Wayback Burgers
Wayback Burgers offers classic American burgers in a retro-themed setting. Known for its nostalgic atmosphere and traditional fare, the franchise operates primarily in Wisconsin.
About Wayback Burgers
Wayback Burgers, previously known as Jake's Wayback Burgers, is an American fast casual restaurant chain based in Cheshire, Connecticut. Wayback serves typical hamburger restaurant foods such as hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, milkshakes and salads, and a variety of regional selections. Created in Newark, Delaware, Wayback began expansion in the late 2000s; in 2013, it was announced that the chain was expanding internationally to an additional 28 countries, with locations in the Middle East and North Africa slated to open in early 2014. The second international agreement signed is with Argentina.
Read more on Wikipedia → · Facts from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Wayback Burgers franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of one traditional Wayback Burgers restaurant ranges from $256,000 to $850,000. This includes a mandatory payment of $40,000 to the franchisor or its affiliates. [p.5]
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is $35,000 for a single traditional Wayback Burgers restaurant franchise. For additional restaurants opened under a Development Agreement, the initial franchise fee is $20,000 per restaurant [p.15]. This fee may be deferred until certain milestones are met and the store opens [p.305].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The ongoing royalty fee begins when the restaurant opens to the public and continues for the duration of the franchise agreement. It is currently 5% of Gross Sales, or $400 weekly, whichever is greater [p.76]. Additionally, a mandatory contribution of 2% of weekly Gross Sales must be made to the Wayback Burgers Advertising Fund for advertising and marketing purposes [p.18].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The initial term of the franchise agreement is generally 20 years [p.283]. You may pay a renewal franchise fee and renew your franchise for an additional term upon the start of a new term [p.283].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
Selling or transferring your franchise requires providing detailed five-year ownership and transfer information as specified [p.66]. Additionally, the franchisor can refuse a transfer for good cause, which includes but is not limited to unspecified reasons [p.340]. The process may also be subject to specific provisions in an Addendum if certain conditions are met, such as involving Washington state [p.350]. Transfer fees or reimbursement of costs may apply; for instance, a 50% transfer fee of the initial franchise fee is typically required unless the transfer is to a convenience ownership entity formed by you [p.99].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor may terminate the agreement on any grounds available by law [p.344]. Additionally, if you fail to develop and open the specified number of Wayback Burgers restaurants within the agreed-upon time frame as outlined in your development schedule, the franchisor may terminate the Development Agreement and your rights to open additional businesses [p.43].
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
The franchisee must demonstrate adequate financial resources and capital to operate the Franchised Business [p.98] and develop the Restaurants [p.164]. However, these excerpts do not specify exact net worth or liquid capital requirements. Therefore, this isn't specified in the excerpts.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory under the franchise agreement [p.41, p.42]. You may face competition from other franchisees, outlets owned by the company, or other channels of distribution or competitive brands that the company controls [p.42].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides an initial mandatory training program that typically lasts about 15 days [p.39]. This training is conducted in Cheshire, Connecticut, or another location chosen by the franchisor [p.72]. The training is free for up to two individuals, usually the majority owner and one designated manager of the franchisee [p.343, p.78]. For additional attendees, there is a fee [p.78]. The franchisor also offers ongoing support through an Initial Training Program that must be completed approximately eight weeks before opening the restaurant [p.78]. This training is provided at no charge for the first business if the franchisee becomes an area developer [p.39].
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 actual records of an existing outlet if purchased, but does not make representations about a franchisee's future financial performance or past performance of company-owned or franchised outlets. Any other financial performance information should be reported to the franchisor’s management and relevant regulatory agencies [p.58].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are required to sell only those approved services and products consistent with the image and product line as expressly approved by the franchisor. You must also sell all menu items and other products at retail without selling them wholesale or for resale [p.47]. Additionally, you must purchase your initial equipment package from suppliers designated by the franchisor, which includes restaurant equipment, a point-of-sale system, office equipment, music system, and an audio-visual surveillance system [p.26]. For supplies like uniforms and smallwares (cooking, cleaning, serving utensils), you also need to buy them as estimated by the franchisor [p.22].