Chefs For Seniors
Chefs For Seniors provides home-cooked meals and companionship to seniors in their homes. Known for its unique in-home service model, this franchise combines nutrition with social support for elderly clients.
Chefs For Seniors franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment to begin operation of a franchise varies based on the territory type. For a 'Basic Territory', the range is $17,425 - $27,330; for an 'Extended Territory', it's $22,245 - $33,250; and for a 'Regional Territory', it's $25,245 - $36,500. [p.1]
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for purchasing the right to offer Chefs For Families products and services is $3,000. However, there are discounts available: existing franchisees as of May 15, 2026, can pay a discounted fee of $1,500 if paid in full, or $2,000 if financed. [p.23]
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The franchisee must spend not less than 2% of their Gross Revenues on local advertising and promotion ('Local Advertising Expenditure') [p.83, p.31]. Additionally, there is a mandatory minimum payment requirement regardless of sales levels, which includes royalty payments or advertising contributions [p.4]. This isn't specified in the excerpts for exact amounts beyond the 2% minimum for advertising.
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The provided FDD excerpts do not mention the duration of the initial franchise agreement or the conditions for renewal beyond the information on extending the franchise term through a Renewal Addendum as described on [p.180].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
According to the FDD, a franchisor can refuse a transfer of ownership of a franchise except for good cause [p.5]. Good cause includes but is not limited to unspecified reasons, and this does not prevent the franchisor from exercising a right of first refusal to purchase the franchise.
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
According to the FDD excerpts, the franchisor may terminate the agreement on any grounds available by law [p.171]. However, under Virginia law, a franchisor cannot cancel a franchise without reasonable cause [p.176]. Good cause for termination includes failure to comply with lawful provisions of the franchise agreement and curing such failures within a reasonable time frame [p.5].
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
Yes, you receive an exclusive territory as described in Rider A, depending on the type of franchise (Basic, Extended, or Regional) you select. The size of your territory ranges from approximately 50,000 to 150,000 people aged 62 and over [p.62, p.35]. However, be aware that the franchisor may still have the right to compete with you within your designated territory [p.3].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides an initial three-day training program included in the franchise fee at their corporate location or 821 E Washington Ave., Madison, Wisconsin. This training covers all phases of operations, accounting, marketing, client service, scheduling, recipes, and other aspects needed to run the business. Ongoing support includes monthly virtual training sessions for adding services like Chefs For Families, ensuring new franchisees can start within a month. [p.32, p.33]
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
As of December 31, 2025, there are 100 franchised outlets in operation. The excerpt does not specify the number of closed or terminated outlets. [p.52]
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor does not make any financial performance representations [p.44], nor authorize its employees or representatives to do so orally or in writing. However, if purchasing an existing outlet, actual records of that outlet may be provided upon request [p.44]. This isn't specified in the excerpts for new franchises.
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are restricted solely to providing meal preparation services to individual Clients in their homes. This isn't specified in the excerpts regarding where you must buy supplies; however, you may have to purchase or lease items from the franchisor or a limited group of suppliers designated by them, which might be more expensive than other options [p.3].