Great American Cookies became an instant retail phenomenon in 1977 when the first store opened in Atlanta, Georgiaโs Perimeter Mall. Founded on the strength of a generations-old family chocolate chip cookie recipe, the company eventually set the standard for gourmet cookie sales in shopping centers nationwide.
From one store and one recipe, Great American Cookies expanded in malls across the country and at the same time developed a complete line of cookies and brownies, including our signature Cookie Cake product, making it one of the best cookie companies in the industry. By putting only the finest, fresh-baked goodies in our stores, Great American Cookies has set the stage for success.
Being the biggest cookie company has never been the objective at Great American Cookies. Our goal was simply to bake the best cookies ever made. However, by maintaining pride in service as well as providing the public with a delicious and appealing line of products, Great American Cookies became a leader in the snack food industry.
All of the cookies and brownies at Great American Cookies start with carefully tested recipes, highly controlled production and the finest premium ingredients from our batter facility in Atlanta, Georgia. The end result is the best possible fresh-baked products at an affordable price. From our signature Cookie Cakes to our sinfully rich brownies, Great American Cookies takes the time to do it right.
Our mission statement is simply: Share the Fun of Cookies ยฎ
This is not an offer to sell a franchise as an offer may only be made by a franchise disclosure document prepared in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissionโs franchise laws and applicable state laws. Filing of a franchise disclosure document does not constitute the stateโs approval of the franchise disclosure document.
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Great American Cookies Online Brochure
1.
2. This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer
to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. Currently, the following
states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois,
Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon,
Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you are a
resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer
you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale
registration and disclosure requirements in your state. Franchise offerings are
made by Franchise Disclosure Document only.
4. PROCESS OVERVIEW
Welcome to the Great American
Cookies Franchise Discovery
Process. We have carefully designed
the process to allow you to evaluate
our opportunity and
determine if we are a fit
to achieve your
professional and personal
goals. In the first section,
we will provide you with
an overview of the
opportunity and process.
5. PROCESS OVERVIEW
This section is designed to:
Provide answers to your questions
about the Great American Cookies
franchise opportunity
Address key elements for
succeeding as a franchisee
Share our vision of the brand and
franchisees
Determine if you would like to
move forward in the process
6. Great American
Cookies History
Founded in 1977 on the strength of an old family
chocolate chip cookie recipe, Great American
Cookiesยฎ has set the standard for gourmet cookie
sales in a fun, celebratory environment. For over
30 years, Great American Cookies has maintained
the heritage and integrity of its products by
producing proprietary cookie dough exclusively
from its plant in Atlanta. Great American Cookies is
known for its signature Cookie Cakes, trademark
flavors and menu of delectable products baked
fresh in store.
8. Great American Cookies is owned by Global
Franchise Group, which is a strategic brand
management company with a focus on franchising.
Global Franchise Group (GFG) owns a portfolio of
franchise brands that includes quick service
restaurant (QSR) franchise concepts:
Great American Cookiesยฎ, MaggieMoo'sยฎ, Marble
Slab Creameryยฎ, Pretzelmakerยฎ, and Hot Dog on
a Stickโข
9. Because Global Franchise Group, LLC is one of
management
importance of
in every way
the worldโs leading brand
companies, we understand the
supporting all our franchisees
possible.
This deep commitment and passion for our brands
is the reason for building GFG University, ensuring
every franchisee in our brand portfolio has a level
of expertise and confidence from day one of
ownership. It takes hard work and devotion to run
a profitable business, and GFG University offers
state-of-the-art technology for initial and ongoing
training, programs and support.
Franchising with
Great American Cookies
10. The Opportunity
Great American Cookies takes pride in being the โHome of The Original Cookie Cakeโ We were
the 1st cookie franchise in the United States; in fact, weโve been manufacturing our dough in the
same plant for more than 30 years. Our original chocolate chip cookie recipe was created by the
grandmother of one of our founders. This proprietary recipe is still the basis of our cookies today.
We want you to share in the fun with us!
11. The Opportunity
Great American Cookies is more than just
delicious, fresh-baked cookies. We
believe in providing excellent support to
the local community. During
marketing section of training at
University, franchisees
importance of supporting
learn
the
community. Our franchisees are
the
GFG
the
local
active
members of their local Chambers of
Commerce, supporters of the
neighborhood schools and partners with
not-for-profit and other charitable
organizations.
12. As many of our locations are in malls, we
often partner with other retail outlets to
help drive small business.
We are also very supportive of the
employees who work in the malls and we
develop special programs to reward their
service. We find giving back to the
community in which we operate
extremely rewarding. It is something we
love and enjoy!
The Opportunity
13. Multi-Unit Ownership
Training of staff and, more importantly, managers is easily facilitated with multi-units.
Once you open your first store and it is time to grow, the ability to do so could be available.
One owner could open 3-5 stores without much additional "administrative" staff.
Marketing is much more cost effective when the units are within a defined radius.
Operationally, multi-unit stores offer efficiencies
in management and marketing.
Landlords LOVE excellent operators and
may give you first choice or special
considerations if you have multi-units
Multi-unit and multi-brands help spread
the risk you assume
14. Tips for team training on customer
satisfaction and customer loyalty
Marketing support, calendar of events
and ongoing key brand building initiatives
Operations training including: P&L
management, cost of goods and labor
controls
Periodic field representative consultations
on operations and marketing
The Opportunity
The opportunity to network with
experienced peers
Unparalleled franchisee training and
support through GFG University
Ongoing access to our expertise and
materials in the areas of: Business
Development, Site Selection and
Leasing, Construction, Purchasing,
Training, Store Operations,
Quality Control, Promotions, Marketing,
Research and Development
15. Technology
Great American Cookies uses technology in a
variety of ways to enhance our marketing and make
life easier for our franchisees.
We use social media to broaden our marketing and
reach a greater number of potential customers.
Technology is also used to bring repeat business to
our franchisees with email campaigns.
In order to make your life easier, we offer online
updates, training sessions and webinars. You can
also use your computer to access the POS data for
report purposes, which you will learn about in
training.
16. Marketing and Advertising is essential to the growth of any business.
In our experience, we have found the more you raise awareness the more traffic is driven
to your business. Global Franchise Group is very focused on getting exposure for all our
brands. We are able to leverage our connections and promote brand awareness in many
sectors.
Marketing and
Public Relations
17. Financial Requirements
The cost to open a Great American Cookies store will vary depending on the location, area
and size of the store. Your total investment will be approximately $192,900 to $352,650.
If you do not currently own adequate space, you must lease the space for your Store. Typical locations are in enclosed
shopping malls, but also may be located in other shopping centers, transportation centers, or entertainment venues. A
typical Traditional Store requires between 400 and 1,000 square feet of space. A typical modular, prefabricated Non-
Traditional Store will use between 400 and 800 square feet of space. If you are operating a co-brand Store, the square
footage will range from 400 to 1,400 square feet of space. A typical Satellite will use between 50 and 150 square feet in
a shopping center or venue, but also will require a Traditional Store or Non-Traditional Store. You may be required to
pay a security deposit under your real estate lease. Lease security deposits are typically due on signing the lease and
are typically refundable if you do not default on your lease. Your lease also may require you to pay the last monthโs rent
in advance.
18. Franchisee Profile
Although it is tough to pinpoint who would be a perfect candidate, we have found a few comparable
characteristics among some of our most successful franchisees:
Financial stability with a net worth
of at least $250K and $100K of
that in liquid assets
Committed, positive attitude
Confident, ambitious, self-
motivated
Willing to work for success,
complete ongoing training and
attend brand meetings
Passionate about the business,
brand and community
Wants to build a business rather
than create a job
19. Next Steps
There are many benefits to franchising with such a dynamic, mature and growing brand.
Certain paperwork will be requested before we conclude this discovery process. The
paperwork will include:
Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) review and completion of Acknowledgement
of Receipt (AOR)
Liquidity verification showing at least $100K
Tax returns for last 2 years
Complete background check form for you, spouse and partners (if applicable)
Articles of Incorporation or Membership Agreement if in a company name
21. Advantages of the
Great American Cookies Brand
Providing high quality and superior products
Innovator and leader of signature Cookie
Cakes
Trademark flavors
Leader in mall-based cookie system
Fun environment
Ownership of the supply-chain
Easy to operate
Creating fond memories
Freshly baked Cookie Cakes and cookies
from proprietary recipes
Brand recognition
23. Unique
Differentiators
Home of the Original Cookie Cake
Freshly baked cookies and Cookie
Cakes from a proprietary recipe
Online Cookie Cake ordering
available
All cookie dough
manufactured in Atlanta
24. The Franchise Disclosure Document
(FDD) is a document required by law for
all franchisors to give to potential
franchisees.
We have provided this guide to outline key
points and to help you understand our
brand(s), the opportunity as a franchisee
and how our relationship together would
work.
We are required by law to tell you to read the FDD
carefully and rely solely on the Franchise Agreement
when making decisions.
Download coming soon. In the mean time, please speak to your development
manager for an emailed or mailed version to be sent to you.
Franchise Disclosure
Document
25. In-Store
Celebrations
Great American Cookies has multiple
celebrations throughout the year. The
celebratory promotions focus on new and
existing products to drive brand awareness,
increase traffic and trial, and, most
importantly, build profitable revenues.
The Cookie Cake is a major focus during
seasonal holidays, especially Valentineโs Day,
Motherโs Day and the Winter Holidays.
26. Online Cake
Ordering
The Great American Cookies website allows our
consumers to place their orders for Cookie Cakes
online. In the digital age it is important to be where the
consumers are. Online ordering is quick and easy for the
consumer and creates an additional revenue source for
the franchisee.
28. Local Marketing Kits
Great American Cookies provides step-
by-step toolkits for local store
marketing initiatives to support:
National Promotions
Online Cookie Cake Ordering
Fundraising
Business-to-Business Sales
These toolkits include customizable
marketing materials that franchisees
can produce locally.
29. Marketing
Materials
Great American Cookies has a vast array of materials available for the franchise
system. Complete kits are included with each new promotion to dress the store in
support of new and existing products. A multitude of local store marketing materials
are available on the Great American Cookies intranet, as well as from our print
vendors.
30. Public Relations
The Great American Cookies brand is supported by a well-renowned agency that
increases brand awareness and drives traffic to our locations. They will:
Support new product introductions
Manage celebrity endorsements
Manage special events
Work with franchisees on a local
level to help with local media
placement and product drops
31. Websites
In the digital age an online presence that is
both engaging and interesting is important.
The Great American Cookies website:
Showcases the current promotion
Features contests
Allows customers to explore all menu
offerings
Enables customers to order Cookie Cakes online
Offers fun activities, including coloring pages, downloads and much more
32. Marketing Calendar
We provide a yearly national calendar
to our franchise system so that they
may implement initiatives on a local
level. This calendar is reviewed by the
franchise marketing committee and
includes their input and feedback.
33. Initial and Ongoing
When a store opens, a grand opening kit is provided
and includes all necessary marketing materials.
Additionally, new materials are sent to dress the
store for each celebration. Supporting pieces for
contests and initiatives are also included.
34. Social Media
Great American Cookies utilizes Facebook,
Twitter and YouTube to engage and interact
with our customers. We talk to our current
promotions and contests, driving brand
awareness. Social media allows real time
dialogue with our customers.
36. Site Selection
Great American Cookies is seeking locations in
primary and secondary markets throughout the
U.S.
Site Criteria:
Location type โ Malls, Lifestyle Centers, Airports, College Campuses, Train Stations, Sporting Arenas, C-Stores
Minimum: 60,000 population within a 10-mile radius Minimum: Median household income $40,000
Minimum: 50 square feet for satellites and 400 square feet for inline locations, which can be up to 1000 square feet
Large anchors Near kids concepts
Locations in line with foot traffic
Outside of food court or on end-cap of food court
37. Real Estate /
Lease Assistance
Site Characteristics to
consider:
Demographics
Co-Tenancy
Traffic (drive and walk)
Accessibility
Visibility
Competition Analysis
There will be an experienced
real estate professional
available to help you with the
following:
Site Selection
Site Evaluation
Demographics and Market Analysis
Letter of Intent Negotiation
Lease Review
Lease Renewals (ongoing)
38. Construction
Assistance
ARCHITECT โ Approval and facilitationof
unit plans
TAKE OFFSโ Review and validation of
quantities from vendors
GENERATE PURCHASE ORDERSโ
Convert take offs to purchase orders for
franchisee to process
STORE LAYOUTโ Produce one page
layout for assistance with real estate
negotiations
VENDOR RELATIONSโ Manage vendor
base and establish processes and pricing
MANUALS โ Maintain design and
construction manuals for all concepts
CONSULTATIONโ Assist franchisee
with project management of build out
39. Store Build Out
You will be assigned a Construction Project Manager
who will work directly with you and your general
contractor on the build out of your store
Construction Project Managers will complete a punch
list on the store at the completion of the project
You can rely on your Construction Project Manager to
guide you through the process
40. Preferred
Vendor
Network
Since GFG has four Quick-Serve
Restaurant brands, we have a
network of preferred vendors that
provide goods and services to
multiple brands
GFG uses a collective
buyer power to lower
costs across brands
Preferred vendors will
work with you through the
assistance of the
Construction Project
Manager and Ops team to
ensure proper buys and
on-time openings
42. Training 5 days of platform (in-store) training
on operational execution of business
4 days of classroom training on
operations, marketing, finance, etc.
Business and operational tools for
owners
Modules facilitated by content experts
Ongoing education and development
Engaging, interactive, high tech/high
touch
43. Franchisorโs
Role
Brand Integrity
Business Model
Store Opening Support
Franchise Relations / Communication
Training:
New Owner Platform
New Owner Training
Products & Initiative Roll Outs
(Webinar, Regional Meeting)
Market Visit:
Sales
Financial Review
Quality Assessments
Business Plan
Business Analysis
Mystery Shop
Compliance Audit
44. Pre-Opening / On-Site
Assistance
5 days of platform (in-store) training on
operational execution of business
4 days of classroom training on operations,
marketing, finance, etc.
New store opening assistance by Franchise
Business Consultant
As needed assistance with all aspects
of opening by Franchise Business
Consultant, including initial ingredients order,
opening marketing kit, etc.
45. Franchisee
Meetings
GFG and our franchisees have
roundtables on a quarterly basis where
robust feedback and question and answer
sessions occur. The All Franchisee
Conferences allow franchisees to meet
with other franchisees and GFG
individuals, as well as key note speakers
and industry experts.
46. Ongoing Training
& Support
Ongoing training and support is provided by way of:
Webinar sessions
Regional train-the-trainer
sessions to meet business
needs
48. POS Platform
Provides our owners/operators with
access to a number of reports
Allows for better management of
labor, scheduling and inventory
Provides understanding of sales
cycles, product mix and much
more
49. Reporting
The POS system allows for direct
upload of information to the GFG
systems.
We use this information to assess the success of
programs and make adjustments to improve
franchisee profitability.
50. Intranet
The Great American Cookies intranet site allows franchisees to have access to a
wealth of information at their fingertips. The portal is a one-stop-shop for:
Forms and Campaigns
Marketing Materials
Training Materials
Communication with Corporate and
Fellow Franchisees
Best Practices Ideas
And Much More!
51. The Kitchen
INNOVATION
Innovative New Products
Value Engineering
Quality Assurance
Vendor Partnership
OVERVIEW OF
MANUFACTURING
Proprietary Products
GAC Cookie Dough
Private Label Production
Vertically Integrated
Production at 30% Capacity
Built-In Supply Chain
Competitive Cost of goods
52. Support Center
The Great American Cookies brand has dedicated Research and
Development Food Science Support focused on:
Exploring trends in the
marketplace
Continually revolutionizing our
fresh baked products
New product innovations and
ensuring each product is taken
through an extensive process to:
A state-of-the-art Innovation
Lab that provides the
foundation for this innovation
Validate operational
procedures in- store along
with all other day-to-day
activities
Understand consumer
demand and the products
impact on store sales
and product mix before a
national launch
53. Next Steps
Join us for a Meet-the-Team Day in
Sandy Springs, GA
Receive approval and sign your Franchise
Agreement
Thank you for completing your review of
the Great American Cookies Virtual
Brochure! We look forward to working with
you towards joining our franchisee team!
Complete the application for pre-
qualification
Continue discovery discussions with your
regional Development Manager
Review our Franchise Disclosure
Document
Speak with franchisees for feedback about
the business and gather additional
information to complete your business plan
54. DISCLAIMER
This is not an offer to sell a franchise as an offer may only be made by a
franchise disclosure document prepared in accordance with the Federal Trade
Commissionโs franchise laws and applicable state laws. Filing of a franchise
disclosure document does not constitute the stateโs approval of the franchise
disclosure document.