Crooked Pint Ale House Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$1,181,700 - $2,093,900
Franchise Fee
$45,000
Total US Locations
17
Business Summary
Crooked Pint Ale House Restaurants are casual/fast casual dining establishments with a unique urban pub theme. These restaurants offer on-premises dining and carry-out options, selling a wide assortment of beer, burgers, sandwiches, entrees, and other food and beverage products.
Corporate History
Crooked Pint, LLC was formed in Minnesota on June 15, 2011, and began offering Crooked Pint Ale House franchises in May 2012. Its parent entity is Hightop Brands, LLC, which was formed in 2018. Crooked Pint, LLC also has affiliates such as Green Mill Restaurants, LLC, GMR, Inc., and Green Mill On The Go, LLC, which operate other restaurant concepts or provide management services.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$1,181,700 - $2,093,900
Franchise Fee (Low)
$45,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$45,000
Royalty %
4%
Marketing %
1.5%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$914,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$1,717,000
Working Capital
$62,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Crooked Pint, LLC's financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2022, and 2023, have received unqualified audit opinions, indicating that they present fairly, in all material respects, the company's financial position. The company has reported positive net income for both 2022 and 2023 ($123,010 and $142,520 respectively) and maintains a strong cash and cash equivalents balance. While there are notes regarding potential IRS review of Employee Retention Credits, management believes this will not materially impact the company's financial position. No going concern issues or significant financial difficulties are noted for Crooked Pint, LLC.
Financing Details
Crooked Pint, LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing options to its franchisees. Additionally, Crooked Pint, LLC does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other financial obligations for franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
17
Franchised Units
17
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
4,750
Franchising Since
2012
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Crooked Pint, LLC has no litigation to report, as no litigation is required to be disclosed in Item 3 of the FDD.
Bankruptcy History
Crooked Pint, LLC has no bankruptcy history to report, as no bankruptcy information is required to be disclosed in Item 4 of the FDD.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
20 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their Crooked Pint Ale House franchise, franchisees must notify Crooked Pint, LLC in writing between 6 and 12 months before the current term ends. They must sign Crooked Pint, LLC's then-current franchise agreement, which may have different terms, including potentially higher fees or a modified Designated Area, though the new Designated Area will maintain a residential population of at least 15,000 to 40,000. Franchisees must have completed all required modernizations and performed any necessary updates to conform the restaurant to current standards for new Crooked Pint Ale House locations. They must be in good standing, having met all monetary and material obligations on time. If leasing, franchisees need written proof of their ability to remain at the premises throughout the renewal. They also must comply with current training requirements, pay a $20,000 renewal fee at least 30 days before the term expires, and sign a general release of claims.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Crooked Pint, LLC provides its franchisees with a range of assistance, starting before the restaurant opens. This includes offering site selection criteria and general building design requirements, providing access to operational manuals, and approving all new restaurant opening promotional materials and advertising. Crooked Pint, LLC also provides initial training programs. After opening, Crooked Pint, LLC continues to support franchisees by maintaining an Advertising Fund, updating lists of approved suppliers and supplies, and conducting periodic on-site visits to offer consultation and guidance. The franchisor also offers refresher training courses and may require franchisees and their key employees to attend regional seminars or annual meetings.
Initial Training Hours
475
Training Location
Mpls./St. Paul, Minnesota area
Ongoing Support
After opening, Crooked Pint Ale House franchisees receive ongoing support including updates to approved supplier and supply lists, periodic visits for consultation and guidance, and required refresher training courses. Franchisees and their managers must attend additional regional sales, training, or orientation seminars as requested. Crooked Pint, LLC charges a yearly academy fee that covers online access to both hands-on and eLearning training materials, videos, testing, and forms. Additionally, Crooked Pint, LLC's management personnel may assist with training additional employees or providing refresher courses during periodic visits.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Crooked Pint, LLC seeks franchisees, or their designated Control Person and Unit General Manager, who are financially capable and possess essential experience, skills, and managerial qualifications to satisfactorily operate a restaurant. The ideal candidate must be an individual with the authority to actively direct the business affairs and oversee the general management of the day-to-day operations of the Crooked Pint Ale House Restaurant. They must be able to devote full time and best efforts to the management of the Restaurant, providing direct on-premises supervision. Franchisees should be prepared to adhere strictly to the Crooked Pint Ale House System, including its distinctive food and beverage products, quality control specifications, service techniques, and management systems. This includes being willing to adopt required technology and adhere to all operational standards. They must also be able to comply with training requirements and ensure their management team does the same.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
Full-Time
Territory Type
Limited
Staff Count
4
Territory Size Requirements
Crooked Pint Ale House territories, called Designated Areas, are determined by criteria including population base, population density, growth trends, apparent affluence, density of residential and business entities, restaurant co-tenants, traffic generators, driving times, and major topographical features like rivers or major freeways. Each Designated Area is designed to have a general trade area with a population base of, or anticipated population growth to, approximately 15,000 to 40,000 people.
Staffing Notes
Crooked Pint Ale House franchisees must employ a sufficient number of competent and trained employees, including a Control Person, a Unit General Manager, a kitchen manager, an assistant manager, and a dining room manager. At least three managers per restaurant must complete initial training to Crooked Pint, LLC's satisfaction. Additionally, at least one Serv-Safe® certified employee must be on duty whenever the restaurant is open. Franchisees are solely responsible for all employment decisions, including hiring, firing, training, setting hours, and supervising employees, and must ensure all employees work in approved uniforms. Crooked Pint, LLC may require four to six additional trainers to assist with initial employee training.