2008
60
$647,000
$35,000
$847,000
No
Ben & Florentine is a Canadian-born breakfast and lunch restaurant chain renowned for its innovative, high-quality, and affordable morning meals. Established in 2008 and expanding into the U.S. market, the brand offers a refreshing twist on classic breakfast dishes, catering to diverse dietary preferences and ages. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for culinary creativity, Ben & Florentine has become a favorite destination for breakfast enthusiasts.
High Demand for Breakfast Dining: Breakfast is the fastest-growing segment in the $798 billion restaurant industry, with increasing consumer preference for dining out in the morning.
Proven Business Model: Ben & Florentine's established brand and operational systems provide franchisees with a clear pathway to success.
Supportive Franchise Network: Backed by MTY Food Group, franchisees receive comprehensive training, marketing assistance, and ongoing operational support.
Established Year:
Ben & Florentine was founded in 2008 in Saint-Laurent, Quebec, Canada. From its inception, the brand focused on offering high-quality, freshly prepared breakfast and lunch options in a warm, welcoming environment.
Franchise Units:
The brand has expanded to over 60 locations in Canada and is actively expanding into the United States, targeting key states such as Florida, with plans to grow further across the U.S. market.
Founders and Ownership:
Ben & Florentine was created by entrepreneurs who wanted to provide a family-friendly, homely breakfast experience. The brand is currently owned by MTY Food Group Inc., a leading multinational foodservice company that manages a wide portfolio of restaurant brands. This ownership provides franchisees with strong financial backing and access to operational expertise.
Brand Journey and Company History:
2008: First Ben & Florentine restaurant opened in Quebec.
2008–2015: Rapid growth across Canada, gaining a reputation for quality, consistency, and innovative breakfast offerings.
2015–Present: Expansion into the United States, leveraging MTY Food Group’s network to scale the brand internationally.
The brand emphasizes fresh ingredients, homemade recipes, and customizable menu options, appealing to a wide range of customers from families to busy professionals.
Market Presence in the USA:
Ben & Florentine is strategically expanding in high-traffic regions, particularly in the southeastern U.S. It targets suburban areas, shopping centers, and urban neighborhoods where breakfast and brunch dining is in demand.
Industry Category:
Ben & Florentine operates in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector, specializing in breakfast and brunch. This sector is growing rapidly in North America, driven by consumer demand for convenient, high-quality morning meals.
Other Information:
The brand’s menu innovation and focus on customer experience set it apart from competitors in the breakfast niche.
Family-oriented and community-friendly branding helps attract repeat customers and builds strong local loyalty.
With MTY Food Group backing, the franchise has access to proven operational systems, marketing support, and supply chain management, reducing risk for new franchisees.
Ben & Florentine offers a comprehensive support system to ensure franchisee success:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, restaurant design, and construction.
Training: An extensive 320-hour training program, including 40 hours of classroom instruction and 280 hours of on-the-job training.
Operational Support: Ongoing guidance in daily operations, inventory management, and quality control.
Marketing Support: National and regional marketing campaigns, along with local promotional strategies.
Ongoing Assistance: Regular visits from regional managers and access to a network of experienced professionals.
The success of a Ben & Florentine franchise depends not just on the location or investment but on the qualities, skills, and commitment of the franchisee. The ideal candidate combines business acumen with a passion for hospitality and community.
1. Entrepreneurial Spirit:
Franchisees should be self-motivated, goal-oriented, and proactive in managing and growing the business.
They should have a passion for the foodservice industry, particularly in breakfast and brunch dining.
Creativity and a willingness to adapt to customer preferences are important to maintain local appeal.
2. Business and Management Skills:
Strong operational management skills are crucial for overseeing day-to-day restaurant activities, staff management, and quality control.
The ideal candidate should be comfortable handling inventory management, staffing, and financial reporting.
While prior experience in the restaurant industry is beneficial, it is not mandatory, as Ben & Florentine provides comprehensive training.
3. Financial Capability:
Franchisees must have the financial resources to meet the initial investment requirements (approximately $647,000 to $847,000), including working capital to cover early operational expenses.
Ability to manage ongoing expenses, royalties (5% of sales), and marketing contributions is essential for sustainable operations.
4. Customer-Centric Mindset:
The franchisee should value exceptional customer service, ensuring that each guest has a positive dining experience.
Building community relationships and cultivating customer loyalty are key aspects of long-term success.
5. Location Preference and Market Awareness:
Ideal franchisees are interested in establishing a presence in high-traffic areas, such as urban centers, suburban shopping districts, and areas with strong morning foot traffic.
Understanding the local market, including demographics, competition, and dining trends, will help drive revenue and brand success.
6. Commitment to Brand Standards:
The franchisee must adhere to Ben & Florentine’s operational standards, menu quality, and brand ethos.
A willingness to engage in continuous learning and collaboration with corporate support teams ensures smooth operations and growth.
7. Long-Term Growth Orientation:
Franchisees who aim to grow multiple units or expand regionally are particularly aligned with Ben & Florentine’s expansion goals.
They should be committed to building a sustainable, profitable business that aligns with the brand’s reputation for quality and consistency.
| Financial Component | Details / Estimates (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $647,000 – $847,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | Varies by location and setup; typically starts around $650,000 |
| Franchise Fee | Up to $35,000 |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Includes restaurant design, kitchen equipment, seating, signage, and décor: ~$300,000 – $400,000 |
| Marketing / Advertising Budget | Typically 2–3% of gross sales allocated for local and national campaigns |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 for initial operations, inventory, staffing, and contingencies |
| Royalty Fees | 5% of monthly gross sales |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location; profitable units may achieve 15–25% annual return once stable |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 18–24 months |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in sales, takeout, catering, delivery partnerships |
| Franchise Units Available (USA) | Expansion planned in high-traffic regions, especially Florida and other East Coast markets |
