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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Tim Hortons vs Zoup! Fresh Soup Company including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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Investment | $135,300 - $2,068,500 | $355,900 - $648,500 |
Franchise Fee | $35,000 | $39,900 |
Royalty Fee | 4.5% | 6% |
Advertising Fee | 4% of Gross Sales | 1% |
Year Founded | 1964 | 1998 |
Year Franchised | 1965 | 2003 |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | 5 years, Renewable for 3 additional 5 year periods |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | 5 years, Renewable for 3 additional 5 year periods |
Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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Experience | *An entrepreneurial drive and ability to build a high performing team. *Prior management experience. Experience in food service and/or restaurant operations is a plus. *A lifestyle that allows for the time commitment required to launch and build a franchise restaurant. *Net worth of $500,000 and liquidity in the amount of $300,000 (The full investment from a Tim Hortons could be over $1,600,000) *A personal passion and commitment to the development of the Tim Hortons brand. *Ability to exemplify and execute the Tim Hortons principles and standards of operation on a daily basis. *Understand the importance of being a community partner that is proud to represent Tim Hortons. | |
Financing Options |
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In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
Franchise Fees | No/No | No/Yes |
Start-up Costs | No/No | No/Yes |
Equipment | No/No | No/Yes |
Inventory | No/No | No/Yes |
Receivables | No/No | No/Yes |
Payroll | No/No | No/Yes |
Training & Support |
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Training | New franchisees undergo an intensive seven week training program at the Tim Hortons University, located next to the Oakville, Ontario, head office. The facility includes classrooms and a fully operational Restaurant, providing trainees with intensive hands-on experience in the preparation of all Tim Hortons products. Strong emphasis is placed on food handling and hygiene procedures, Team Member relations, equipment maintenance and in-Restaurant security systems. * Seven (7) week training program in the Oakville, Ontario, at Tim Hortons University * A Restaurant opening crew/Manager of Operations Standards (MOS) to assist the opening of the Tim Hortons Restaurant (for a maximum period of two weeks) | On-The-Job Training: 72 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours |
Support | * The use of all Tim Hortons Manuals * Support from head office personnel who have vast knowledge in the food service business | Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform |
Marketing | Ad slicks, Regional advertising | Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app |
Operations |
58% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 25 - 30
Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
30% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10 - 14 Absentee Ownership Allowed |
Expansion Plans |
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US Expansion | Yes | No |
Canada Expansion | No | Yes |
International Expansion | Yes | No |
The first Zoup! opened in 1998 in Southfield, MI, a suburb of Detroit. Over the next five years, the founders opened five more Detroit-area locations, and in 2003 they began to franchise the concept. Zoup! restaurants feature 12 rotating daily varieties of soup, including low-fat, vegetarian, gluten and dairy free options. Made-to-order salads, sandwiches and baked goods are also available.