Mara's Cafe and Bakery vs Gigi's Cupcakes Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Mara's Cafe and Bakery vs Gigi's Cupcakes including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Mara's Cafe and Bakery Franchise
Gigi's Cupcakes Franchise
Investment N/A$226,700 - $425,500
Franchise Fee $25,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 2% local + 1% Nat'l2.5%
Year Founded 19842007
Year Franchised 20042008
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Mara's Cafe and Bakery Franchise
Gigi's Cupcakes Franchise
Experience We are seeking motivated owner-operators with solid restaurant operating experience to join our system. In exchange, we will provide the tools and training you need to run your own Mara�s Caf� & Bakery location. We do, of course, also expect that you have the right amount of capital to invest in the franchise.

You will need prior experience in running a business, preferably retail. Passion - We want you to be excited and enthusiastic about owning a cupcake shop. Involvement - You are expected be involved in your business on a daily basis, because we find greater success with owners that are actively involved in the operation of their shop. This business requires real commitment, attention to detail, and hard work.


Financing Options

 
Mara's Cafe and Bakery Franchise
Gigi's Cupcakes Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees -/--/Yes
Start-up Costs -/--/Yes
Equipment -/--/Yes
Inventory -/--/Yes
Receivables -/--/Yes
Payroll -/--/Yes

Training & Support

 
Mara's Cafe and Bakery Franchise
Gigi's Cupcakes Franchise
Training Franchise owners and their key management staff will receive at least two weeks and up to three weeks of training, including both classroom and on-the-job training.On-The-Job Training: 91 hours Classroom Training: 52 hours
Support Your team will receive five days of onsite help at your own location around the time of your grand opening. You will have access to all Mara's Caf� & Bakery trademarks, recipes and supply chains, and our unique operational procedures. And, we'll provide you with a copy of our confidential operations manual to help you run your caf� properly.Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing -Ad Templates National Media Social media SEO Email marketing Loyalty program/app
Operations --

Expansion Plans

 
Mara's Cafe and Bakery Franchise
Gigi's Cupcakes Franchise
US Expansion YesNo
Canada Expansion --
International Expansion --

Company Overviews

About Mara's Cafe and Bakery

The concept behind Mara's Cafe & Bakery got its start in 1984 when Mara and Glenn's "mom and pop" business began offering customers the highest quality, delectable desserts made fresh in our own bakery and served with freshly roasted coffee. It was with the encouragement of our family and friends that we began creating delicious desserts from traditional family recipes and Glenn, a coffee perfectionist, distinguished a unique line of roasted coffee products. It wasn't long before we had customers coming in and out daily, requesting more of their favorite tasty treats and coffee beverages!

In 2004, sons Ian and Devan joined the family business with great plans of expansion. After nearly twenty years of establishing a reputation for serving up the best coffee and desserts in town, we knew it was time to expand not only our business, but our menu as well. The first Mara's Cafe & Bakery was opened in Denville, NJ. With the addition of sandwiches, salads, wraps, and more, this simple "mom and pop" concept quickly became a family-run business - and the dining destination of choice during all hours of the day. Customers from all over soon realized Mara's was the best place to enjoy a delicious meal in a cozy atmosphere and began asking for more locations within their own communities. Thus, the idea to franchise our concept was conceived - after all, we couldn't let our customers down!

Now is the time for you to take advantage of this incredible opportunity and bring our amazing concept to your home town. Discover how becoming a Mara's Cafe & Bakery franchise owner can be the greatest reward of your career - and possibly your life. With the help of our team of experts, our exclusive, award-winning recipes, and our time- tested business model, opening your own Mara's Cafe & Bakery could be as easy as.... pie!

We sincerely appreciate your interest in Mara's Cafe & Bakery, The Magley Family

About Gigi's Cupcakes

If you are looking for a great opportunity, and you have the business acumen and financial wherewithal, Gigi's Cupcakes may be the concept and opportunity you have been looking for. We have a business model that yields high volume sales with lower occupancy and build-out costs than what you might expect. We also have lower labor and food costs than typical food service franchises. All this adds up to an opportunity that can change your life. Gigi's is committed to making sure we choose the right people to join us in building Gigi's Cupcakes locations nationally. We have learned what it takes to be a successful Gigi's Cupcakes owner and have summarized those qualifications for your consideration: Capital Requirements - You will need liquid assets of approximately $100,000 and total net worth of $250,000. This can be done individually or with family members or investors that sign on with you. We will provide you with total support along the way including: Site selection Lease review and negotiation Design/Layout and Construction Equipment Sourcing Training Marketing Grand Opening support Ongoing marketing and operational support If you would like to arrange a meeting: For further information go to http://www.gigiscupcakesusa.com/becomeanowner or you could try http://www.thefranchisemall.com/request/