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Updated RecentlyPanera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company vs Cookie Advantage Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company vs Cookie Advantage including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $1,010,985 - $2,252,846 | $75,000 - $100,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% | 5%--3% |
| Advertising Fee | - | - |
| Year Founded | 1987 | 1998 |
| Year Franchised | 1993 | 2002 |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | - |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | - |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| 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 | - |
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, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations | - |
| 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) | Cookie Advantage is a hands-on, owner�operated business that you have to run. The Franchise is not a passive investment. We expect our Franchisees to take an ongoing, active role in their Franchise, but you do not have to be in the bakery all the time. |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | - |
| Canada Expansion | No | - |
| International Expansion | No | - |
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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#38 on Franchise Rankings.com
About Cookie Advantage
Cookie Advantage is a Customer Care Follow-Up Program designed to develop a relationship with your customer by sending to them a gift tin of made from scratch chocolate chip cookies as a way of saying "Thank You".
Our program revolves around a designer canister of made-from-scratch chocolate chip cookies which are baked fresh the day they are sent to your customers. Your carefully prepared gift package will include the delicious cookies and two custom designed gift cards. The first card is personalized with your company logo and an individual message. The second card is postage paid customer survey card specifically to include the information you want to know from your customer. Our goal is to place you in the most favorable position to receive repeat and referral business.
We do all the work on your behalf and you get all the credit!Cookie Advantage is a great tasting way to say "THANK YOU!"
Cookie Advantage - Giving you an advantage
over the competition with fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies!
Our program is designed for our franchisees to be able to work around their schedules and still participate in their family life. Our goal is for each of our franchisees to work a four-day workweek, Monday through Thursday, after the territory is fully developed.