Bear Diners Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees -/--/-
Start-up Costs -/--/-
Equipment -/--/-
Inventory -/--/-
Receivables -/--/-
Payroll -/--/-

Training & Support
 
Hard Times Cafe Franchise
Black Bear Diners Franchise
Training - On-The-Job Training: 240 hours Additional Training: At certified training restaurants
Support -Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing - Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing
Operations -Number of Employees Required to Run: 65

Expansion Plans
 
Hard Times Cafe Franchise
Black Bear Diners Franchise
US Expansion -Yes
Canada Expansion --
International Expansion --

Company Overviews

About Hard Times Cafe

Hard Times Cafe and Hard Times Cafe & Cue is an American Chili Parlor with a 26 year history in the Washington DC area. World Famous for it's Chili recipes, Hard Times serves Chili, Chili Macs, Wings, Onion Rings, Nachos, Chili Dogs, Char-Grilled Burgers and more. To be considered as a Franchisee you must have 5 years restaurant operational experience with a minimum cash investment ability of $200,000 and sufficient net worth to secure financing for the development of a Hard Times Cafe.

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.