Cookies in Bloom vs The Fudge Company Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Cookies in Bloom vs The Fudge Company including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Cookies in Bloom Franchise
The Fudge Company Franchise
Investment $75,000 - $116,000$32,000 - $45,000
Franchise Fee $19,500$12,500 - $15,000
Royalty Fee 5%3%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19881978
Year Franchised 19921981
Term Of Agreement 5 years-
Term Of Agreement 5 years-
Renewal Fee $1K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Cookies in Bloom Franchise
The Fudge Company Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Creativity; customer service; people skills

  • Retail experience preferred

  • Financing Options

     
    Cookies in Bloom Franchise
    The Fudge Company Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
    Equipment No/NoNo/No
    Inventory No/NoNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Cookies in Bloom Franchise
    The Fudge Company Franchise
    Training On-the-job training at corporate-approved shop-
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesGrand opening
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising-
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 20% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4

    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

     
    Cookies in Bloom Franchise
    The Fudge Company Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Cookies in Bloom

    Mary Pinac had been working in the wholesale apparel business and was tiring of dressing up and traveling every day. Her husband, Robert, was involved in the executive suite industry until the real estate market faltered in the late '80s. Looking for a new business they could start together, the Pinacs decided cookie gifts were the idea they wanted to pursue. In 1989, the couple founded Cookies in Bloom, a store that creates and ships bouquets and gifts made with sugar shortbread cookies. The Pinacs began franchising their concept in 1991, and now the company's franchisees operate stores in the West, Midwest and South making cookie arrangements for all holidays and occasions.

    About The Fudge Company

    Based in Charlevoix, Michigan, The Fudge Company began in 1978 and started franchising in 1981.