Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$241,500 - $414,500
Franchise Fee
$33,750
Total US Locations
7
Business Summary
Ben's Barketplace businesses operate retail health food pet stores that provide premium-quality pet food, toys, and related products. The franchise also offers pet owners information and education on the proper diet, health, and well-being of their pets. Ben's Barketplace franchisees can operate a single store or multi-unit locations, and may also offer delivery services.
Corporate History
Ben's Barketplace, Inc. was formed as a California corporation on October 21, 2014. The franchisor operates under the names Ben's Barketplace, Inc. and Ben's Barketplace. Ben's Barketplace began offering franchises for its businesses in June 2015. While the franchisor itself does not operate businesses like those offered, its affiliates have been operating similar pet store centers, with one affiliate operating a center since June 2005, a second since July 2018 (which was sold to a franchisee in 2024), and a third since November 2021.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$241,500 - $414,500
Franchise Fee (Low)
$33,750
Franchise Fee (High)
$150,000
Royalty %
5%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$60,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$130,000
Working Capital
$34,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The franchisor's financial condition, as detailed in Item 21, raises questions about Ben's Barketplace, Inc.'s financial ability to provide services and support to its franchisees.
Financing Details
Ben's Barketplace does not offer any direct or indirect financing to franchisees. The franchisor also does not guarantee any franchisee's notes, leases, or other financial obligations.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
7
Franchised Units
4
Corporate Units
3
Avg Square Footage
3,000
Franchising Since
2015
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
1
Litigation Summary
Ben's Barketplace, Inc. has disclosed one past litigation case. This case, filed in August 2019, involved a third-party professional photographer who sued Ben's Barketplace, Inc., an affiliate, and the franchisor's President, Brad Romero. The photographer alleged copyright infringement and unfair business practices for the unauthorized use of her copyrighted dog images on social media, in promotional materials, and within Ben's Barketplace stores. The parties reached a confidential settlement agreement in April 2020, under which the defendants denied wrongdoing but agreed to pay the photographer $380,000 and stop using the copyrighted images. No other litigation is required to be disclosed.
Bankruptcy History
Ben's Barketplace has no bankruptcy history to report.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their Ben's Barketplace franchise, franchisees must be in good standing and meet several requirements. They must sign the then-current franchise agreement and any related documents, which may include different terms and conditions, such as potentially higher Royalty and Brand Fund Contributions. Franchisees are required to pay a successor franchise fee. They must also provide proof of current licensing, insurance, and permits, and upgrade their Center and vehicle to meet current Brand Standards Manual provisions. Additionally, franchisees must sign a general release of claims.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Ben's Barketplace provides comprehensive assistance to its franchisees. Before opening, the franchisor helps with territory designation, site selection guidelines, and approval of the center's location and lease. Franchisees receive specifications for furniture, fixtures, equipment, inventory, and supplies. The franchisor loans a copy of the Brand Standards Manual and provides an initial training program for up to three people in Roseville, California, or another designated location. Additionally, Ben's Barketplace offers a five-day pre-opening training program at the franchisee's center, occurring immediately before and after the opening date. Ongoing support includes informing franchisees of mandatory operating procedures, providing advice on operations based on reports or inspections, and offering guidance on advertising and marketing. Additional training for newly hired personnel, refresher courses, or special assistance is available, potentially for a fee. Franchisees are also allowed to continue using confidential materials and the brand's trademarks. Optional assistance may include periodic visits to the business (for a fee), modifications to the system, maintenance of a Brand Fund, and national or regional conferences.
Initial Training Hours
80
Training Location
Roseville, California
Ongoing Support
After opening, Ben's Barketplace franchisees receive ongoing support including being informed of mandatory operational specifications, standards, and procedures. The franchisor provides advice on business operations based on reports and inspections, and offers guidance on advertising and marketing. Additional training is available for newly hired personnel, refresher courses, and advanced training, which may incur a fee. Franchisees can continue to use the confidential Brand Standards Manual and the brand's trademarks. The franchisor also provides ongoing training programs at its discretion. Optional support includes periodic visits to the franchise location for assistance, which may be charged for, and the potential to participate in a Brand Fund or national/regional conferences.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Ben's Barketplace seeks franchisees who are individuals or entities with adequate financial resources. Ideal candidates should demonstrate personal and financial reputation and stability, and a willingness and ability to devote their full time and best efforts to the operation of the Ben's Barketplace Business. This can be achieved either by the franchisee or a managing owner (if an entity) or an approved designated manager. All key personnel must successfully complete the initial training program and comply with Ben's Barketplace's operational standards. For transferees, prior experience as a Ben's Barketplace franchisee or a designated manager within the system for at least one year is beneficial.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
Yes
Operational Details
Location Type
retail
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
Ben's Barketplace grants franchisees a protected territory that typically consists of a five-mile radius around their approved center. The precise size of the territory can be smaller than a five-mile radius and depends on factors like demographics, population density, average income, natural boundaries, local competition, and the extent of urban, suburban, and rural areas. The franchisor utilizes the latest U.S. Census Data or other chosen population statistical sources to define populations within these territories. If a franchisee opts to offer delivery services, Ben's Barketplace may define an additional non-exclusive delivery territory, with its size based on population density, drive times, and distance, without a specific minimum or maximum. The franchisor reserves the right to change or eliminate this delivery territory at any time.
Staffing Notes
Ben's Barketplace requires that the business be managed by the franchisee or, if the franchisee is an entity, by a managing owner with at least a 25% ownership and voting interest. A designated manager may also be appointed to handle day-to-day operations. Both the managing owner and any designated manager must successfully complete the franchisor's initial training program. If a designated manager's employment ends and the managing owner does not assume management, a new designated manager must be appointed within 60 days and must complete the initial training program. Ben's Barketplace emphasizes that all employees are solely the responsibility of the franchisee, who is responsible for all employment decisions, including hiring, firing, training, remuneration, and compliance with all applicable labor laws. Franchisees must ensure employees understand they are employed by the franchisee and not by Ben's Barketplace, Inc.