Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company vs GFG Bakery-Cafe Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Panera Bread/Saint Louis Bread Company vs GFG Bakery-Cafe including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
Investment |
$1,010,985 - $2,252,846 | $187,100 - $1,311,000 |
Franchise Fee |
$35,000 | $25,000 |
Royalty Fee |
5% | - |
Advertising Fee |
- | - |
Year Founded |
1987 | 2017 |
Year Franchised |
1993 | 2019 |
Term Of Agreement |
20 years | - |
Term Of Agreement |
20 years | - |
Renewal Fee |
- | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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 |
|
In-House/3rd Party | In-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 |
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) | - |
Expansion Plans |
US Expansion |
Yes | 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.
#38 on Franchise Rankings.com
About GFG Bakery-Cafe
Made in Greece, Locally Sourced, and Fresh Baked Daily - our authentic Greek cafe and restaurant
brings Greece to you.
The #NextBigThing in fast casual. Everything else has been done!
Greek From Greece Cafe Cuisine is growing nationwide, spreading a love for Greek culture across the US.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a standard Greek From Greece Cafe franchise is $455,100 to $1,311,000. This includes between $275,000 and $714,000 that must be
paid to the franchisor and/or its affiliate.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a kiosk Greek From Greece Cafe franchise is $187,100 to $368,000. This includes between $115,000 and $159,000 that must be
paid to the franchisor and/or
its affiliate.