Business Description

Premier retail cookie business with 'uncompromising quality,' 94% brand recognition, easy to operate, flexible designs and store options that operate in traditional and non-traditional venues.

Franchisor Background

Year Established:  1977

Franchising Since:  1990

Operating Units:
Franchised Units:	317	80.9%
Company-Owned Units:	75	19.1%
Total Operating Units:	392	100.0%
Geographic Distribution: U.S.: 315 80.4% In 43 States Canada: 0 0% In 0 Canadian Provinces International: 77 19.6% In 0 Foreign Countries   Total: 392 100.0%

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

Density	Units
1. California	103
2. Illinois	25
3. Michigan	30

Registered in Following Registration States: California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, District Of Columbia, Alberta

Financial Requirements

Investment:
Minimum Net Worth:	$150K/75K LIQ
Cash Investment:	$10-73.5K
Total Investment:	$162.4-247.1K
Average Total Investment:	$205K
Fees:
Initial Franchise Fee:	$30K
Average Franchise Fee:	$30K
On-Going Royalty:	6%
Average Royalty:	6%
Advertising Fee:	1%

Average Number of Employees: 3 Full-time, 2 Part-time

Space Needs (in square footage): 600-900

Preferred Sites: Storefront, Strip Center, Regional Mall

Other Sites: Stadium

Encourage Conversions? Yes

Earnings Claims Provided?: Yes

Franchisee Qualifications
Ranked from 1 (unimportant) to 5 (important):
Financial Net Worth:	4
General Business Experience:	4
Specific Industry Experience:	2
Formal Education:	2
Psychological Profile:	2
Personal Interview(s):	5
Terms of Contract
Term of Initial Contract:	7 Year(s)
Term of Renewal Period:	7 Year(s)
Passive Ownership:	Not Allowed
Area Development Agreements?	No
Sub-Franchising Contracts?	No
Franchisees Allowed to Expand Within Territory?	Yes
Support and Training
International Franchise Association:	Yes
Canadian Franchise Association:	No
Franchisee Association/Member:	Yes, Member
Size of Corporate Staff:	100
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:	Included in Fees
Central Purchasing:	Included in Fees
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. Salt Lake City, UT
Expansion Plans
Projected New Units Over Next 12 months: 38 U.S.: Yes, All United States Canada: Yes, All Canada Overseas: No	Request Franchisor Info   Submit an online form to receive information from Mrs. Fields Cookies.