Marble Slab Creamery
Marble Slab Creamery offers customizable ice cream blended on a marble slab, allowing customers to mix in various toppings. Known for its unique ice cream serving method, it operates in the casual dining and dessert franchise sector.
Marble Slab Creamery franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY Multi-Unit Restaurant development franchise is $50,000 and up, including $50,000 to $65,000 or more that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates. [p.1]
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for both Traditional Restaurants and Non-Traditional Restaurants is $25,000. This fee is fully earned by the franchisor upon payment and is not refundable [p.40, p.123].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The ongoing royalty fee is calculated as a percentage of Net Sales for the Restaurant, with separate reporting required for Satellites [p.123]. For both Renewal Rights and transfers, the fees may be at higher rates than specified in this agreement, but no Initial Fee is required for transfers [p.147]. Advertising contributions are based on the rates applicable to new franchisees upon renewal of the agreement [p.120], and these funds are used for various marketing activities both locally and nationally [p.59].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The duration of the initial franchise agreement isn't specified in the excerpts. Additionally, while renewal options are mentioned [p.122], the exact length or conditions for renewal aren't detailed in these provided pages.
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
According to the FDD, you can sell or transfer your franchise, but it requires giving notice to the franchisor. Specifically, you must provide details such as the name and address of the proposed transferee, the number of units offered, the price, and other terms and conditions [p.314]. Additionally, the franchisor may refuse to permit the transfer for good cause, which includes but is not limited to unspecified reasons [p.6].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor can terminate the agreement on any grounds available by law [p.260]. However, under Virginia law, termination without reasonable cause is unlawful [p.267]. Good cause for termination includes failure to comply with lawful provisions of the franchise agreement and not curing such failures after notice and a reasonable opportunity to cure [p.6].
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?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory [p.64]. You may face competition from other franchisees, outlets owned by the company, or other channels of distribution or competitive brands controlled by the company [p.64]. Additionally, the company reserves the right to operate or franchise others at Off-Site Events [p.135], and can develop Non-Traditional Venues without your exclusive rights [p.119].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides initial training supervised by their Sr. Director of QSR Operations, John Cardwell [p.57], as well as ongoing quarterly training and status meetings [p.129]. Additionally, the franchisor may offer in-person or online training programs from time to time at the franchisee's expense for employees they designate [p.129]. For customer personnel, there is an expectation of ongoing training in the use and operation of the Brand Technology System, with potential invoicing for support if issues could have been resolved through proper training [p.327].
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor can provide financial performance information if there is a reasonable basis for it and it is included in the disclosure document [p.86]. However, they do not make any financial performance representations other than those specified [p.95], and their employees or representatives are not authorized to make such representations either orally or in writing [p.95].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are required to offer the specific brand and product mix as specified by the franchisor, which may be determined by inventory percentage or retail space allocation [p.44]. You must purchase and offer for sale such merchandise only from suppliers designated by the franchisor [p.132.10], and you may have to buy or lease items from the franchisor or a limited group of suppliers they designate, which might be more expensive than other options [p.4].