Great Harvest Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Great Harvest Bread Company is a renowned American bakery franchise specializing in freshly baked, handcrafted breads and a variety of baked goods. Founded in 1976 by Pete and Laura Wakeman in Great Falls, Montana, the company has grown significantly over the decades.
Today, it is headquartered in Dillon, Montana, and operates approximately 156 stores across the United States as of 2023.
The franchise began its expansion in 1978, adopting a unique “Freedom Franchise” model that allows individual bakery owners to infuse local flavor into their establishments while maintaining the brand’s commitment to quality.
Great Harvest differentiates itself from competitors by milling whole grains of wheat into fresh ground flour daily at each location, ensuring exceptional flavor and freshness in their breads.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Great Harvest franchise? It costs on average between $298,000 – $980,000 to start a Great Harvest franchised store.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount varies based on several factors, including the type of bakery café setup, the location, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Your Training Expenses | $2,049 – $10,300 |
| Premises Deposits | $4,500 – $7,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $102,377 – $474,762 |
| Signage | $4,059 – $15,321 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | $84,785 – $315,000 |
| Computer Systems | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 – $26,586 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $15,000 |
| Professional Fees | $2,250 – $10,000 |
| Licenses and Permits | $500 – $2,500 |
| Insurance | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 months | $25,625 – $48,170 |
| TOTAL (excluding tenant improvement allowance) | $298,145 – $979,639 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Great Harvest franchise? A Great Harvest franchised location makes on average $948,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $815,000 yearly revenue for similar baked goods franchises. Below are a few Great Harvest competitors as a comparison:
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Great Harvest Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Great Harvest locations are there?
As of the latest data, Great Harvest Bread Company operates a total of 159 locations across the United States. All 159 units are franchised, with no company-owned locations.
What is the total investment required to open a Great Harvest franchise?
The total investment required to open a Great Harvest franchise ranges from $298,000 to $980,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Great Harvest franchise?
Great Harvest Bread Company franchisees pay a 5% royalty fee on gross sales and contribute 2.5% of gross sales to the marketing fund. These fees support brand operations and advertising efforts.
What are the financial requirements to become a Great Harvest franchisee?
To become a Great Harvest Bread Company franchisee, you need at least $150,000 in liquid, unencumbered cash, such as cash and securities.
How much can a Great Harvest franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Great Harvest franchise are approximately $0.95 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.95 million yearly revenue can result in $143,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Great Harvest?
Great Harvest Bread Company is owned by Great Harvest employees and officers, including CEO Mike Ferretti and President Eric Keshin.
Disclaimer
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