Indigo Joe's vs Max & Erma's Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Indigo Joe's vs Max & Erma's including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Indigo Joe's Franchise
Max & Erma's Franchise
Investment $1,200,000 - $1,300,000$622,500 - $3,100,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 5%4%
Advertising Fee 1.5%-
Year Founded 19941972
Year Franchised 20021998
Term Of Agreement 10 years +10-
Term Of Agreement 10 years +10-
Renewal Fee $10K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Indigo Joe's Franchise
Max & Erma's Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
Indigo Joe's Franchise
Max & Erma's Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
Equipment No/YesNo/No
Inventory No/NoNo/No
Receivables No/NoNo/No
Payroll No/NoNo/No

Training & Support

 
Indigo Joe's Franchise
Max & Erma's Franchise
Training

Prior to the opening of the store, it is essential to successfully complete Indigo Joe's intensive 6-week franchise training program. This program will educate the franchise owner in all aspects of restaurant operations as well as provide him or her with all the necessary tools. Topics that will be covered include customer service, preparation of Indigo Joe's menu items, quality and food portion control, beverage and inventory management, cost control, employee hiring and scheduling, store safety guidelines, management tools and systems, turnover reduction and budgeting and forecasting. Store Opening training is provided for 7 days prior to the opening date and until 7 days after. This training is a more "hands on" approach to managing and successfully running an Indigo Joe's restaurant.

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Support

Indigo Joe's provides on-going operational support through their field service representatives

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Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising-
Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 15

Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

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Expansion Plans

 
Indigo Joe's Franchise
Max & Erma's Franchise
US Expansion --
Canada Expansion NoNo
International Expansion YesNo

Company Overviews

About Indigo Joe's

Indigo Joe's Sports Pub & Restaurant is no average sports bar and grill but most importantly, a family oriented restaurant. It is committed to being the very best place for fans to view their favorite sports teams. Team banners are grouped by conference and region and many customers enjoy the 'coaches wall', which includes customized, autographed pictures of some of the most famous sports figures to date. The franchise allows for multiple revenue opportunities which includes in-store, take out and catering sales. The multiple-unit organization is backed by a franchise training and ongoing support program. The franchise owner will benefit from our Corporate Support Team which will provide the introductory training program, on going support in operations and marketing and advertising. Indigo Joe's understands the importance of Marketing and Advertising in becoming successful and in creating brand recognition. Attention to details keeps the customer happy and encourages him to tell others about his experience. This franchise program allows for multiple revenue opportunities including in-store, take-out and catering sales. The multiple unit organization is backed by franchise training and an ongoing support program.

About Max & Erma's

In 1972, Max & Erma created a fun, unique, gourmet hamburger restaurant you could take friends & family to, decorating it with quirky artifacts & local paraphernalia. Since that day, we've been committed to providing our guests with delicious all-American food & friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere the whole neighborhood can enjoy. We've grown over the years, but always remain true to what made us successful - delivering a great guest experience. After all, Max & Erma wouldn't have it any other way.

We believe that a great experience starts with our food. That's why we use the freshest, highest quality ingredients in everything we serve. Freshness and quality are truly the foundations upon which Max & Erma's was built. We make every effort to do things the right way, not the easy way. We believe this dedication and passion is the reason we're better and the reason our guests return more often. Our market research tells us that our guests know what they are going to order before they get to our restaurant because they crave certain items, our signature dishes. Many guest favorites include our delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies, Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Sandwich, Cajun Shrimp & Pasta, Laredo Steak, Santa Fe Salad, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Hand-Battered Onion rings and our famous Gourmet Hamburgers.