Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$212,200 - $834,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total US Locations
7
Business Summary
Mahana Fresh offers a fast-casual restaurant franchise that specializes in freshly prepared bowls. These bowls are made with proprietary, chef-created marinades and sauces. Mahana Fresh restaurants also serve other food products, side dishes, and non-alcoholic beverages for both on-premises and off-premises dining. In states where permitted, craft beer and wine are also offered for on-premise consumption.
Corporate History
Mahana Fresh, LLC was formed as Mahana Poke, LLC on March 22, 2018, in Florida. On March 13, 2019, the company changed its name to Mahana Fresh, LLC. The company began offering franchises in February 2018 and primarily operates under the 'Mahana Fresh' brand name. Its parent company, Mahana Fresh Group Holdings, LLC, was also formed in February 2018 as Poke Group Holdings, LLC and changed its name to Mahana Fresh Group Holdings, LLC in March 2019. The parent company owns the proprietary marks and licenses Mahana Fresh, LLC with exclusive rights to them for the restaurants and system.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$212,200 - $834,000
Franchise Fee (Low)
$30,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$49,500
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$73,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$212,000
Working Capital
$45,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Mahana Fresh's financial statements show significant negative members' equity, with total members' equity being $(1,236,082) in 2024 and $(953,342) in 2023. The company also reported operating losses of $(282,740) in 2024 and $(7,487) in 2023. Furthermore, Mahana Fresh experienced negative cash flow from operating activities, using $(43,613) in 2024 and $(32,407) in 2023. While the auditor's opinion is unqualified, these figures indicate that Mahana Fresh has substantial financial challenges.
Financing Details
Mahana Fresh does not offer any direct or indirect financing options to its franchisees. Additionally, Mahana Fresh does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations that a franchisee might incur.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
7
Franchised Units
7
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
1,800
Franchising Since
2018
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Mahana Fresh has no litigation history that is required to be disclosed in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Bankruptcy History
Mahana Fresh has no bankruptcy history to disclose in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. No bankruptcy information is required to be disclosed for the franchisor or any of its key personnel.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew the franchise agreement, Mahana Fresh franchisees must not be in material default of any agreements with Mahana Fresh, its subsidiaries, or affiliates, and must have substantially complied with all terms. They must pay a renewal fee equal to ten percent of Mahana Fresh's then-current initial franchise fee. Franchisees are also required to maintain possession of their restaurant premises or secure an approved alternative site. They must refurbish the site according to current requirements or, if required by Mahana Fresh, relocate the restaurant to an approved location and develop it according to current standards. The renewal will involve signing Mahana Fresh's then-current standard franchise agreement, which may contain materially different terms.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Before a Mahana Fresh restaurant opens, Mahana Fresh assists franchisees with approving the restaurant's location and lease terms, and provides a list of approved suppliers and specifications for food, beverages, and equipment. Franchisees also receive initial training programs and general operating guidance. Mahana Fresh makes a package of advertising and promotional materials available for purchase for the grand opening. Once operating, Mahana Fresh provides ongoing information on food and beverage preparation, administrative, accounting, and inventory control procedures. They advise on operating problems, formulate advertising programs, offer guidance on product prices, and provide additional training programs. Mahana Fresh also loans copies of its confidential Operating Manual to franchisees and offers ongoing service and support for designated computer systems and proprietary software programs.
Initial Training Hours
80
Training Location
Sarasota, Florida or Tampa, Florida, or other designated locations
Ongoing Support
After opening, Mahana Fresh provides ongoing operating assistance and general guidance to its franchisees, including methods for food and beverage preparation and administrative procedures. Mahana Fresh advises franchisees on operating problems identified from reports or inspections. They formulate and conduct advertising and promotional programs, and offer guidance on product prices. Franchisees may also be required to attend supplemental or additional training programs or an annual convention. Mahana Fresh loans copies of its Operating Manual, which is updated periodically. The company also provides ongoing service and support for designated computer systems and proprietary software programs. Mahana Fresh may also establish an Advisory Council for franchisees to provide input on system improvements, products, and advertising.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Mahana Fresh looks for candidates with strong financial resources and fast casual dining experience. Franchisees are expected to actively, personally, and frequently monitor and supervise the performance and operation of each restaurant. They should have a background that aligns with the business interests and operational methods of a Mahana Fresh franchise.
Industry Experience Required
Yes
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
Mahana Fresh provides franchisees with a territory that is approximately a 1-mile radius around the approved location in urban areas, or a 3-mile radius in suburban or rural areas. There is no specified minimum size for territories located in what Mahana Fresh designates as metropolitan areas.
Staffing Notes
Mahana Fresh requires that each restaurant be under the direct, on-premises supervision of either the franchisee or an approved manager. This manager must be properly trained by the franchisee, approved by Mahana Fresh, and must sign a confidentiality agreement. Franchisees are solely responsible for implementing a training program for all their employees to ensure they legally, safely, and properly perform their duties, in accordance with Mahana Fresh's operational requirements. While Mahana Fresh provides initial training for up to two supervisorial or managerial personnel, the responsibility for employee training and compliance rests with the franchisee. Mahana Fresh emphasizes that all employees of the franchised restaurant are solely the franchisee's employees, and Mahana Fresh has no direct or indirect control over their hiring, firing, or employment conditions.