Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company vs My Favorite Muffin Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company vs My Favorite Muffin including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company Franchise
My Favorite Muffin Franchise
Investment $1,010,985 - $2,252,846$104,500 - $405,000
Franchise Fee $35,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee -3%
Year Founded 19871987
Year Franchised 19931988
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years +10
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years +10
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company Franchise
My Favorite Muffin Franchise
Experience

*Experience as a multi-unit restaurant operator *Recognition as a top restaurant operator *Net worth of $7.5 million *Liquid assets of $3 million *Infrastructure and resources to meet our development schedule *Real estate experience in the market to be developed *Total commitment to the development of the Panera Bread brand *Cultural fit and a passion for fresh bread

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Financing Options

 
Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company Franchise
My Favorite Muffin Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/No-/Yes
Start-up Costs No/No-/-
Equipment No/No-/-
Inventory No/No-/-
Receivables No/No-/-
Payroll No/No-/-

Training & Support

 
Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company Franchise
My Favorite Muffin Franchise
Training -Our Training Sets Your Business Apart! Our goal is to help you achieve excellence in every aspect of your business. Towards that ambitious goal, you and your key personnel will receive intensive training that covers all areas of the operation. Our training program, comprised of hands-on learning in our company-owned location and classroom instruction includes:
  • Day-to-day restaurant operations
  • Hiring, training, and retaining good employees
  • Maintaining financial controls
  • Orientation to your Marketing team that will coordinate your local advertising
  • Operational training at your location as you open
  • Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsOur Support Sets Your Business Apart! As a franchisor, BAB Systems, Inc. has always focused heavily on the level of support it provides to its franchisees and the importance of open lines of communication to foster strong franchisee relationships. Franchisees know they can count on us to watch our position within the industry and do what it takes to keep up with ever-changing consumer preferences and innovations in franchise support. Of course, since the first franchise, technological advancements have changed the face of franchising. Accordingly, as its product offering has evolved, so has its franchise support program, which now includes an exclusive franchise intranet web site. As a BAB Systems, Inc. franchisee, you'll receive guidance and assistance with the key steps involved in getting your new business up and running. Pre-opening support includes:
  • Site selection assistance.
  • Restaurant layout and design.
  • Coordination with national and regional suppliers.
  • Equipment, merchandise and services at negotiated rates.
  • Grand Opening marketing campaign.
  • Full seasonal marketing strategies, complete with compact disc for local production of advertising and other marketing materials.
  • E-Mail subscription program, through which participating franchisees are kept informed up to the minute on important breaking news as well as surveyed for their feedback.
  • A password-protected BAB Franchisee Intranet featuring a download center, on-line sales reporting, resource center and trading post. The BAB Systems, Inc. franchise program is designed to help franchise owners reach their individual growth potential. Whether you are interested in owning one or several BAB Systems, Inc. stores, we'll work with you to determine the growth options that are right for you.
  • Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising-
    Operations Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 100% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 40 - 60

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

    Average Number of Employees: 3 Full-time, 11 Part-time

    Passive Ownership: Allowed, But Discouraged


    Expansion Plans

     
    Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company Franchise
    My Favorite Muffin Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company

    After more than 17 years in the retail industry, Ken Rosenthal changed gears and founded Saint Louis Bread Co. in 1987. His goal was to create a neighborhood bakery where people could pick up fresh-baked bread, meals and snacks. In 1993, Rosenthal sold Saint Louis Bread to Au Bon Pain Co. Six years later, the company was renamed Panera Bread. The future growth of Panera Bread will be based upon company bakery-cafe development as well as the continued sale of franchise area development agreements. Panera Bread does not sell single-unit franchises, so it is not possible to open just one bakery-cafe. Rather, we have chosen to develop by selling market areas which require the franchise developer to open a number of units, typically 15 bakery-cafes in a period of 6 years. Panera Bread franchises must be well-capitalized to open great bakery-cafes and meet this aggressive development schedule. Additionally, they must have a proven track record as excellent multi-unit restaurant operators to operate great Panera Bread bakery-cafes.

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    About My Favorite Muffin

    There's More In Store Than Ever Before! "Our success begins with fresh, made-from-scratch, premium bakery and baked goods...bagels, breads, muffins, and more. And, because the majority of our restaurants are both manufacturing and retail units, we have a streamlined distribution and operating system. Our unique approach in offering fresh, made-from-scratch food to our customers - coupled with a low initial investment level - is a formula for success. Success from scratch that is..." -- Michael W. Evans President and Chief Executive Officer Since 1993, BAB, Inc. has grown into a nationally-known franchisor of a restaurant concept with complementary products, a reasonable investment level, and an inherent competitive advantage as the low-cost producer in our segment. "We hope you will enjoy browsing our web site for more information about our business, the strength of our franchise organization, specialty holiday and year-round gift-giving opportunities, and investment opportunities. Today and always at BAB...there is more in store than ever before!" As a MY FAVORITE MUFFIN franchisee, you get to create and sell over 300 varieties of our special muffins in both regular and fat-free varieties. Where applicable, you can add BIG APPLE BAGELS and BREWSTER'S COFFEE to complement your wonderful muffins.

    The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of your first BAB Production Store ranges from $298,000 - $405,000, including $32,500 you must pay the franchisor or its affiliates.
    The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of your first BAB Satellite Store ranges from $104,250 - $283,000, including $18,000 you must pay the franchisor or its affiliates.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of your franchised BAB Area Development business is from $45,000 to $205,000, all of which you must pay the franchisor. That investment is in addition to the initial investment for your BAB Store. Under the Area Development Agreement, you must open a minimum of 2 BAB Stores.