International Food Creations logo

International Food Creations Franchise

Audited Financials
Food and BeverageEst. 2020Torrance, CA
www.intfoodcreations.com

Risk Score

Pending analysis

Investment Range

$3,350 - $221,165

Total US Locations

76

Business Summary

International Food Creations operates food service counters offering sushi, Asian food, and other prepared food products to customers within supermarkets and other venues. These counters are typically located inside retail establishments, such as grocery stores, where they primarily sell prepared foods to the host facility's shoppers and visitors. The franchise system includes both full-time and part-time food service counters, as well as self-service food service counters for existing franchisees, all operating under the "International Food Creations" trade name.

Corporate History

International Food Creations was incorporated in Delaware on August 19, 2020. The company initially focused on establishing its business model before beginning to offer franchises under the International Food Creations trade name on December 1, 2020. Currently, the brand has seventy-six locations in operation. The company does not operate its own food service counters, concentrating solely on its franchising activities, and has no parent, affiliates, or predecessors.

Financial Overview

Investment Range

$3,350 - $221,165

Franchise Fee (High)

$5,000

Royalty %

8%

Equipment Costs (Low)

$300

Equipment Costs (High)

$30,000

Working Capital

$15,250

Audited Financials

Yes

Offers Financing

No

Financial Health Notes

International Food Creations' financial condition raises concerns regarding its ability to provide necessary services and support to franchisees, as noted in the special risks section of the FDD and reflected in its financial statements.

Financing Details

International Food Creations does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. This includes not providing financing for equipment, the initial franchise fee, or working capital. The franchisor also does not guarantee any franchisee obligations, notes, or leases. Franchisees are solely responsible for securing their own funding from third-party sources.

Performance Metrics

Total US Locations

76

Franchised Units

73

Corporate Units

0

Franchising Since

2020

Agreement Terms

Initial Term

3 years

Renewal Term

3 years

Renewal Conditions

To renew their International Food Creations franchise, franchisees must provide written notice of their intent to renew between 6 and 12 months before the current agreement ends. They must have fully complied with all agreement provisions, have the right to maintain possession of their Food Service Counter locations, and bring their counters into full compliance with current brand standards. Franchisees must also pay a non-refundable renewal fee equal to the franchisor's then-current initial franchise fee for new franchisees and sign the franchisor's then-current renewal franchise agreement, which may have different terms. Additionally, they must sign a general release of claims against International Food Creations and its affiliates, and comply with current qualification and training requirements.

Training & Support Program

Franchisor Assistance

International Food Creations provides a range of support to its franchisees. Before opening, this includes designating the franchise area, providing access to online manuals, a list of required equipment and approved suppliers, identifying the venue, and assisting with its build-out. The franchisor also provides an initial training program covering legal compliance, sanitation, food preparation, and management for the franchisee and managers. Initial inventory and equipment are provided (for which the franchisee pays), along with up to three days of free on-site opening assistance. After opening, ongoing support includes periodic visits and evaluations to ensure quality, advice, and written materials (including manual updates) on operations and new developments. International Food Creations conducts ongoing research to identify new products, provides lists of approved suppliers, and may recommend resale prices. Mandatory ongoing training programs are provided without a fee, while optional or remedial training may incur a charge. The franchisor also reserves step-in rights to operate the business if the franchisee is deemed incapable and will attempt to help a franchisee find a new location if their current one becomes unavailable, though relocation is not guaranteed or subject to refund of fees.

Initial Training Hours

147

Training Location

Franchisor's corporate headquarters, online, designated meeting rooms, or company-operated food service counters.

Ongoing Support

After opening, International Food Creations provides ongoing support through periodic visits and evaluations to ensure high standards are maintained. The franchisor offers advice and written materials, including updates to online manuals, concerning management techniques and improvements. For a franchisee's initial location, a regional manager provides up to three days of free on-site assistance, with additional days available for a fee. International Food Creations also conducts ongoing research to identify new products, provides lists of approved suppliers, and may recommend resale prices. The franchisor offers training programs and seminars, with mandatory ones provided without a fee and optional or remedial training potentially incurring a charge if requested by the franchisee.

Franchise Requirements

Ideal Candidate Profile

The FDD states that International Food Creations does not require personal participation in day-to-day operations if a manager is designated, but the franchisee must remain personally and actively involved in supervising operations and employees. Franchisees and their designated Operating Principals must satisfactorily complete initial training and pass any required drug, tuberculosis, and criminal background investigations. The Operating Principal must also meet the franchisor's standards and criteria as outlined in the manuals. Beyond these requirements, the FDD does not explicitly describe an "ideal candidate profile" with desired prior experience, personality traits, or specific financial qualifications (other than the investment costs).

Industry Experience Required

No

Management Experience Required

No

Sales Experience Required

No

Technical Skills Required

No

Operational Details

Location Type

retail

Owner Participation

supervisory

Territory Type

non-exclusive

Territory Size Requirements

International Food Creations grants a franchise for one or more specific physical locations within grocery stores or other venues, such as college campuses or arenas. These locations are detailed in separate franchise addendums, and franchisees do not receive any minimum defined territory size.

Staffing Notes

International Food Creations requires each food service counter to have at least one ServSafe Food Protection Manager certified person on-site during all operating hours. Franchisees must retain a Director of Operations who meets the franchisor's educational and business criteria and is individually acceptable to them. If a location is operated by a manager, the franchisee is still required to be personally and actively involved in operations and must supervise employees. Sushi chefs must staff food service counters, if applicable, during peak hours. Franchisees must ensure their counters are adequately staffed and display cases are well-stocked during business hours, and they must provide the franchisor with a written list of all employed managers, updating it within 24 hours of any changes.