Southern Maid Donuts vs Paradise Bakery & Cafe Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Southern Maid Donuts vs Paradise Bakery & Cafe including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Southern Maid Donuts Franchise
Paradise Bakery & Cafe Franchise
Investment $64,000 - $227,000$480,000 - $1,205,000
Franchise Fee $5,000$40,000
Royalty Fee -5%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded --
Year Franchised --
Term Of Agreement -10 years
Term Of Agreement -10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Southern Maid Donuts Franchise
Paradise Bakery & Cafe Franchise
Experience -* Prior experience as a successful multi-unit restaurant owner/operator;

* Strong leadership and management skills with a minimum of 5 years in the restaurant industry;

* Minimum net worth of $2.5 million with sufficient cash liquidity and financial resources to open and operate a minimum of 5 locations over the next 2-3 years, Paradise Bakery does not sell single-unit franchises;

* Entrepreneurial management style that will thrive within the operational guidelines set forth in the Paradise Bakery & Cafe �Ideal Scene�;

* And you must possess a passion for �great people serving great food�!


Financing Options

 
Southern Maid Donuts Franchise
Paradise Bakery & Cafe Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees -/--/-
Start-up Costs -/--/-
Equipment -/--/-
Inventory -/--/-
Receivables -/--/-
Payroll -/--/-

Training & Support

 
Southern Maid Donuts Franchise
Paradise Bakery & Cafe Franchise
Training --
Support --
Marketing --
Operations --

Expansion Plans

 
Southern Maid Donuts Franchise
Paradise Bakery & Cafe Franchise
US Expansion --
Canada Expansion --
International Expansion --

Company Overviews

About Southern Maid Donuts

Southern Maid Donuts began in 1937 by Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Hargrove. A young couple coming out of the throws of the Great Depression, they created Southern Maid because they saw the need in the market for quality donuts. They created their own recipes, which have stood the test of time. Quality ingredients and uncompromised procedures are reason for the continued success of the Hargrove family to this very day.

The product was so well accepted that besides selling donuts in their privately owned shops that they were sought out by individuals wanting to use Southern Maid products in their own bakeries and stores. The Hargrove couple began to license their trademark and to help individuals realize their dreams of owning their own businesses. Today, Southern Maid is used in over 100 stores.

The Southern Maid name came about because of being from the South. Mr. and Mrs. Hargrove wanted a name that encompassed a feeling as well as humble southern traditions and memories. Part of this Southern Maid tradition was a large sponsorship for several years of the Louisiana Hayride Show in Shreveport, Louisiana. Many a young entertainer sang the praises of Southern Maid Donuts. An interesting note: Elvis did the only commercial of his life for any product on November 6th, 1954 for Southern Maid Donuts. He sang the jingle. "You can get them piping hot after 4 P.M., you can get them piping hot, Southern Maid Donuts hits the spot, you can get them piping hot after 4 P.M." Elvis frequented the Shreveport store for donuts on his visits to the Louisiana Hayride. Other entertainers that sang the praises of Southern Maid include Minnie Pearl, Johnny Horton, and Johnny Cash. The Johnny Cash version was released on the Best of the Louisiana Hayride Volume 4.

Southern Maid products are also used institutionally in the form of pancake and muffin mixes. The Hargroves had created a pancake mix for home use. Over time, the mix was given to friends and family members. The requests for the mix got so large that they began to package it in 50-pound bags for selling to hotels and restaurants.

Southern Maid has remained a tradition in the South because of the continued use of quality ingredients and procedures. We have been family owned since inception in 1937. Though Mr. and Mrs. Hargrove have since passed on, Southern Maid has evolved into the second and third generations of family ownership and management.

About Paradise Bakery & Cafe

While the "fast casual" bakery/cafe concept has gained popularity with consumers, developers and investors in recent years, Paradise Bakery & Cafe was one of the pioneers in this segment of the restaurant industry. Since its founding in 1976, the Company has followed a conservative growth strategy, choosing to establish its brand and reputation in the industry before expanding its presence. We have had significant interest in franchising opportunities as Paradise has successful street, downtown, resort, airport and mall locations. We are presently looking to franchise on a very limited basis, and only in certain key geographic markets. For those markets, we are looking for established multi-unit operators to join our passion driven culture as franchisees and make a commitment to high quality, delicious, freshly prepared food served with exceptional customer service in a warm and inviting atmosphere.