Atlanta Bread Company vs Mrs. Fields Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Atlanta Bread Company vs Mrs. Fields including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Atlanta Bread Company Franchise
Mrs. Fields Franchise
Investment $629,700 - $806,300$166,806 - $410,500
Franchise Fee $40,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19931977
Year Franchised 19951990
Term Of Agreement 10 years7 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years7 years
Renewal Fee $30K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Atlanta Bread Company Franchise
Mrs. Fields Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Restaurant experience

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

  • Financing Options

     
    Atlanta Bread Company Franchise
    Mrs. Fields Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Atlanta Bread Company Franchise
    Mrs. Fields Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertisingAd slicks, National media
    Operations 65% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 15 - 18

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (70% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed.


    Expansion Plans

     
    Atlanta Bread Company Franchise
    Mrs. Fields Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Atlanta Bread Company

    Founded in 1993 by Jerry and Basil Couvaras, Atlanta Bread Company bakery/cafes serve sandwiches, soups, salads, gourmet coffees, and fresh-baked breads and pastries for breakfast, lunchtime and dinner dining.
    Each of our locations is locally owned and operated with an emphasis on community involvement and outreach. Every night, our extra bread goes to those in need and helps keep our communities fed.

    About Mrs. Fields

    Mrs. Fields Cookies started in 1977 and has been in the Famous Brands portfolio since 2000. Today the company has over
    300 locations in over 20 countries. Mrs. Fields has been a pioneer in cookies and based goods.

    Through its franchisees' retail stores; it is one of the largest retailers of freshly baked, on-premises specialty cookies and brownies in the world and the largest retailer of soft-serve frozen yogurt with live active cultures. Its franchise systems operate through a network of more than 800 franchised and licensed locations throughout the United States and in 25 foreign countries. In addition, it operates an internet and catalog gifting business, and has entered into licensing arrangements that leverage awareness of its core brands among its retail customer base.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a retail store ranges from $251,995 to $410,500.
    This includes $35,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliate.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a retail kiosk
    ranges from $166,806 t0 $233,640.
    This includes $35,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliate.