How did you get into the industry?
After 13 years as a consultant, my wife and I decided it was time to try our hand at something different. We had become friends with the owner of a local bakery whose pastries we loved! He was looking to pass his legacy on to someone else after 45 years of operations. When he met us, he knew he had found the right people. He offered his bakery to us and we haven’t looked back since!
What’s New in the Business or in the Franchise Model?
We have developed two distinctly different models in our corporate locations. Both offer value and have unique advantages and we are doing the same with our franchise offering. We want to be very selective with who we let in the Kolache Shoppe franchise network, but at the same time, open up opportunities for those who do meet our criteria. One of the models we offer is smaller, is a lower initial investment to open and still has the same customer experience and great unit financials. The other model is more like a “Starbucks” of kolaches in how it is laid out and designed with drive-throughs and the full model has all of the bells and whistles.
Where do you See Opportunities or Challenges for the Franchise/Business Moving Forward?
Kolaches are an excellent breakfast, lunch, and snack food but the niche is currently underexploited. There is tremendous growth opportunity given the wide-open playing field. Unlike “fad” foods, kolaches go back centuries and have rich cultural heritage, which people really appreciate.
What is your Goal for the Business Moving Forward?
We have an attractive brand and a tasty product, and we want to share that with communities across our state and beyond. We desire partners who love our vision and who want to share in the bounty through hard work and passion.
Talk to us About Training and Support, How Do You Deliver?
We have a flagship location in Houston, TX and this is the location that we will provide hands-on training to ensure that trainees leave feeling confident and competent. After initial training, we will visit your site to ensure that everything is teed up for a homerun upon opening!
Define your Franchise Model:
A. Training and Support Model? My background is in high level management consulting and process development with one of the world’s largest consulting firms. We have designed and baked this thinking into our franchise system and through a combination of onsite training at the franchisee’s location and corporate training at our units in Houston, we will ensure that franchisees have all of the tools necessary to be successful with us.
B. What is the Fee Structure? We are offering a $30,000 franchise fee and a 6% royalty model. We also do discounts to the fee model for multi-unit franchise relationships.
C. Territory Definition? Territories are large and based on relevant population base in any market. We definitely are focused on creating large enough areas where no one feels the pressure of units being too close, but also where we can capitalize on branding and buying power by working together as a network.
What does Your Franchisee Do in the Business Every Day?
Ensuring quality across the board! Every day will be filled with activities that ensure quality in three key areas: 1) quality product, 2) quality experience for guests, and 3) quality work environment for employees.
Who is the Ideal Franchise Candidate?
We desire partners who love our vision and who want to share in the bounty through hard work and passion. Must be dedicated to the cause and not afraid to roll up sleeves and get to work!
What Goals Do you Have for the Franchise Model in the Future?
To grow in an aggressive yet controlled way to ensure that all partners are thriving and that the brand is well-received in all territories. We really love the Kolache market niche and this business means a great deal to me, my wife and our entire family. We have passion for what we do and that’s why people love the experience with Kolache Shoppe. With the right franchise partners, we know that this can create opportunities for other families and bring this great product/menu to more customers around the country. We are thrilled about the franchise model.
For more information on the Kolache Shoppe Franchise and brand, visit the corporate site here: