1. I want to become a Meadows franchisee. What are the next steps? Please contact us by filling out the Franchise Inquiry Form in the “Franchising” section or contact us by phone at 866-868-2954.
2. What other type of ongoing support does The Meadows provide? We provide initial training and ongoing guidance, access to our multi-unit product buying program, access to marketing materials, participation in our secret shopping program, and most importantly provide you with the ability to sell our original frozen custard formula, a proprietary mix. This mix is available to the franchisee at a lower cost than an independent operation would pay for a generic custard formula – one of the benefits of franchising.
3. What kind of support can I expect from The Meadows through the development process? We walk the franchisee through the entire process, which includes:
- Financing suggestions and assistance
- Conducting a training program for owners/managers
- Site selection suggestions and assistance, and access to a network of real estate professionals
- Consultation and advice on construction and operation of the custard stand, parking and building layouts, equipment, employee selection, purchasing, and inventory control
- Oversight of equipment ordering and delivery
- Provision of a trainer during the first three weeks of operation and ongoing support thereafter
- Accounting/bookkeeping and marketing/advertising training and assistance
4. Does The Meadows select the site where I’ll build my franchise? No. You will select the site, but The Meadows Franchise Systems must approve the location.
5. What type of return can I expect to make on my investment? We cannot make earnings claims by law. However, we encourage potential franchisees to research the frozen dessert industry and their local market, and to contact current franchisees for their input.
6. Does The Meadows provide financing for franchise development? We provide information on lending institutions that have financed Meadows units in the past. However, The Meadows Franchise Systems does not provide any direct financing.
7. If I don’t meet the financial or operational criteria to become a franchisee, may I partner with someone who does? Yes, partnerships are possible. However, ensure it is someone you know and trust.
8. What are your minimum financial requirements? A new franchisee should have a net worth of at least $200,000.
9. What is an FDD? The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) outlines the key aspects of the franchise relationship, including sample development and franchise agreements, and provides additional information about the company.
10. How much does it cost to build a Meadows Frozen Custard franchise? The start-up costs can vary, typically ranging from $148,000 to $298,000 in a strip mall scenario.
11. What is the franchise fee? The franchise fee is $25,000.
12. What is the royalty fee? We do not take a portion of sales at our franchised locations. Instead, there is a surcharge of $1.50 for each gallon of our proprietary product that a franchisee purchases from our dairy.
13. Am I required to work in my franchise? While it is encouraged, working in your franchise is not a requirement. However, note that the most successful franchises are owner-operated.
14. What kind of training requirements will I be expected to meet? Before opening, the franchisee must spend a minimum of 40 hours on-site at an existing location, training with an approved Meadows trainer. A trainer will be on site for the first three weeks once the new location is open.
