Natures Table
Nature's Table Café offers quick serve restaurants featuring protein bowls, smoothies, and sandwiches in various locations like strip centers and malls. Known for its 'sensible' food options, it operates in the casual dining and healthy eating segments of the restaurant industry.
Natures Table franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Nature's Table Café franchised business ranges from $62,200 for certain locations up to $464,100 for others, as detailed on page [p.1].
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is $30,000 and must be paid in full when you sign the Franchise Agreement. This fee is not fully refundable except under specific circumstances related to failing the training program [p.104].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
Royalty fees are approximately 5% of total sales and are charged only to franchised locations owned by independent unrelated party companies. For related party company-owned locations, a management fee is charged instead of royalties, with the amount determined by the owners' discretion [p.N]. Additionally, there is an advertising fee of 1% of total sales, which goes into a Marketing Fund used for various advertising and marketing activities [p.N].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The FDD does not provide information on the duration of the initial franchise agreement or renewal terms beyond mentioning that a successor franchise agreement may be required under certain circumstances [p.104].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
To sell or transfer your franchise, you must obtain written consent from the franchisor after submitting all transfer documents. This is detailed on page [p.182].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
According to [p.36], the franchisor has the right to terminate the exclusivity in the Multi-Unit Operator Agreement if the franchisee is not in full compliance with all terms and conditions of the Multi-Unit Operator Agreement and all Franchise Agreements signed under it. This isn't specified in the general grounds for termination beyond non-compliance.
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 qualification as a franchisee. However, it emphasizes the importance of having sufficient working capital to fulfill obligations under the Franchise Agreement [p.109] and urges prospective franchisees to develop detailed financial plans with an accountant or financial advisor [p.18].
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
Yes, you receive exclusive rights within your specified Exclusive Area to develop and operate Nature's Table Restaurants as outlined in the Development Schedule [p.36]. However, this exclusivity ends upon opening the last restaurant in your area, after which the franchisor can grant development rights to others within that territory [p.37].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides initial training for you or your General Manager and one additional employee at no extra cost. This includes instructors and training materials. For any subsequent personnel, you are responsible for their training costs. The franchisor also offers management training as part of royalty fees, which are approximately 5% of total sales and collected the following month from independent unrelated party companies. Related party company owned locations may be charged a management fee instead. [p.31, p.76, p.90]
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 may provide actual records of an existing outlet you are considering buying [p.47]. However, the franchisor does not make any representations about a franchisee's future financial performance or past financial performance of company-owned or franchised outlets [p.47], and no such representations can be made by its employees or representatives either orally or in writing.
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are restricted to selling only the menu items and other products and services that the franchisor has expressly approved in writing. You must sell or offer for sale all required menu items, food products, and other products and services in the manner and style specified by the franchisor [p.40]. As for supplies, you may have to buy or lease certain items from the franchisor or a limited group of suppliers designated by them, which might be more expensive than alternatives [p.3].