Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$1,034,100 - $1,645,650
Franchise Fee
$45,000
Min Cash Required
$22,000
Total US Locations
16
Business Summary
Sweet Paris Franchise, LLC offers franchises for Sweet Paris Crêperie & Cafés, which are restaurants specializing in crêpes, waffles, coffees, and other unique menu items. Sweet Paris Crêperies provide dine-in and carry-out services, and with prior consent, may also offer catering or off-premises services. The business operates using Sweet Paris's proprietary recipes, techniques, and a designated system, with all menu items and products subject to Sweet Paris's approval.
Corporate History
Sweet Paris Franchise, LLC was organized as a Texas limited liability company on September 1, 2015. Although Sweet Paris itself has not operated its own restaurants, its affiliates began operating the original Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café in Houston, Texas, in May 2012, followed by other affiliate-owned locations. Sweet Paris Franchise, LLC began offering franchises for its Sweet Paris Crêperie & Cafés to others as of January 1, 2017.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$1,034,100 - $1,645,650
Franchise Fee (Low)
$45,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$45,000
Minimum Cash Required
$22,000
Royalty %
5%
Marketing %
1%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$870,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$1,375,000
Working Capital
$38,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Sweet Paris Franchise, LLC received an unqualified opinion on its financial statements, indicating they are presented fairly. However, Sweet Paris has significant amounts due from related parties, totaling over $1.6 million as of December 31, 2024, which could impact its liquidity. The company's cash balance significantly decreased from $755,711 in 2023 to $275,194 in 2024, partly due to a $450,000 distribution to its member in 2024. Additionally, Sweet Paris had deposits exceeding the FDIC insurance limit by $30,465 in 2024, representing a concentration of credit risk. These factors suggest Sweet Paris Franchise, LLC's financial health is subject to its related party transactions and cash management decisions.
Financing Details
Sweet Paris Franchise, LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. Sweet Paris also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations of its franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
16
Franchised Units
11
Corporate Units
5
Avg Square Footage
2,150
Franchising Since
2017
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Sweet Paris Franchise, LLC has no litigation to report in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. This means Sweet Paris has not been involved in any material litigation, such as lawsuits, arbitration, or other legal proceedings, that would be required for disclosure to prospective franchisees.
Bankruptcy History
Sweet Paris Franchise, LLC reports no bankruptcy history for itself, its predecessors, or its affiliates in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their Sweet Paris franchise, franchisees must provide written notice between 6 to 12 months before the current term ends. They must be in full compliance with their franchise agreement and any other agreements with Sweet Paris or its affiliates. Franchisees are required to remodel and redecorate their Sweet Paris Crêperie to meet Sweet Paris's then-current standards or obtain new, suitable premises. They must also correct any operational deficiencies identified by Sweet Paris and sign Sweet Paris's then-current franchise agreement and ancillary documents, along with a general release of any claims against Sweet Paris and its personnel. A renewal fee, equal to 25% of Sweet Paris's then-current initial franchise fee, is also required for each renewal.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Sweet Paris Franchise, LLC provides comprehensive support to its franchisees. Before opening, Sweet Paris assists with site inspection and approval, lease term approval, and the preparation of design, decoration, equipment, and signage plans. Sweet Paris also specifies the required computer and brand technology systems and provides an initial training program. After opening, Sweet Paris offers ongoing guidance on food preparation, purchasing, local advertising and promotion, and general operating, marketing, and management procedures. Franchisees receive access to an Operations Manual, which is updated periodically. Sweet Paris also indemnifies franchisees for trademark infringement claims. Sweet Paris administers a marketing fund, which franchisees contribute to, for national and regional advertising, social media, website development, and brand protection. Sweet Paris also approves suppliers for products and services and outlines requirements for catering and private events, which may include purchasing specific vehicles and hiring dedicated managers. Franchisees must also participate in loyalty programs, charitable initiatives, and gift card programs.
Initial Training Hours
632
Training Location
Designated affiliate-owned Sweet Paris Crêperies in the greater Houston, Texas area
Ongoing Support
Sweet Paris Franchise, LLC provides ongoing support to its franchisees through various channels. Sweet Paris furnishes guidance and assistance in areas such as food preparation, presentation, packaging, purchasing approved equipment and supplies, and developing local advertising programs. Franchisees also receive advice on general operating, marketing, and management procedures, along with updates to the Operations Manual. Sweet Paris reserves the right to approve or disapprove suppliers and may charge a fee for evaluation. Sweet Paris administers a Marketing Fund to which franchisees contribute 1% of gross sales (up to 2%), used for national and regional advertising, social media marketing, website maintenance, and brand protection. Franchisees are also required to spend at least 2% of gross sales on local advertising and participate in promotional programs, including loyalty programs, specialty menu items, and charitable initiatives. Sweet Paris may conduct mystery shopper and quality assurance programs, with franchisees sharing the costs. Franchisees are required to use Sweet Paris's designated computer system and music platform, and Sweet Paris has unlimited access to their operational data. Sweet Paris may require franchisees and their management teams to attend up to 5 days of additional training programs and up to 5 days of conventions or national franchise meetings annually.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Sweet Paris Franchise, LLC is seeking qualified legal entities and individuals who are committed to operating a Sweet Paris Crêperie in strict conformity with its high standards of quality and service. The ideal franchisee or their designated principal owner or operator must be experienced in food service operations and dedicate full-time efforts to the management of the Crêperie. If an operator is designated, they must have at least a 10% ownership interest in the franchise. Candidates must also successfully complete Sweet Paris's required training program. Sweet Paris looks for individuals with a strong business acumen, financial capability, and personal character. They prefer candidates who will not engage in any other business or activity that conflicts with their obligations to Sweet Paris.
Industry Experience Required
Yes
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
retail
Owner Participation
full-time
Territory Type
Protected
Staffing Notes
Sweet Paris Franchise, LLC requires that each Sweet Paris Crêperie always be under the direct, on-premises supervision of the franchisee, their approved designated principal owner, or an approved designated operator. This designated operator must have food service experience and hold at least a 10% ownership interest in the franchise. They are required to complete Sweet Paris's training program and commit to full-time management of the Crêperie. Franchisees are solely responsible for hiring, training, compensating, supervising, and disciplining their employees, ensuring compliance with all labor laws. The management team must complete Sweet Paris's required training, and all other employees must be trained using the Operations Manual. Employees must maintain a neat appearance, wear specified uniforms, and provide prompt, efficient, and courteous service. Sweet Paris's financial statements indicate that affiliate-owned units include salaries for a General Manager and an Assistant Manager for each location, suggesting a similar core management structure for franchised units.