Kitchen Guard Services
Kitchen Guard Services offers commercial kitchen cleaning and maintenance services, including exhaust system cleaning and air duct cleaning. Known for ensuring safe, efficient kitchen operations, it operates in the HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) sector focused on food service industries.
Kitchen Guard Services franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a new Kitchen Guard franchise ranges from $210,486 to $285,883. This includes a mandatory payment of between $49,499 and $56,497 to the franchisor or its affiliates [p.1].
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee varies; on [p.144], it is described as being equal to $_______ for the first franchise agreement, and a discounted amount for an additional franchised business. The exact amounts are not specified in these excerpts. Additionally, the payment of the initial franchise fee may be deferred until certain conditions are met, such as the fulfillment of the franchisor's obligations and the commencement of operations by the franchisee [p.176].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The ongoing royalty fee ranges between 8% and 10% of Gross Billings [p.19]. For annual Gross Billings up to $1,499,999, the fee is 10%, between $1,500,000 and $2,999,999 it's 9%, and above $3,000,000 it's 8%. Advertising and promotional costs are covered by contributions to a Promotional Fund managed by the Company [p.19, p.29].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The duration of the initial franchise agreement isn't specified in these excerpts. However, you may renew your right to operate as a franchisee for two successive 10-year terms under the same or customarily offered conditions, provided you give written notice between 120 and 180 days before the current term expires [p.104].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
According to the FDD, you can transfer your ownership of a franchise, but the franchisor has the right to refuse such transfers except for good cause [p.5]. Additionally, there is a transfer fee; for the first franchise, it's $15,000 (reduced to $5,000 if transferring to an existing owner of another Kitchen Guard franchise), and each additional Franchise Agreement transferred would incur an extra $2,500 [p.123].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The provided FDD excerpts primarily cover termination rights for the franchisee and some legal constraints, but do not detail the specific grounds on which a franchisor can terminate the agreement.
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The FDD does not provide specific details on net worth or liquid capital requirements for franchisees. However, it mentions that the proposed transferee or its principals must meet the franchisor's reasonable requirements for experience, net worth, entrepreneurial ability, and character [p.124].
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory. You may face competition from other franchisees, from outlets that Kitchen Guard owns, or from other channels of distribution or competitive brands that Kitchen Guard controls [p.35].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides ongoing training on specific job-related issues such as job costing and scheduling, employee management, equipment usage, and sales and marketing [p.34]. This includes both on-site and general training at annual conferences, with additional modules offered through Kitchen Guard Academy [p.34]. The General Manager must complete the initial training program and ongoing training programs, while other employees who sell services must complete online sales training through Kitchen Guard Academy [p.109].
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
Based on the provided excerpts, there is no specific number given for the total number of franchised outlets. However, one Franchised Territory closed during the 2025 Accounting Period but had operated for less than 12 months [p.43]. This isn't specified in the excerpts regarding the current number or closure history of other outlets.
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor does not make any financial performance representations other than the preceding one, nor do they authorize their employees or representatives to make such representations [p.46]. However, if you are purchasing an existing outlet, the franchisor may provide actual records of that outlet's performance [p.46].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are required to offer and sell only those products and services approved by the franchisor or that meet its specifications. You must purchase all proprietary products and proprietary equipment from the company or its designated affiliate, and other equipment and supply items only from sources approved by the company [p.39]. Additionally, you may not become a wholesaler or distributor of proprietary products or related equipment except in connection with providing services [p.39]. For supplies, you can purchase pre-approved non-proprietary items from suppliers approved in writing by the franchisor or those meeting its quality standards [p.107], and you must buy all proprietary products and equipment from the company or designated sources [p.3].