Country Waffles Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$311,800 - $808,600
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total US Locations
16
Business Summary
A Country Waffles Breakfast & Lunch franchisee will operate a brick-and-mortar restaurant business that offers a specialized menu of all-day breakfast and lunch items. These items include signature waffles, pancakes, omelets, various egg dishes, sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Customers can enjoy these products on-premises or order them for carry-out.
Corporate History
Country Waffles, Inc. was established as a California corporation on September 29, 1987. The company began offering Country Waffles Breakfast & Lunch franchises in November 1992 and has not offered franchises in any other types of businesses.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$311,800 - $808,600
Franchise Fee (Low)
$25,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$35,000
Royalty %
5%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$157,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$528,000
Working Capital
$60,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Country Waffles, Inc. has disclosed in its Special Risks section that the franchisor is undercapitalized and may not be able to meet its preopening obligations to all franchisees. However, the audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, received an unqualified opinion from the independent auditors.
Financing Details
Country Waffles, Inc. does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. Additionally, Country Waffles, Inc. does not guarantee any notes, leases, or obligations for its franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
16
Franchised Units
16
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
3,000
Franchising Since
1992
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Country Waffles, Inc. has no litigation cases that are required to be disclosed. This means Country Waffles, Inc. has not been involved in any material litigation or bankruptcy proceedings that would typically be reported in a Franchise Disclosure Document.
Bankruptcy History
Country Waffles, Inc. has no bankruptcy matters that are required to be disclosed. This indicates that neither Country Waffles, Inc. nor its managing executives have been involved in any bankruptcy proceedings.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
15 years
Renewal Term
15 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their Country Waffles Breakfast & Lunch franchise, franchisees must provide written notice of their intent to renew at least 12 months (but no more than 15 months) before the current agreement ends. They are required to remodel and refurbish their restaurant to meet Country Waffles, Inc.'s then-current standards for new locations and must have complied with all terms of their current franchise agreement and financial obligations throughout its term. Franchisees must also sign the then-current form of franchise agreement (which may have different terms, including higher fees), pay a $10,000 renewal fee, and execute a mutual general release. Finally, the franchisee and their personnel must meet current qualification and training requirements and demonstrate their right to remain at the accepted location for the new term.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Country Waffles, Inc. provides extensive support to its franchisees. Before opening, Country Waffles, Inc. helps with site selection, including guidelines, counseling, and one on-site evaluation, and reviews proposed leases and design plans. They provide standard layout specifications for the restaurant's exterior and interior, including approved suppliers for fixtures, furnishings, equipment, and signage. Franchisees receive a copy of the Brand Manual, comprehensive initial training, and assistance in developing their Grand Opening Marketing Program. Country Waffles, Inc. also inspects and evaluates the restaurant before it opens and sends a representative to be present at the grand opening. After opening, Country Waffles, Inc. offers ongoing assistance in marketing, management, and operations as determined by the franchisor. This includes periodic visits from field consultants who provide advice. Country Waffles, Inc. also provides ongoing training sessions as deemed appropriate.
Initial Training Hours
142
Training Location
Franchisee's Restaurant or another Country Waffles Breakfast & Lunch location
Ongoing Support
Country Waffles, Inc. provides ongoing support to its franchisees through periodic assistance in marketing, management, and operations as determined by the franchisor. This includes services from field consultants who visit franchised businesses and offer advice. Additionally, Country Waffles, Inc. offers ongoing training that it deems appropriate, conducted at various places and times.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Country Waffles Breakfast & Lunch seeks qualified individuals and entities to become franchisees. Ideal candidates should possess sufficient financial resources, a suitable educational and work background, and a personality that fits well with the Country Waffles team. The Operating Owner, who must own at least 25% of the franchisee entity (unless otherwise approved), is required to devote full-time energy and effort to the management and operation of the franchised business. The restaurant must always be managed by the Operating Owner or a Store Manager who has successfully completed the initial training program. Franchisees must also ensure their Store Managers, supervisors, and principals sign confidentiality and non-competition agreements.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
retail
Owner Participation
Full-Time
Territory Type
Protected
Territory Size Requirements
The Country Waffles Breakfast & Lunch Protected Area for a single franchise unit is designated in the Franchise Agreement. While the sample agreement indicates a placeholder for a circular radius around the business location, the specific size of this radius is not provided within the disclosure document. For a developer signing a Development Agreement, the Development Area's size will vary based on factors such as the area's density, the number of restaurants to be developed, demographics, competition, and existing Country Waffles Breakfast & Lunch locations in the general area. However, no specific measurable criteria (e.g., miles, population, or square footage) for these territories are stated in the document.
Staffing Notes
Country Waffles Breakfast & Lunch requires franchisees to maintain a competent and conscientious staff in sufficient numbers to promptly serve customers, complying with staffing and service criteria set in the Brand Manual, including designated positions. The Operating Owner (or a full-time Store Manager) must provide active, full-time management. If an Operating Owner does not manage full-time, a Store Manager is required. If no Store Manager, at least one general manager and one assistant manager must be employed and complete training. Franchisees must also engage a competent full-service human relations (HR) professional for training and ongoing guidance on HR and personnel matters.