FRANCHISE PROCESS
Below shows you the Franchise recruitment process, a six-stage process which covers the journey to become a franchisee. From the initial application to the Grand Opening event, each phase will be completed in order to become part of the Auntie Anne’s network.
APPLICATION PHASE
- Initial application
- Phone call
- First meeting
- Non-disclosure Agreement
- Documents - P+L, Startup Costs
DUE DILIGENCE
- Credit & background checks
- Psychometric tests
- Trial shift
- Research project
- Existing franchisees
- Location discussion
INSTRUCTION TO PROCEED
- Location agreed
- Deposit paid
- Agent begin looking for property
- Business plan created
LOCATION & LEGALS
- Location found
- Business plan submitted
- Offer made on property
- Solicitors instructed
- Design created
- Franchise Agreement signed
BUILD & TRAINING
- Your store is being built
- Training
- Recruitment of staff
- Grand Opening planning
GRAND OPENING
You are officially open and trading!
Welcome to the Auntie Anne's UK & Ireland Network!
TIMELINE AND NEXT STEPS
The length of time it takes to proceed through the process depends on a few variables. Generally, the process should flow smoothly and take an average of 4-5 months start to finish but greatly depends on how long it takes to find and secure a property.
FRANCHISE INVESTMENT
£18K
INITIAL FRANCHISE FEE
£38 - 45K
EQUIPMENT
£55 - 100K
CONSTRUCTION
£135 - 180K
TOTAL INVESTMENT
We work with a number of experienced franchise/retail funders and can put you in touch with the right company for your needs. We have also worked extensively with Franchise Finance Limited who will be able to work with you on your business plan and assist in securing funding. In our experience for a proven franchise model you could borrow up to 70%. This will depend on your financial circumstances.
A FRANCHISE RELATIONSHIP IS A PARTNERSHIP.
A franchise relationship is a form of partnership. We want to make sure you make the right decision about whether to invest in an Auntie Anne’s franchise and we will endeavour to give you all the information required to do so. We also need to ensure you are right for us. The strength in our network comes from like-minded, hard-working, passionate franchisees and therefore we are only looking for applicants with strengths in the following areas:
PASSIONATE
A true passion and understanding of how important world class customer service is as well as a passion to provide a pretzel perfect experience each and every time.MANAGEMENT OF PEOPLE
The effective management of your crew will be the most influential factor in your success. We therefore need franchisees who have experience of managing diverse teams in high pressure environments with proven track records.DEDICATION TO SUCCESS
As a business owner, the success of your location is to a great extent within your control. Each and every day you must drive the business forward with passion, enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence. Your energy and drive will be what inspires your crew to perform.FUNDING
The minimum amount that will be invested is c135k (at least £40,000 your own capital and the rest could be funded through the bank) and preferably you will have access to further working capital should it be needed during the initial stages of growing your Auntie Anne’s businessFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from potential franchisees. You’re likely to find that a question you have is answered below. If you still have any unanswered questions after reading this FAQ, please feel free to contact us.
The current royalty fee is 8% of net sales. This royalty payment includes the right to use the Auntie Anne’s trademarks, trade secret recipes and processes, and contributes to the overall support system. There is also an advertising/marketing contribution of 1% that supports all national marketing activities.
The amount of money individual locations can expect to make will vary depending on a multitude of factors, including the location and demographics, operating costs, sales and the overall ability of the franchise partner to operate and manage their franchise location (s).
Initial investment range is £135 - £180k as shown on the Investment Cost section here. Auntie Anne’s require that all prospective candidates have at least 40% liquid cash which can help to secure the remaining funds required.
This can vary on a number of factors but ultimately everyone will go through the Franchise Process. How quickly the stages of the Due Diligence phase are completed and finding a property will play a large factor in the overall length of time to become a franchisee.
Yes to all of the above.
Auntie Anne’s will introduce you to Franchise Finance, a broker who has operated in the market for over 10 years.
Yes, from time to time stores become available to buy. Please show your interest by applying to ascertain the current opportunities.
Yes absolutely. We are happy to explore any opportunities that are brought to us whilst your application is being considered. Upon approval as a potential Auntie Anne’s franchisee, our property agents can work with you to finalise the opportunities.
- Pretzel Perfect Operations & Pretzel Perfect Business Management – 6 Days at Head Office
- Crew Recruitment Support – 2 Days
- Store Handover Support – 1 Day
- Store Setup – 1 Day
- In Store Crew Training – 5 Days
Training is provided free of charge to the prospective franchisee, however they are responsible for all expenses incurred while attending training including travel, hotels and their employee’s wages.
Yes. Auntie Anne’s franchisees must make certain purchases directly from Auntie Anne’s of equipment, small wares, signage and fixtures. Proprietary products must be purchased from approved suppliers.
No, franchisees must only sell approved products in their stores. Franchisees are always welcome to submit ideas for new menu items but these items may not be sold until they are approved by Focus Brands and Auntie Anne’s UK.