QUESTION: Once my application is approved, how soon can I expect to open my restaurant? ANSWER: This will depend largely on the availability of locations in your area of preference. The typical process is: 1. Site review and selection 2. Lease negotiation 3. Fixturing (120 days) 4. Training commences 30 days after fixturing (6-8 week full time training program) 5. Staff job fair 30 days prior to opening 6. Staff training 15 days prior to opening 7. Soft opening 8. On-site support after opening 9. Ongoing support thereafter There is a limited number of preselected sites available and Shoeless Joe’s is constantly on the lookout for locations that fall under our established criteria.
QUESTION: Can I own more than one Shoeless Joe’s? ANSWER: We are proud of the fact that many of our franchise owners have multiple locations. In fact, 20% of our current Franchisees are multi-unit owners and the demand just keeps growing!
QUESTION: How much does it cost to purchase a Shoeless Joe’s Restaurant? ANSWER: The cost of purchasing a Shoeless Joe’s Restaurant will vary, but our cost including, franchise fees, training and pre-opening costs will range from $550,000 to $850,000 plus soft costs such as utility deposits, small-ware, initial inventory, etc.
QUESTION: Do you need to be committed to your community? ANSWER: Shoeless Joe’s is committed to each and every community. You might say that “we like to be a part of things”. We take the responsibility very seriously with programs like Home Team Advantage sponsorship school fundraiser and MVP program, social charity golf tournament and hockey tournaments.
QUESTION: What is the initial Franchise Fee and what services are provided? ANSWER: The initial franchise is $45,000 for which you get the following:
a. Real Estate Selection: Excellent relationship with landlords, site evaluations, demographics. b. Design and Development: Well known designer, complete construction drawings, high-end museum like artifact displays - authentic and cannot be duplicated. c. Training: Full training program, Franchise University meetings, opening team and All Star training. d. Menu Development: Best quality and ideas; constantly evolving to suit industry trends e. Support: Ongoing operational standards and support that set franchisees up for success.
QUESTION: Why is there such a range in price? ANSWER: The purchase price is dependant on what size and type of franchise you purchase. In 2009 we introduced a new smaller size prototype – a 3,300 square foot Restaurant versus our standard 5,000 square foot prototype. Some Shoeless Joe’s are built from ground zero, while others are existing restaurants that need to be converted to our brand’s standards. Both of these factors will heavily affect development costs.
QUESTION: What are the current Royalty and Advertising Fees? ANSWER: Royalty fee is 5% and the Advertising fee is 2% of gross sales.
QUESTION: What do I get for these fees? ANSWER: a. Support from regional managers b. Centralized purchasing and distribution c. Confidential operating manuals d. Excellent food program e. Excellent in-depth full training program The Advertising Fund produces professional advertising to support the Shoeless Joe’s brand. Our head office personnel will work with you to develop annual marketing plans to assist in realizing your market’s potential.
QUESTION: What is the F.A.C.T. Committee? ANSWER: A committee that is voted on by your peers. This committee represents the Shoeless Joe’s Franchise community, where chain wide decisions are discussed and voted on by people like you; for people like you!
