Sweet Paris
Sweet Paris Franchises offer crêperies and cafés serving crêpes, waffles, and specialty drinks. Known for French-inspired cuisine, this franchise operates in the quick-service restaurant sector.
About Sweet Paris
Sweet Paris Crêperie and Café is a creperie chain based in Houston, Texas. Founded in 2012, it currently operates out of 21 owned and franchised locations in the United States, across Texas, Florida, Minnesota, Arizona, and two in Mexico. The menu features crêpes, waffles, and full-course café offerings. Beverages include milkshakes and beer. The chain is known for its large patios.
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Sweet Paris franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a franchised Sweet Paris business ranges from $928,100 to $1,495,650. This includes a requirement to pay between $60,000 and $68,300 to the franchisor or an affiliate. [p.2]
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is currently $45,000 [p.12]. This amount is fully earned when paid and is not refundable under any circumstances [p.12].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
Ongoing royalty fees include a 1% contribution from restaurant sales that franchisees remit to the Company as consideration for providing advertising services. These revenues are recognized when related restaurant sales occur, typically billed and paid on a weekly basis [p.184, p.172]. Additionally, there is a separate 1% advertising royalty collected to fund a franchise-wide marketing program [p.173, p.185].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The initial term of the franchise agreement and any renewal terms are not specified in detail regarding their length. However, the franchisee must give written notice of an election to renew between 6 months and 12 months before the end of the initial term or any renewal term [p.80]. Renewal will be effectuated by execution of a then current form of franchise agreement, with a fee equal to 25% of the current initial franchise fee upon each renewal [p.80].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
According to [p.107], you must meet certain conditions before transferring your Paris Crêperie franchise agreement, including ensuring a controlling interest in you is not involved in the transfer. This condition must be met before or at the time of the transfer.
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor has the right to terminate the franchise agreement by giving the franchisee 30 days' prior written notice. This is mentioned on [p.102] where it states, "We shall have the right to terminate the Marketing Fund by giving you 30 days' prior written notice." Additionally, the franchisor can also suspend contributions to and operations of the Marketing Fund and later reinstate it under similar terms upon providing 30 days' advance written notice.
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. You have a limited site selection area where you must locate your Crêperie, but this does not provide exclusivity. Additionally, the franchise agreement specifies a "Protected Area" for sales purposes only, and even then, it is subject to certain conditions and exceptions [p.79]. This isn't specified in the excerpts as providing an exclusive or protected territory in terms of competing outlets or non-traditional sites outside your designated area [p.40].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides a training program that lasts approximately 6 weeks before your Crêperie opens, including classroom instruction and operation training. This training is conducted at their designated facility or another location they choose [p.37]. Ongoing support includes services managed by Scott Haehnel and Jonathan Youmans, who oversee the corporate trainers responsible for providing necessary guidance and support to franchisees [p.37].
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
As of December 31, 2023, there were 8 franchisees in the system with outlets opened. There have been no franchisees who were terminated, cancelled, or not renewed or otherwise voluntarily or involuntarily ceased to do business under a Franchise Agreement as of the date of this Disclosure Document [p.66].
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor does not make any representations about a franchisee's future financial performance or the past financial performance of company-owned or franchised outlets, and it authorizes no such representations by its employees or representatives [p.59]. However, if you are purchasing an existing outlet, the franchisor may provide actual records of that specific outlet’s performance [p.59]. Additionally, the franchisor is permitted to provide financial performance information about its franchised and/or franchisor-owned outlets if there is a reasonable basis for the information and it is included in the Disclosure Document [p.53], but this must be reported to certain entities if received outside of the document [p.59].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are required to offer for sale all menu items prescribed by the franchisor from time to time and other products and services that they authorize. You may not sell any menu items or other products or services that the franchisor has not approved. As for supplies, you must purchase or lease items from the franchisor or a limited group of suppliers designated by them, which may be more expensive than similar items available elsewhere [p.4, p.25, p.46].