Samurai Sams
Samurai Sams offers traditional Japanese fast food through Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill franchises. Known for teriyaki dishes and operated in shopping malls or other venues, this franchise requires significant investment ranging from $112,660 to $623,300.
Samurai Sams franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment for opening a Samurai Sam's restaurant ranges widely depending on various factors. For non-traditional locations, the initial fees range from $13,000 to $32,500, and for traditional locations, it ranges from $28,000 to $60,000 [p.31]. However, this does not include additional costs such as leasehold improvements, real estate purchase or construction, and other site-specific expenses like security deposits and construction costs [p.41-42].
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee varies based on the type of restaurant. For traditional Samurai Sam's restaurants, it is $30,000 for the first one and $17,500 for each subsequent one [p.30]. For non-traditional Samurai Sam's restaurants, the initial franchise fee is $7,500 for the first one and $5,000 for each subsequent one [p.369, p.373].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The ongoing royalty fee is six percent (6%) of total Gross Sales on a weekly basis. Additionally, there is an ongoing advertising fee that must be paid. The specific percentage for the advertising fee is not provided in these excerpts. [p.373, p.369]
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The FDD excerpts provided do not include information about the length of the initial franchise agreement or the renewal process beyond stating that a renewal franchise fee of 50% of the current initial franchise fee is payable upon renewal [p.170, p.305].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
You can sell or transfer your franchise, but it requires good cause as determined by the franchisor. The franchisor may also exercise a right of first refusal to purchase the franchise instead. [p.92, p.469]
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor may terminate the agreement on any grounds available by law [p.97]. Additionally, the franchisor can change its business model without your consent, which might require additional investments or harm your franchise business [p.3]. However, under Virginia Retail Franchising Act, it is unlawful for a franchisor to cancel a franchise without reasonable cause [p.484, p.105].
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 according to the FDD excerpts [p.97, p.106, p.61]. You may face competition from other franchisees and company-owned restaurants, as well as other channels of distribution or competitive brands controlled by the franchisor.
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides a Training Program consisting of In-Store Training and New Owner Training, each approximately 40 hours. This program is mandatory for new franchisees and must be completed either online or in person at designated locations. Additionally, the franchisor reserves the right to require further training if the franchisee does not operate according to their systems standards [p.230, p.297, p.162].
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
As of November 30, 2024, there were 12 franchised stores open. The excerpts do not specify the number of franchises that have closed or been terminated; they only provide information on current operations and past franchise offerings [p.77, p.80].
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor does not make any financial performance representations except for providing actual records of an existing outlet if you are purchasing one. However, they can provide such information if there is a reasonable basis and it is included in the disclosure document [p.76]. Additionally, if you receive other financial performance information or projections, you should report it to the franchisor and relevant regulatory agencies [p.77].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are not restricted to selling only certain items; however, you may have to buy or lease specific items from the franchisor or a limited group of suppliers designated by them, which might be more expensive than other options [p.3]. This applies to equipment, supplies, and inventory items required by the System Standards that have not been previously approved by the franchisor [p.247] / [p.315].