GREEN + THE GRAIN Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$352,000 - $1,327,000
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Total US Locations
6
Business Summary
GREEN + THE GRAIN operates fast casual restaurants that offer fresh and flavorful salads and related products for busy customers. The business provides options for dine-in, carry-out, and catering services.
Corporate History
GREEN + THE GRAIN, the business concept, was founded by Tiffany Hauser in May 2014, with the affiliate company 'green and the grain LLC' being formed in November 2013 to operate company-owned locations. The franchisor entity, 'green and the grain franchising LLC', was formed in October 2023 and began offering franchises in April 2024. As of the FDD issuance, the affiliate operates six locations, and a seventh is planned in Rochester, Minnesota.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$352,000 - $1,327,000
Franchise Fee (Low)
$50,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$50,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
3%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$200,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$1,060,000
Working Capital
$67,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
GREEN + THE GRAIN franchising LLC is a relatively new entity, formed in October 2023, and had not sold any franchises as of February 2025. The company incurred a net loss of $179,811 in 2024 and its cash balance decreased significantly from $175,000 in 2023 to $98,394 in 2024. The FDD itself includes a 'Special Risk' highlighting that the franchisor's financial condition, as reflected in its financial statements, calls into question its ability to provide services and support to franchisees.
Financing Details
GREEN + THE GRAIN does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. The franchisor also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations for franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
6
Franchised Units
0
Corporate Units
6
Avg Square Footage
2,250
Franchising Since
2024
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
GREEN + THE GRAIN has no litigation to report. The franchisor and its management have not been involved in any material legal or bankruptcy proceedings that require disclosure.
Bankruptcy History
GREEN + THE GRAIN has no bankruptcy information to disclose. Neither the franchisor nor its management have been involved in any bankruptcy proceedings.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise agreement, GREEN + THE GRAIN franchisees must provide written notice of their intent to renew between 6 and 12 months before the current term ends. They must be in good standing, without default, and have satisfied all obligations on time. Franchisees are required to sign the franchisor's then-current form of franchise agreement, complete any mandatory training updates, and ensure their restaurant premises comply with all current remodeling and modernization standards. If leasing, they need to provide proof of their ability to maintain possession of the premises for the renewal term. A renewal fee, equal to 50% of the then-current initial franchise fee, must be paid at least 30 days before the expiring term, and the franchisee and owners must sign a general release of claims.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Before opening, GREEN + THE GRAIN assists franchisees with location selection and provides specifications for the restaurant's build-out, interior improvements, and floor plan design. They provide an electronic copy of the Operations Manual and offer initial training for up to four individuals, with the cost included in the initial franchise fee. This training includes virtual modules, five days of in-person training at 'GREEN + THE GRAIN University' in the Minneapolis, MN area, and 5-10 days of on-site grand opening assistance at the franchisee's restaurant. Ongoing support includes guidance on restaurant operations, periodic refresher training sessions (which may be mandatory), and mandatory annual franchisee meetings. The franchisor also manages a Brand Fund for marketing, and provides a mandatory technology system including POS, intranet, and branded email.
Initial Training Hours
144
Training Location
A combination of virtual training, in-person training at GREEN + THE GRAIN University in the Minneapolis, MN area, and on-site training at the franchisee's restaurant.
Ongoing Support
After opening, GREEN + THE GRAIN provides ongoing guidance and assistance with restaurant operations through periodic in-person meetings, phone calls, or written communications. Franchisees are required to attend periodic refresher training programs, which may be mandatory for key personnel, and an annual franchise meeting or convention. Additional on-site assistance or training is available upon request or if deemed necessary by the franchisor, subject to a daily fee plus expenses. The franchisor also maintains a Brand Fund for marketing and brand development, and manages system-wide internet, website, intranet, and social media activities.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
GREEN + THE GRAIN seeks multi-unit developers who meet specific net worth, operational, and experience requirements. These candidates are typically expected to commit to developing three or more GREEN + THE GRAIN restaurants within a designated geographical area and a specified time-period.
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
protected
Territory Size Requirements
Under a single unit Franchise Agreement, GREEN + THE GRAIN grants the franchisee the right to operate a restaurant at an approved Authorized Location. The franchisee receives a protected area, called a Designated Area, which will be described in an exhibit to the Franchise Agreement. This Designated Area may vary in size, from a single city block to a several-mile radius, and may be defined by street boundaries or depicted on a map. Within this Designated Area, GREEN + THE GRAIN and its affiliates will not establish another GREEN + THE GRAIN business, nor will they allow another franchisee to do so. The boundaries of the Designated Area cannot be modified during the term of the Franchise Agreement. For multi-unit developers operating under a Development Agreement, GREEN + THE GRAIN grants a Development Area, which will be described in terms of contiguous zip codes, street or county boundaries, or other similar methods, potentially depicted on a map. The size of this Development Area depends on the number of restaurants the developer commits to opening. As long as the developer meets the minimum performance schedule and complies with all agreement provisions, GREEN + THE GRAIN will not establish or license others to establish a restaurant within this Development Area. The Development Area may not be altered without mutual agreement.
Staffing Notes
GREEN + THE GRAIN requires its Operating Principal (who must be an owner) or a General Manager to devote full-time and best efforts to the management and operation of the restaurant, providing direct, on-site supervision. If a franchisee operates multiple locations, each must have a properly trained General Manager, unless otherwise approved by the franchisor. Franchisees are responsible for employing a sufficient number of competent and trained staff to ensure efficient customer service, as well as for all hiring, firing, training, working conditions, wages, and supervision of their employees.