Business Description

Authentic western-style chili parlor. Featuring chili, burgers and beer.

Franchisor Background

Year Established:  1980

Franchising Since:  1992

Operating Units:
Franchised Units:	10	71.4%
Company-Owned Units:	4	28.6%
Total Operating Units:	14	100.0%
Geographic Distribution: U.S.: 14 100% In 3 States Canada: 0 0% In 0 Canadian Provinces International: 0 0% In 0 Foreign Countries   Total: 14 100.0%

North America:
States/Provinces with the largest number of operating units:

Density	Units
1. Maryland	6
2. North Carolina	2
3. Virginia	6

Registered in Following Registration States:

Financial Requirements

Investment:
Minimum Net Worth:	$250K
Cash Investment:	$100-200K
Total Investment:	$400-500K
Average Total Investment:	$450K
Fees:
Initial Franchise Fee:	$30K
Average Franchise Fee:	$30K
On-Going Royalty:	4%
Average Royalty:	4%
Advertising Fee:	1%

Average Number of Employees: 6 Full-time, 20 Part-time

Space Needs (in square footage):

Preferred Sites: Free-standing Building, Strip Center

Other Sites:

Encourage Conversions? No

Earnings Claims Provided?: No

Franchisee Qualifications
Ranked from 1 (unimportant) to 5 (important):
Financial Net Worth:	N/A
General Business Experience:	N/A
Specific Industry Experience:	N/A
Formal Education:	N/A
Psychological Profile:	N/A
Personal Interview(s):	N/A
Terms of Contract
Term of Initial Contract:	10 Year(s)
Term of Renewal Period:	10 Year(s)
Passive Ownership:	Not Allowed
Area Development Agreements?	Yes, for 1 Year(s)
Sub-Franchising Contracts?	Yes
Franchisees Allowed to Expand Within Territory?	Yes
Support and Training
International Franchise Association:	No
Canadian Franchise Association:	No
Franchisee Association/Member:	No
Size of Corporate Staff:	10
Site Selection Assistance?	Yes
Lease Negotiation Assistance?	Yes
Financial Assistance?	No
Marketing Support:
Co-Op Advertising:	No
National Advertising:	No
Regional Advertising:	No
Local Advertising:	No
Marketing Materials:	None Specified
Additional Services:	None Specified
Other Marketing Support:	None Specified
On-Going Support:
Central Data Processing:	At Additional Cost
Central Purchasing:	Not Applicable
Field Operation Evaluation:	Included in Fees
Field Training:	Included in Fees
Initial Store Opening:	Included in Fees
Inventory Control:	Included in Fees
Franchisee Newsletter:	Included in Fees
Regional or National Meetings:	Included in Fees
800 Telephone Hotline:	Included in Fees
Training:
1. Washington, DC Area	4 Weeks
Expansion Plans
Projected New Units Over Next 12 months: U.S.: Yes, East Coast, Mid-Atlantic Canada: No Overseas: No	Request Franchisor Info   Submit an online form to receive information from Hard Times Cafe.