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Answers
to Frequently Asked Questions when considering an investment
in the Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Family…
What kind of experience do I need to become
a Bruster’s Franchisee?
We take great pride in the qualities and character of our
franchisees. Experience in management/ownership, foodservice,
retail, marketing or other related areas are indeed helpful,
but not absolutely necessary. Some of our most profitable
franchisees got started on dedication, enthusiasm and a true
love of ice cream.
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What are the minimum financial requirements?
Franchisees are required to have a minimum of $100,000 in
liquid assets. This information will be reviewed in conjunction
with your complete financial data to determine compatibility
to pursue a Bruster’s location.
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What is the average total
investment?
Bruster’s has three development options:
1. Free Standing - Owning Real Estate
2. Free Standing - Leasing
3. Unique/Strip/Inline - Leasing
Because the majority of our franchisees choose to own their
locations, the total cost of entry varies according to land
and site development costs. Excluding land and development
costs, our base cost of entry is approximately $350,000.
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What is the franchise fee?
$35,000.
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Does Bruster’s require
Franchise owners to be operators?
No. We look to attract the best franchisees for the system,
our customers and our communities. However, owners do not
need to run the day-to-day operations and may choose to hire
qualified general managers to fill that role.
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What are the typical steps
toward owning a Bruster’s store?
Detailed steps to becoming a Bruster’s Franchisee are
provided to qualified applicants. Basic steps include:
- Pre-qualification via completed Pre-qualification form
- “Taste of Bruster’s” Orientation in Atlanta
or Pittsburgh
- UFOC (Uniform Franchise Offering Circular) Review and
Q&A
- Signed Franchise Agreement
- Site Review and Approval
- Site Construction
- Finalize Building
- Management/Staff Training
- Grand Opening!
- Ongoing Support
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What type of training and
support does Bruster’s provide?
Bruster's provides comprehensive training to prepare you to
successfully operate and manage your business. Training is
conducted in both classroom and in-store settings to balance
your learning. Additional coaching is made available during
your grand opening!
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What type of ongoing support
is provided by Bruster’s?
As part of our organization, you benefit from our experienced
staff of professionals in the areas of real estate, project
management, operations, finance and marketing.
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Does Bruster’s provide
assistance with site selection?
Yes. Once your agreement is finalized, our Director of Real
Estate provides you with all of the site requirements to assist
you in the selection and approval of your Bruster’s location.
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How long does the entire
process take?
From signing to grand opening, the average new store development
period ranges from 5 to 10 months depending on the development
option chosen. This time will depend on your decision-making
process and the cooperation of various external partners.
Our goal is to have you up and running as quickly as possible.
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Does Bruster’s offer Financing?
No. We do not offer financing; however, we do provide helpful
tools that will assist you in your business plan preparation
to secure financing.
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Does Bruster’s assist
with Development Areas or Development Agreements?
Yes. Bruster's offers a development agreement that reserves
a specified region under your name. Once the Development Agreement
is signed, you will then proceed to secure the exact site
location.
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How do I
learn more?
All candidates must submit a pre-qualification form. You can
get a copy through our website by clicking on the “pre-qualification
form ” link in the left hand navigation bar and following
the instructions. You can also submit a request to be contacted
by a member of our Franchise Development Department by using
the Info Request Form. You will be contacted within a week
of your request to learn about our next steps!
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