FAQ franchises
1-Do I need previous restaurant experience to open a Juliette & Chocolat franchise?
We are looking for high-caliber owner operators with a solid experience in the restaurant industry and a thorough understanding of what it takes to successfully operate and develop a restaurant.
We offer a complete training program designed to provide you with the skills and tools necessary for making your Juliette & Chocolat into a true success story.
Previous skills in managing human resources are also a requirement, along with great attention to detail, stamina and a strong sense of community involvement.
And it goes without saying; the ideal candidate must be crazy about all things gourmet and chocolate!
2-Aside from experience in the restaurant industry, what qualities and skills do you look for in your franchisees?
To qualify, you must already love the brand and have a profound desire to become the proud owner of a Juliette & Chocolat store. We are looking for owners who also wish to actively participate in the operation of their restaurant, who will be entirely committed to the business and be involved and invested in every aspect of their franchise.
Franchisees are required to attain and maintain operational excellence at all times by respecting predetermined Juliette & Chocolat operational procedures, to provide their guests with outstanding service and delicious meals, and to ensure the sound financial management of their restaurant.
The franchisee must have exemplary customer service skills and must be committed to providing all guests with a phenomenal culinary experience.
The franchisee must have strong leadership skills and a commendable work ethic.
Ideally, the franchisee possesses basic notions in accounting.
And last but not least, we are looking for individuals with a serious sweet tooth!
3-Does Juliette & Chocolat offer financing?
No, Juliette & Chocolat does not offer financing. We do, however, provide franchisees with information and advice to assist them in their dealings with financial institutions. They will also benefit from our contacts and preferred rates.
4-What is the franchise fee to purchase a Juliette & Chocolat franchise?
The franchise fee is $40,000. This gives you access to the Juliette & Chocolat operations manual, comprehensive training, Juliette & Chocolat intellectual property and to the entire Juliette & Chocolat system of tools, support, marketing and exclusive and proprietary products.
After the initial 10-year contract, a renewal fee of 50% of the franchise fee will apply.
5-What kind of capital do I need in order to open a Juliette & Chocolat franchise?
The total opening cost of a Juliette & Chocolat restaurant (construction, design, equipment, smallware, signage, etc.) varies between $400,000 and $600,000, depending on the unit location and size, as well as the franchisee’s net worth.
Of this amount, the franchisee is required to have $150,000 to $250,000 in unencumbered assets, the rest of which will be financed through financial institutions. In addition, a total ranging from $50,000 to $60,000 of working capital must be available at the time of the restaurant opening.
6 – Once the franchise is open, what are the recurring fees?
- 5.0% of gross sales as royalty, payable weekly;
- 2.0% of gross sales for general advertising and marketing fees, which is deposited into a fund for advertising development and media;
- Juliette & Chocolat franchisees are also required to invest 1.5% of their gross sales in local marketing (promotions, advertising, etc.).
7 – How long does the franchise agreement last?
The standard Juliette & Chocolat franchise term is 10 years. The initial franchise fee is payable once at the beginning of the term. To renew the contract after 10 years, a renewal fee of 50% of the initial franchise fee is required.
8 – Where would my Juliette & Chocolat be located?
When applying for a franchise, you are asked to specify which markets or territories are of interest to you. If you are selected, and when possible, we will make every effort to accommodate your preference within our development plan.
Your flexibility and willingness to relocate will, however, greatly influence how quickly you can expect to open your Juliette & Chocolat franchise.
9 – What training does Juliette & Chocolat provide?
Juliette & Chocolat offers a comprehensive training program to ensure that the restaurant opening goes smoothly and to give franchisees the best possible chance of success.
The new franchisee and their managers will follow a full training program lasting 8 to 10 weeks in a Juliette & Chocolat restaurant. This training program covers every position in the restaurant, restaurant management and all other aspects of the business.
Once the restaurant has opened, the Juliette & Chocolat support team will be available on standby to assist the franchisee and answer any questions he or she might have.
10 – What support exists for a Juliette & Chocolat franchisee?
The new franchisee receives the Juliette & Chocolat operations manual and access to all management tools and processes. Before, during, and after the restaurant launch, the Juliette & Chocolat support team will be on hand to assist the franchisee.
Juliette & Chocolat assists with:
- real estate and location selection
- lease negotiation
- design and engineering plans
- hiring and training
- local marketing activities
The franchisee benefits from:
- an attractive and proven business model
- corporate expertise
- a comprehensive operations manual
- a centralized distribution system and unique, exclusive and proprietary products
- a Research and Development Department, new menus twice per year and new product launches several times per year
- a national marketing program
- training and human resource programs
- the support of a corporate team and a regional manager
11 - Who determines the policies and operating procedures?
All Juliette & Chocolat restaurant policies and operating procedures are defined in the Juliette & Chocolat operations manual. The franchisee must respect this regulation and apply all procedures defined by Juliette & Chocolat headquarters.
The Juliette & Chocolat operations team carries out regular visits to all Juliette & Chocolat stores to ensure that they are operating according to regulations and are adhering to the operations manual.
12 – What advertising does Juliette & Chocolat offer?
Juliette & Chocolat has a marketing and advertising plan adapted to the market, and all Juliette & Chocolat restaurants benefit from marketing and communications activities managed by headquarters.
Several times per year, Juliette & Chocolat launches new and exclusive products and all related printed marketing material, which is at the expense of the franchisee.
Furthermore, each restaurant will be required to invest 1.5% of their sales on local marketing. This amount can be invested in promotion, advertising and other local marketing activities. The Juliette & Chocolat head office offers support for optimizing investments in local marketing and must approve all franchisee marketing activities.
13 - Who will supply my raw material and restaurant supplies?
To ensure consistency in presentations and in food quality, franchisees must exclusively make their purchases from Juliette & Chocolat’s authorized suppliers.
The primary provider for restaurants is Juliette & Chocolat’s central kitchen, which provides the majority of ingredients, finished products and exclusive brand packaging.
A catalogue/log of all raw materials will be at your disposal so that you can make purchases based on your needs.
14 - What is the level of risk associated with opening a franchise?
Any business involves a certain amount of risk. It is your responsibility to develop your business plan using the advice of qualified professionals (lawyers, accountants, consultants).
The success of your restaurant will depend on your abilities as a manager, your degree of involvement in your restaurant’s business operations and the close attention you give to the quality of your products and the level of customer service.
15 - If I wish to begin the process of opening a Juliette & Chocolat, what is my next step?
You must first fill out and return the application form attached to this email.
Upon receipt of your completed form, our Franchise Development Department will contact you. If your application is retained, we will organize a face-to-face meeting with you.
16 – If I have any other questions:
You may contact our Franchise Development Department at any time, and they will be pleased to assist you: franchises@julietteetchocolat.com.