TCBY and Mrs. Fields Franchise Costs $134K – $697K (2024)

TCBY (The Country’s Best Yogurt) and Mrs. Fields are iconic brands under Famous Brands International. TCBY, which started in 1981, offers a healthier alternative with its variety of frozen yogurts. Mrs. Fields, on the other hand, was founded in 1977 by Debbi Fields and became famous for its fresh, high-quality cookies and brownies.

Both brands, headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, benefit from a dual-branding strategy that allows them to cater to a wider audience by combining their product offerings. This strategy includes a variety of store formats, such as traditional counter services, interactive self-serve stations, and convenient kiosks designed to fit different spaces and customer preferences.

As they continue to expand globally, TCBY and Mrs. Fields are adapting their products and store designs to meet consumers’ changing tastes and maintain a competitive edge in the dessert market. Their focus on innovation and franchisee support has led to their ongoing growth and success in the food industry.

Initial investment

Type of ExpenditureAmount
Initial franchise fee$35,000
Travel and living expenses while training$2,000 – $3,000
Improvements and Equipment$418,130 – $600,917
Opening Product and Soft Goods Inventory$1,500 – $10,000
Grand opening promotion, if opening a new store$5,000 – $10,000
Security deposits, utility deposits, business licenses, and other deposits and prepaid expenses$4,000 – $5,000
Professional fees$9,000 – $10,000
Insurance (3 months)$2,500 – $3,500
Computer hardware and software$1,500 – $8,050
Additional funds (3 months)$8,000 – $12,000
Total*$486,630 – $697,467
* for a store

Note: The table above provides a snapshot of the main costs associated with starting the most common franchise format (as disclosed in the Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document). For a complete overview of all the expenses involved with the various formats offered by the franchisor, please consult the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Franchise fees & Royalties

Initial Franchise Fee

Upon signing the franchise agreement, you must pay a non-recurring, non-refundable initial franchise fee of $35,000. Fees may also be reduced to $25,000 for honorably discharged U.S. military veterans or existing franchisees.

Royalty Fee

The franchise charges a royalty fee of 6% of Gross Revenue, which is due weekly based on the Store’s Gross Revenue for the preceding week.

Marketing Fee

The marketing fee is 3% of Gross Revenue, payable at the same time as the royalty fee.

Computer System Compliance Fee

If you fail to comply with the required Computer System, a fee of the greater of $500 per month or the current monthly rate of the software license is due.

Delinquent Opening Fee

If you do not secure the Premises for your Store within six months, a Delinquent Opening Fee of $1,000 per month may be required until you execute a lease or terminate the Franchise Agreement.

Audit

You must cover the cost of a financial audit if it shows an understatement of Gross Revenue by more than 2% or if an audit is required due to your failure to provide timely records and reports.

Transfer Fee

A Transfer Fee of $12,500 is payable before or upon the final closing of a transfer, except if the transfer is among your existing Entity Owners and the ownership structure remains unchanged.

How to apply

1. Research the Franchise

  • Understand the brands: Research TCBY (The Country’s Best Yogurt) and Mrs. Fields to understand their market presence, brand appeal, and customer base.
  • Market analysis: Analyze your local market to assess demand for frozen yogurt and freshly baked cookies.
  • Competitor analysis: Look into existing competitors in your area to evaluate market saturation and potential challenges.

2. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)

  • Obtain the FDD: Request the FDD from the franchisor, which will provide detailed information about the franchise.
  • Legal and financial review: Have a lawyer and an accountant review the FDD to understand your legal obligations and the financial aspects, including fees, potential earnings, and other disclosures.

3. Secure Financing

  • Estimate total investment: Calculate the total cost required to start and operate the franchise, including franchise fees, equipment, initial inventory, and working capital.
  • Explore financing options: Look into loans, investors, or personal savings to fund your franchise. Check if the franchisor offers financing support or has partnerships with lenders.

4. Choose a Suitable Location

  • Site selection criteria: Identify the criteria provided by the franchisor for selecting a suitable location.
  • Demographics and foot traffic: Choose a location based on demographics alignment and high foot traffic to maximize customer exposure.

5. Complete Franchise Application

  • Submit application: Fill out the franchise application form to formally express your interest in opening a franchise.
  • Background checks and interviews: Be prepared for the franchisor to conduct background checks and interviews to assess your suitability as a franchisee.

6. Attend Franchise Training

  • Initial training programs: Participate in mandatory training programs offered by the franchisor to understand the operational, administrative, and customer service standards of TCBY and Mrs. Fields.
  • Operational procedures: Learn about specific procedures and recipes, staff training, customer service, and use of point-of-sale systems.

7. Setup and Launch Your Franchise

  • Store setup: Follow the franchisor’s guidelines to set up your store, including design, layout, and equipment installation.
  • Hire staff: Recruit and train employees based on the standards provided in the training.
  • Soft opening: Consider a soft opening to iron out operational kinks before the official opening.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

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