2016
20
$150,000
$35,000
$390,000
No
Chocolate Bash is more than just a dessert destination; it's a celebration of life's sweetest moments. Founded in 2016 in Newport Beach, California, Chocolate Bash has quickly become a beloved brand known for its indulgent chocolate creations, including handcrafted crepes, fluffy pancakes, golden waffles, and rich chocolate-dipped strawberries. With a unique "Build Your Own" menu, customers can unleash their creativity by customizing their desserts with a variety of toppings, ensuring a personalized and delightful experience every time.
The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has fueled its rapid expansion, with over 20 locations across the United States and international presence in Dubai and Qatar. Chocolate Bash's inviting atmosphere and Instagram-worthy treats have garnered a loyal following, making it a prime opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to invest in a thriving dessert franchise.
Investing in a Chocolate Bash franchise offers several compelling advantages:
Proven Business Model: With a growing number of locations and a strong brand presence, Chocolate Bash provides a tested and scalable business model.
High-Quality Offerings: The brand's focus on premium ingredients and unique flavor combinations ensures a superior product that stands out in the competitive dessert market.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, including assistance with site selection, marketing, and operational guidance.
Strong Profit Potential: The dessert industry continues to experience growth, and Chocolate Bash's appealing menu and efficient operations position franchisees for success.
Founding & Origins
Chocolate Bash was founded in 2016 in Newport Beach, California.
The founder & CEO is Rasha Albasha.
Brand Concept & Menu
The core idea is a dessert and sweets boutique centered around “Build Your Own” desserts — customers choose a base (crepes, waffles, pancakes, etc.) and then select from a variety of premium toppings, sauces, chocolate types, fruits, etc.
Beyond the dessert bases, menu offerings usually include fruit platters/salads, chocolate‐dipped fruits, specialty drinks (coffee, shakes), and seasonal or holiday‐themed treat options.
Growth & Footprint
As of recently, Chocolate Bash has about 22 stores in operation.
These stores are spread across 12 U.S. states.
The brand also has international locations (outside the U.S.) in at least Qatar and planned expansion into countries like Iraq and Dubai.
Company Ownership & Structure
Chocolate Bash is a privately held company.
They operate some company‐owned units (for example, in Los Angeles, Tustin) and many franchised units.
Franchising History
Started franchising in recent years: while the brand itself dates to 2016, the broader franchise expansion picked up around 2021.
They have signed various franchise deals, including in Arizona, Texas, and in international territories.
Unique Positioning & Differentiation
Chocolate Bash emphasizes international and overseas‐inspired flavor influences, merging dessert styles from Europe, the Middle East, and other regions.
A key differentiator is the visual, sensory experience: the “build your own” interactive dessert, transparency in preparation, eye-catching presentations intended to be Instagram-friendly.
Market Presence & Industry Category
Category: quick-serve / fast casual dessert / specialty sweets café. It sits at the intersection of desserts, confectionery, café culture, and experiential eating.
Particularly strong in California (its home state), with expanding presence in other U.S. markets. Also pushing into MENA region via partnership agreements.
Current Size & Milestones
Store count (~22) is regularly updated; new locations are being added—for example, a more recent addition in Riverside, California (bringing total stores to about 21-22).
New markets: Texas (Dallas / Victory Park area) is among them.
Chocolate Bash offers structured, multi-phase support and training to help franchisees launch successfully and then maintain/scale operations smoothly. The support covers pre-launch, launch, post-launch (ongoing), marketing, operations, and other critical areas. Below are the key elements, drawn from their published materials.
Before a franchise store opens, Chocolate Bash offers assistance in the following areas:
Site Selection & Location Approval
Franchisees are not left to find locations alone. Chocolate Bash provides site selection services, including demographic studies, lease worksheets, and visits to proposed locations to ensure the site meets brand standards.
Lease Support
While lease negotiation may not always be fully handled by the franchisor, there is support in reviewing leases and ensuring the terms align with what works for the Chocolate Bash business model.
Design & Build-Out Guidance
The franchisor supplies specifications and standards for store fit-out, interior design, décor, equipment, branding, fixtures etc. This ensures that all stores present the consistent Chocolate Bash look and functionality.
Operations Manuals & Standardized Systems
Before opening, franchisees receive detailed manuals and guidelines covering menu preparation, supply chain, food safety, customer service, quality standards, POS systems and other operational protocols.
Once the location and build-out are approved, Chocolate Bash provides training programs to ensure the franchisee and their staff are well prepared. Elements include:
Hands-On Operational Training
Training in product preparation (crepes, waffles, chocolate work, toppings etc.), food handling, equipment use, quality control and consistency.
Customer Service and Guest Experience
Emphasis on delivering high levels of service, brand-appropriate ambience, speed, cleanliness, friendly staff interaction, and achieving customer satisfaction.
Management & Operations Training
Training for the back-office and day-to-day aspects such as staff scheduling, inventory, cost control, food safety/hygiene compliance, maintenance, store opening & closing, cash handling, etc.
Point of Sale / Technology Systems
Training in usage of POS, possibly inventory tracking, sales reporting, and other tech tools needed to run the business efficiently.
At the time the store opens:
Grand Opening Assistance
Marketing and promotional support to generate awareness for the opening. Chocolate Bash helps with launch campaigns, often with local marketing materials, sometimes social media, signage, etc.
Hands-On Support from Field Staff
In early weeks/months after opening, franchisor field support staff visit frequently to assist, monitor, and troubleshoot issues in operations.
After opening, Chocolate Bash continues support to ensure sustainability and growth. This includes:
Regular Performance Reviews & Field Visits
Frequency of visits:
• In first and second quarters: weekly or bi-weekly visits from field support staff.
• Third and fourth quarters: monthly visits.
• Beyond that: quarterly check-ins.
Operational Support
Continuous guidance in managing daily operations: inventory management, staffing, cost control, quality assurance, adherence to brand standards.
New Product / Menu Updates
When new items or seasonal specials are introduced, franchisees get training and materials to implement them in the store.
Marketing & Advertising Support
Franchisor provides promotional campaign templates (physical and digital), consumer marketing plans, brand assets, and helps strategically with local/regional marketing efforts. This helps build and maintain customer awareness. Social media, local promotions, grand opening support etc.
Supply Chain & Purchasing
Access to negotiated supplier agreements, possibly discounted rates via bulk purchasing, supply chain guidance ensuring quality of ingredients, packaging, packaging design, uniforms etc.
Legal, Accounting & Financial Oversight Help
Franchisor assists (or provides guidance) in financial reporting, possibly accounting best practices, cost structures, profit margins, to help franchisee maintain profitability.
Training Updates / Refresher Training
Periodic training programs, to retrain staff or management as needed, maintain consistency, refresh knowledge, ensure new standards or updates are implemented.
This is an entire sub-category often merged with ongoing operational support, but deserves separate emphasis:
Branding & Asset Provision
Franchisees receive standardized branding elements (signage, menus, packaging, uniforms).
Local and Regional Marketing Templates
Providing marketing plans, assets, social media content ideas, local promotions, digital campaigns. Franchisees can leverage these rather than developing all materials themselves.
Cooperative Advertising & Promotions
Aggregate marketing efforts or cooperatives may reduce cost for individual franchisees. Certain support in promotional events or grand opening is provided.
Frequency of Support Early On – More intense support in the first 1–2 quarters (weekly/biweekly) to help iron out issues, standardize operations. That diminishes over time but doesn’t disappear.
Comprehensive Coverage – From site selection, store design, operations, marketing, supply chain, technology systems etc., not just a few areas.
Consistency & Brand Standards – Strong emphasis on making sure the franchise location matches the brand expectations: product quality, customer experience, visual standards.
Shared Learning / Community – Franchisees are part of a network; best practices are shared. While not always explicitly stated, multiple sources mention field support and knowledge sharing.
Chocolate Bash is looking for partners who are not only financially capable but also passionate about desserts, customer service, and brand growth. Below is a detailed breakdown:
Passion for Desserts & Hospitality: Someone who genuinely loves chocolate, sweets, and creating memorable customer experiences.
Customer-Focused: Strong people skills, as the franchise thrives on creating an inviting, Instagram-worthy, and community-driven atmosphere.
Hands-On Operator: Willing to be involved in daily operations, especially in the first 1–2 years, to build strong foundations.
Adaptability & Growth Mindset: Open to following the franchisor’s proven systems while also being innovative in local marketing and engagement.
Food & Beverage or Retail Experience (preferred but not required): Background in restaurants, cafes, bakeries, or retail management helps, but Chocolate Bash also welcomes first-time business owners.
Franchise Management Skills: Ability to hire, train, and lead small teams (5–10 employees).
Operational Discipline: Capable of handling inventory, staff scheduling, cost control, and ensuring compliance with brand standards.
Marketing & Sales Orientation: Familiarity with local marketing, social media promotion, or community outreach is highly beneficial, as Chocolate Bash thrives on visual branding and word-of-mouth buzz.
Franchise Fee: $35,000 – $45,000.
Total Investment Range: $194,000 – $390,000 (depending on store size & location).
Liquid Capital Requirement: Minimum of $150,000.
Net Worth Requirement: Minimum of $250,000.
Working Capital: Ability to sustain operations until break-even (typically 18–24 months).
Time Commitment: Owner-operators are preferred, though multi-unit investors with experienced managers are also welcomed.
Long-Term Vision: Franchisees who see this as more than just a short-term business but as a brand-building partnership.
Community Engagement: Interest in connecting with the local community, hosting events, and building loyalty through personalized customer experiences.
Urban & Suburban Markets: High-traffic shopping centers, lifestyle plazas, near colleges, and family-oriented neighborhoods.
Demographics: Areas with young professionals, families, and students who enjoy specialty desserts and social café culture.
International Expansion Potential: Open-minded investors with interest in global franchising may qualify for multi-unit or master franchise agreements (as seen in Qatar, Dubai, etc.).
| Financial Category | Amount / Range |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 – $45,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $194,000 – $390,000 |
| Minimum Cash (Liquid Capital) | $150,000 |
| Net Worth Requirement | $250,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Advertising Fee | 1% of gross sales |
| Average No. of Employees | 5 |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $75,000 (recommended for first year operations) |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | $100,000 – $200,000 (varies by size & location) |
| Equipment & Supplies | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Initial Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $20,000 (for grand opening & promotions) |
| Break-Even Point | Typically 18 – 24 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | In-store dessert sales, beverages (coffee, shakes, specialty drinks), catering & events, seasonal specials, branded merchandise |
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