Franchise Q & A
Q: Am I the kind of person you're looking for? A: The ideal First Watch® franchisee candidate is an experienced restaurant operator with a proven track record of success, who also fits well within the First Watch® culture. In addition, the candidate must meet our net worth and liquidity (cash or cash equivalent) requirements and have the ability to develop a minimum of three (3) restaurants within a specified territory.
Q: What are the franchise fee and royalties? A: The franchise fee is $35,000 per restaurant, and the ongoing Royalty Fee is 4%. As part of your Development Agreement, there is a $17,500 development fee (per restaurant) for all future restaurants to be opened. However, the $17,500 development fee will be credited toward the initial franchise fee of each of your additional restaurants as they are opened, providing you develop your restaurants on schedule and are in good standing. The franchise fee secures your right to own and operate a First Watch® restaurant in your approved territory. The ongoing royalty grants you the right to use the First Watch® name, trademarks, recipes, décor, training, procedures, etc. There is also a System Fund contribution of between 1% and 3% that promotes the First Watch® brand on a system wide basis and provides Marketing, Advertising and Promotional programs designed to help you drive traffic into your restaurants and build sales.
Q: What are the financial requirements to become a franchisee? A: Being sufficiently capitalized is an important element of ensuring success. You must have the resources necessary to develop a territory with a minimum of three (3) new First Watch® restaurants. (Our Franchise Program is designed for multi-restaurant area development, so no single-restaurant proposals, please.)
Q: Once I become a franchisee, will I be flying solo? A: Surely not. In addition to initial training programs, we provide ongoing support through our Operations Manual and direct access to a Franchise Business representative, who is experienced in all aspects of restaurant operations and management. In addition, our online portal provides the most current information and updates important to your operations.
Q: How long will the entire process take? A: Based on our experience, we anticipate it will take about six to nine months to develop your first franchised restaurant and get it ready for opening day. However, as you gain experience, the development time should shorten. (We may ask you to complete one restaurant before beginning construction on another.)
Q: Will development fees go towards the franchise fee? A: Yes. The $17,500 per restaurant development fee will be credited toward the franchise fee of your additional restaurants as they are opened, providing you develop your restaurants on schedule, and are in good standing.
Q: How do I apply? A: It's easy. Click here.
