Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company vs Corner Bakery Cafe Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company vs Corner Bakery Cafe 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
Corner Bakery Cafe Franchise
Investment $1,010,985 - $2,252,846$854,000 - $2,375,000
Franchise Fee $35,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 1987-
Year Franchised 1993-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company Franchise
Corner Bakery Cafe 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

* $7.5 million net worth * $3 million liquidity (non-borrowed cash availability) * Interest in developing multiple cafes in a market or combination of markets * Relevant multi-unit restaurant / retail experience in market to be developed * Reside in market to be developed * Demonstrated real estate expertise in market * Existing infrastructure in place * Strong cultural fit * History of community involvement * Appreciation of great food * �Best in class� operators within your current system * Employer of choice within your current system

Financing Options

 
Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company Franchise
Corner Bakery Cafe Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/No-/-
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
Corner Bakery Cafe Franchise
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)

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Expansion Plans

 
Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company Franchise
Corner Bakery Cafe Franchise
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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About Corner Bakery Cafe

Corner Bakery Cafe has its eyes on more cafes in the Austin market and throughout Central Texas. "Austin is a booming market that has long been on our radar," "The large student population, presence of young business professionals and strong economy of our state capital make it the perfect place to offer our fast-casual dining experience." "We already have 22 thriving franchise and company-owned Corner Bakery locations around the state, and the prospect of adding at least 50 additional cafes in the next eight years is very exciting," said John LaBarge, vice president of franchise business development at Corner Bakery Cafe. Here's what we're looking for: * $7.5 million net worth * $3 million liquidity (non-borrowed cash availability) * Interest in developing multiple cafes in a market or combination of markets * Relevant multi-unit restaurant / retail experience in market to be developed * Reside in market to be developed * Demonstrated real estate expertise in market * Existing infrastructure in place * Strong cultural fit * History of community involvement * Appreciation of great food * "Best in class" operators within your current system * Employer of choice within your current system