How did you get into the industry?
My wife and I retired early from the healthcare industry; moved to a community with mainly fine dining restaurants with relatively few quick service places for people to go and grab a quick bite. After systematically doing some research, we concluded that the quick serve chicken tender industry was growing incredibly fast with great success and profitability. Immediately we saw an opportunity for us to increase our financial stability and serve the community in a positive way.
What’s New in the Business or in the Franchise Model?
Many new things for us, it started with the idea of serving our customers quality fresh never frozen chicken tenders with enhanced nutritional flavorful product than the rest of our competition. Everything is made fresh at the restaurant upon ordering in a quick manner. Technology, advanced equipment and streamline processes make things easier to start the business with little to no
experience. We applied much of the applications learned from our healthcare background and connected the knowledge with the quick serve industry and customer care satisfaction.
Where do you See Opportunities or Challenges for the Franchise/Business Moving Forward?
Our opinion is that there are more opportunities than challenges in the quick serve industry. Customers are EVERYWHERE! People are always looking for more rewarding jobs and flexible hours and potential for growth. Building a great team means increased revenues and profitability. There are also potential target market openings to conquer. One challenge could be preserving our great reputation, but as long as you hire the right people, build the brand, and develop a good solid customer base, you will succeed.
What is your Goal for the Business Moving Forward?
We have economic goals and human objectives. We want to build a reputable brand and maximize profitability. We want to consistently deliver great fresh and exceptional tasting food for our customers. We want sustainable expansion and growth to other geographical markets. We want to launch new items or products as we grow. We want to reward our awesome team members for great work.
Talk to us About Training and Support, How Do You Deliver?
As far as training and support, you will have one on one access to the founders every step of the way. You will be given written material with the day to day operations, recipes, and systems to follow for success. We will have face to face meetings and marketing ideas to help rapidly grow your business. We will also make sure the general manager and their team grow in alignment with the business goals, providing the tools needed and most importantly accepting productive suggestions for continued improvement.
Your most difficult moment at the Franchise Business?
As owners with no restaurant background, creating the recipes, and processes down in order to train the team fast and efficiently was a bit difficult in the beginning. Attracting customers is also a bit of a challenge when you first start operating. We started in an area of the country where the chicken tender concept was not widely known. Maintaining a work-life balance was difficult due to doing something new to us. One important aspect of the business is to comply with a number of regulations from regulatory authorities. We were very lucky at the beginning that we had no competition at our initial location. It can be a challenge to compete with established businesses.
Define your Franchise Model:
A. Training and Support Model?
We offer a comprehensive franchise training program for new franchise owners. We provide one on one training at our corporate headquarters and onsite training at your restaurant. Our training program consists of classroom instruction and hands on operational training that is generally simple and easily duplicatable. We will provide ongoing support on an as needed basis.
B. What is the Fee Structure?
When you sign your franchise agreement, you must pay us $35,000 as the initial franchise fee. This fee is uniform and is not refundable. When you purchase the franchised business, you will be required to purchase several food service items from our Affiliate which includes the spice mixes, sauces and seasoned flour. The total cost for this will be $250 to $500 for the opening inventory. If you and we agree that you will develop multiple franchises, then you will sign our Multi Unit Development Agreement (“MUDA”). Your franchise fees will be reduced to $30,000 for each additional franchise after the first franchise. You will pay all franchise fees upon signing the MUDA. They are uniform and not refundable. Royalty 6% of your gross sales Monthly. Marketing Fund Contribution 1% of your gross sales Monthly.
C. Territory Definition?
Your franchise agreement will specify a territory, which will be determined by us. Your territory will have a population of approximately 100,000 people from the location, whichever is less. Your territory will usually be specified as a radius around your location; however, we may use other boundaries (such as county lines or other political boundaries, streets, geographical features, or trade area).
D. Day in the life of a Franchisee?
Franchisees make sure the operations are going smoothly. They will assist the managers and employees and make sure the team is setup for success. They will take care of their customers and make sure there is a smooth transaction by their team. Franchisees will uphold all brand standards to make sure they are representing the brand at all times.
What does Your Franchisee Do in the Business Every Day?
The franchisee will be managing inventory by ordering and talking with suppliers. Employee management will be on-going either directly or using a general manager. Making sure everyone is following the franchise methodology. Monitor performance of the restaurant using established KPIs as well as performance of the entire operation.
Who is the Ideal Franchise Candidate?
The ideal franchise candidate must understand that they are not completely independent. They are required to operate their business according to the franchise model. They would be willing to be responsible and follow a proven system. This person would like to work with and mentor others with passion and commitment. Be engaged with the business at all times.
Success Stories and Failures with Franchisees?
A successful story about actual franchisees will be to attract franchisees who would be able to open multiple units with great team members who will generate increasing revenue. Another successful story of a franchisee is one who supports the brand, understands the franchise concepts and delivers great product and services. Failures with franchisees would include disengage owners, bad hires in management, lose control of operations, reduction in quality standards and customer loyalty.
What Goals Do You Have for the Franchise Model in the Future?
We strive to become the market leader in fresh never frozen chicken tender meals. We strive to increase Sunset Chicken brand awareness to strengthen the trust and loyalty of our customers. Provide exceptional customer service and have them enjoy the hottest freshest chicken meal possible.