Breadsmith vs House of Bread Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Breadsmith Franchise
House of Bread Franchise
Investment $380,250 - $454,750$157,000 - $347,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 7% - 5%6%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19931996
Year Franchised 19931998
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years
Renewal Fee $500$5K


Business Experience Requirements
 
Breadsmith Franchise
House of Bread Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills helpful but not necessary

  • General business experience
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Breadsmith Franchise
    House of Bread Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/YesNo/No
    Payroll No/YesNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Breadsmith Franchise
    House of Bread Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 219.5 hours Classroom Training: 51 hours -
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations 10% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 20

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		 25% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 8

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Breadsmith Franchise
    House of Bread Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Breadsmith

    While studying in Norway, college student Dan Sterling got his first taste of European bread. Sterling returned to the United States and graduated from Harvard Business School before starting his own company. But he never lost his love of bread, and after volunteering to help a local bakery with its accounting, he decided to launch a bakery of his own. He opened the first Breadsmith location in 1993, and the company began franchising in 1994.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Breadsmith primary franchise store is $380,250 to $449,750 ($377,250 - $451,750 for veterans). This includes $100,000 to $115,000 (less $3,000 if you are a veteran) that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate.
    An additional investment of $95,500 to $163,500 is necessary if a satellite location is opened in connection with the primary store. This includes $5,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate.
    Veteran Incentives  10% off franchise fee


    "Entrepreneur
    #333 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #333 in Franchise 500 for 2021.



    About House of Bread

    After spending six years as a lawyer, Sheila McCann decided to do something different with her life. At Harvard Business School, she researched several business ideas before settling on a bread bakery. McCann had fond memories of baking with her grandmother as a child in Montana. Inspired by her grandmother's spirit of independence and endurance, she founded House of Bread in San Luis Obispo in 1996.

    The company targets its specialty breads to young professionals, health-conscious consumers and baby boomers looking to increase fiber in their diets. House of Bread lets customers sample its healthful, whole-grain breads and watch the bread being made. All stores feature on-site milling.