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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Manchu Wok vs Taco Palace including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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Investment | $476,050 - $787,500 | $53,200 - $133,100 |
Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $33,950 |
Royalty Fee | 7% | 0-4% |
Advertising Fee | 1% | - |
Year Founded | 1981 | 1985 |
Year Franchised | 1989 | 1996 |
Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 1 year+ |
Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 1 year+ |
Renewal Fee | $3K per year | - |
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 | - | - |
Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives |
Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising | Ad slicks |
Operations |
20% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 12 Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
0% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 12 Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (80% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Expansion Plans |
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US Expansion | - | - |
Canada Expansion | No | No |
International Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Conceived and founded in 1980, Manchu Wok grew into a national chain across Canada and into the United States over the next nine years. Ownership changed in 1989, and expansion continued with a focus on the United States. Manchu Wok now has close to 150 stores, of which more than 70 percent are franchised.
Husband-and-wife team Larry and Sandi Faria bought Taco Palace from Kirk Davison in 1985. The Farias had previously owned a pair of Chevron Oil Co. franchises and brought to Taco Palace 16 years of franchise experience. In developing Taco Palace's franchise program, the Farias were driven by the goal to develop a franchisee-friendly system. Taco Palace franchisees are not required to pay a franchise fee and are strongly encouraged to rent or lease an existing building and then dress it up, rather than construct a new one, a practice that helps to lessen start-up costs. The privately held company is headquartered in Monett, Missouri, and has a co-branding relationship with Kentucky Fried Chicken.