Southern Maid Donuts vs Cookie Man Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Southern Maid Donuts Franchise
Cookie Man Franchise
Investment $64,000 - $227,000$250,000
Franchise Fee $5,000N/A
Royalty Fee -0
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded -1958
Year Franchised -0
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Southern Maid Donuts Franchise
Cookie Man Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options
 
Southern Maid Donuts Franchise
Cookie Man Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees -/--/-
Start-up Costs -/--/-
Equipment -/--/-
Inventory -/--/-
Receivables -/--/-
Payroll -/--/-

Training & Support
 
Southern Maid Donuts Franchise
Cookie Man Franchise
Training --
Support --
Marketing --
Operations --

Expansion Plans
 
Southern Maid Donuts Franchise
Cookie Man Franchise
US Expansion --
Canada Expansion --
International Expansion -Yes

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 Cookie Man

Why a Cookie Man Franchise? * The COOKIE MAN retailing concept is a 100% all-Australian business, which was first started in 1958. * Cookie Man Pty Ltd is a member of the FRANCHISING COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA. * COOKIE MAN's unique fresh-bake concept provides aroma and animation at point-of-sale and thus consumer appeal in a world where freshness of product is ever more important. * The unique COOKIE MAN ovens are designed and manufactured in Australia, exclusively for Cookie Man Pty Ltd.
The COOKIE MAN ovens are simple to operate and full training is provided.
What can I expect from Cookie Man? * Cookie Man provides a comprehensive franchise support system. Part of this system includes on-site training as well as provision of a detailed Operations, Training and HACCP Manual. These manuals mirror the training program we have structured, and covers most aspects of day-to-day business operation including selling skills, merchandising techniques, quality standards, product knowledge etc. * Ongoing marketing and technical support are provided. * Being part of a franchise chain which is now successful in other countries. What makes Cookie Man different from other similar franchises? * No ongoing royalties. All products with the exception of cold drinks and milk are sourced from the centralised Cookie Man warehouse and products are generally exclusive to the Cookie Man outlets. * Most existing and all new Cookie Man outlets serve espresso coffee and cold drinks. Our preference is to also incorporate tables and chairs for coffee customers to relax and be in a comfortable surrounding. * National contract & preferred supplier arrangement with Coca cola and National Foods (for Pura Milk and other dairy products) * We have been around for 50+ years, so history tells a story about survival and the strength of our retail offer.