Southern Maid Donuts vs UCBC Bagels Franchise Comparison

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

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 UCBC Bagels

In the crowded industry of bagel shops and delis, Upper Crust Bakery & Café’s 20 years of experience resulting in multiple awards, has become a leader amongst its competition. A cornerstone in its local community, each UCBC enjoys a diverse customer base.
As a franchisee, you will enjoy the opportunity to expand this base as you open your franchise.
As a franchisee you will have a personalized consultant who will work closely with you to help develop your own Upper Crust Bakery and Café.
An easy to run business with delicious bagels that appeal to everyone, you’ll be sure to see a fast return on your investment.
Owning an Upper Crust Bakery & Café will afford you the chance to be a part of a lucrative brand in a competitive industry.
UCBC, along with a team of business experts, will work with you to make the development of your franchise a rewarding experience. You will have access to our Operations Manual and develop a close rapport with the founder, allowing you to stay up to date with UCBC practices and industry trends. On-going support will be made available to you after your grand opening to answer any questions or concerns that you might have.If you are looking for an opportunity to run a business that will become a cornerstone of your community, an Upper Crust Bakery & Café franchise is the right choice for you.