Q.  What type of franchise is available?
A.  A single restaurant franchise for a new location or a multi-unit Development Agreement.®

Q.  What will the franchise cost?
A.  The initial franchise fee is $40,000 for a single restaurant®ú®.  The franchise fee is payable at the time the Franchise Agreement is signed.  On signing a multi-unit Development Agreement, the initial fee is 2/3 times the number of stores to be developed..  The balance of the fee for each unit is due as each additional Franchise Agreement is signed.

Q.  How much money do I need?
A.  Depending on whether new construction or a conversion is contemplated, required capital will vary greatly.  Country Kitchen® International requires that all franchisees have a minimum of $300,000 in net worth and $150,000 in liquid assets.     

Q.  Does Country Kitchen® offer a finance program?
A.  No.  However, you may be able to finance most or all of the investment, with the proper equity and credit history, through other financing sources.  We will assist you in any way we can, with the understanding that lenders are third parties and their decisions are independent of CKI’s.

Q.  Must I buy my equipment and supplies from you?
A.  No.  Country Kitchen® has purchasing contracts with individual dealers, distributors and/or manufacturers.  These companies will provide you with the most favorable pricing on products compatible with our concept.

Q.  What is the charge for continuing service and royalty?
A. 4% of sales, exclusive of sales tax.
 
Q.  What about advertising?
A.  Building recognition of the Country Kitchen® brand and reputation is an essential ongoing objective that benefits everyone.  For this purpose, each franchisee will be encouraged to spend 3% on local marketing.  1% of  sales, exclusive of sales tax, will be paid to Country Kitchen® International’s Advertising Production Fund. This fund will support the creation of original artwork.

Q.  What about training?
A.   You and your manager, plus 2 assistant managers must attend and successfully complete the training program provided by CKI at a designated training facility.  The program will typically take between 6- to 10-weeks to complete.  The cost of the training is included in your franchise fee.  The cost connected with travel and lodging are at your expense.

Q.  Do I receive assistance in opening my business?
A.  Yes. We will provide a complete Countdown to Opening Guide which will walk you through week-by-week of what needs to be done.  Our Director of Construction and
Design will be in constant communication with you and your contractor to ensure a smooth construction process.  We will provide a training crew at our expense for four weeks (one week prior to opening and three weeks after). 

Q.  What kind of continual operating support will I receive?
A.  We will provide on-site visitations with a Franchise Consultant.  They will cover topics such as financial performance review, operational evolution, sales building, cost controls, and staff (management and hourly) development providing you with sound business advice and direction.  We provide such operational tools like our Recruitment, Selection and Retention Library,  our Recipe Card System, and our customized M.O.R.E. Operations Manual.  And while you can’t replace on-site visits and one-on-one interaction, it’s nice to know we have programs in place structured to help you overcome every obstacle along the way.

Q.  Can I sell my Country Kitchen® franchise?
A.  Yes.  Like any other business your restaurant can be sold to any buyer approved by the company.  There is a transfer fee for administrative, legal and training expenses to effect the transfer.

Q.  What is the term of my franchise agreement?
A.  The basic term is 20 years with options to renew.

Q.  How long before I get my Country Kitchen® business started?
A.  That depends on a number of variables, including selecting a desirable location, length of time required for necessary permits and training.