Yogurt Mountain Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$271,110 - $930,500
Franchise Fee
$15,000
Min Cash Required
$15,000
Total US Locations
24
Business Summary
Yogurt Mountain Franchising, LLC offers franchises for Yogurt Mountain® stores that feature self-service frozen yogurt and related products. Franchisees also have the option to include a café offering coffee, baked goods, and related products within their store.
Corporate History
Yogurt Mountain Franchising, LLC began offering franchises for Yogurt Mountain Stores in March 2010, focusing solely on franchising. Its parent company is Yogurt Mountain Holding, LLC, which is ultimately owned by Books-A-Million, Inc. An affiliate, Yogurt Mountain, LLC (YMLLC), has owned and operated Yogurt Mountain Stores since September 2009 and licenses the trademarks to Yogurt Mountain Franchising, LLC. Another affiliate, Yogurt Mountain Card Services, LLC, manages gift and loyalty card programs. Books-A-Million, Inc. itself has also operated Yogurt Mountain Stores within its retail bookstores since November 2009 and licenses trademarks for the optional Café Line.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$271,110 - $930,500
Franchise Fee (Low)
$15,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$30,000
Minimum Cash Required
$15,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$170,490
Equipment Costs (High)
$773,000
Working Capital
$22,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Yogurt Mountain Franchising, LLC's financial condition, as noted in the FDD's special risks section, calls into question the franchisor's financial ability to provide services and support to its franchisees, despite receiving an unqualified audit opinion for its consolidated financial statements.
Financing Details
Yogurt Mountain Franchising, LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. The company also does not guarantee any promissory notes, mortgages, leases, or other obligations to third parties on behalf of franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
24
Franchised Units
19
Corporate Units
5
Avg Square Footage
2,000
Franchising Since
2010
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Yogurt Mountain Franchising, LLC has no litigation to report in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. The company states that no litigation is required to be disclosed in this item.
Bankruptcy History
Yogurt Mountain Franchising, LLC has no bankruptcy history to report in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. The company states that no bankruptcy is required to be disclosed in this item.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
5 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, Yogurt Mountain Franchising, LLC franchisees must provide written notice between 180 and 270 days before their agreement expires. They must also repair, replace, and update their equipment and premises to meet current brand standards, ensure they are not in breach of any agreements with the franchisor or its affiliates, satisfy all monetary obligations, and have the right to remain in possession of their premises. Additionally, franchisees must pay a $2,500 successor franchise fee, sign the then-current franchise agreement and a general release (unless prohibited by law), and comply with the franchisor's current qualifications and training requirements. The new franchise agreement may have terms and conditions that are materially different from the previous one.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Yogurt Mountain Franchising, LLC provides pre-opening assistance to its franchisees, including reviewing and approving sites and leases, providing initial training, and offering opening assistance for the first store. Franchisees also receive access to the Operations Manual and specifications for required operating assets, computer systems, furniture, fixtures, and signs, along with lists of approved vendors. After opening, Yogurt Mountain Franchising, LLC continues to provide updates to the Operations Manual and System Standards, administers the Marketing Fund, and offers a list of authorized vendors for operating assets. The franchisor may also set maximum or minimum prices for products, if legally permitted.
Initial Training Hours
38
Training Location
Our headquarters (Birmingham, AL) and a Yogurt Mountain Store in Birmingham, AL
Ongoing Support
Yogurt Mountain Franchising, LLC offers ongoing support to franchisees by continuously providing access to its Operations Manual and System Standards. The franchisor also manages the Marketing Fund and supplies franchisees with a list of authorized vendors for operating assets. Additionally, Yogurt Mountain Franchising, LLC may advise franchisees on operations, purchasing, advertising, marketing programs, and employee training. Franchisees or their designated managers may be required to attend annual conferences and periodic refresher training courses, with franchisees responsible for associated costs and fees.
Franchise Requirements
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
Yogurt Mountain Franchising, LLC grants a protected territory to its franchisees, which consists of a circle with the franchisee's store at the center and a radius of 1 mile.
Staffing Notes
Yogurt Mountain stores require the franchisee or a Managing Owner (who holds at least a 25% ownership interest) to dedicate their full-time efforts to supervising and conducting the business. If the franchisee or Managing Owner opts not to supervise full-time, they must appoint a Designated Manager. This manager needs to be approved by Yogurt Mountain, complete the initial training program, and not engage in competitive business activities. If a Designated Manager leaves, a replacement must be recruited and approved within 30 days, during which the franchisee or Managing Owner must resume full-time supervision. Yogurt Mountain may also require up to two additional managers to complete the initial training. All employees must meet specific qualifications regarding training, uniforms, and appearance as outlined in the System Standards. The franchisee retains sole responsibility for all aspects of employee management, including hiring, firing, training, compensation, and work assignments, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws.