1948
70
$432,500
$50,000
$2,848,000
No
CoCo's Bakery Restaurants is a beloved California-based casual dining chain renowned for its comforting atmosphere and signature pies. Established in 1948, the brand has evolved from a single roadside eatery into a prominent dining destination across the Western United States. With over 70 locations in California, Arizona, and Nevada, CoCo's offers a diverse menu that includes breakfast favorites, hearty lunches, and indulgent desserts, all crafted with a commitment to quality and freshness.
The franchise opportunity presents investors with a chance to be part of a brand that combines tradition with innovation. CoCo's Bakery Restaurants are strategically located in high-traffic areas, ensuring visibility and accessibility. The brand's dedication to customer satisfaction and community engagement has fostered a loyal customer base, making it a promising venture for prospective franchisees.
Established Brand Legacy: With a history spanning over seven decades, CoCo's has built a reputation for quality and consistency.
Proven Business Model: The franchise offers a comprehensive operational system, ensuring efficiency and profitability.
Diverse Revenue Streams: In addition to dine-in services, CoCo's provides takeout and delivery options, catering to a wide range of customer preferences.
Ongoing Support: Franchisees receive continuous training and marketing assistance, ensuring sustained business growth.
Community Engagement: CoCo's commitment to local communities enhances brand loyalty and customer retention.
1. Established Year:
CoCo's Bakery Restaurants was founded in 1948, originally as a small roadside eatery in Corona del Mar, California.
2. Founders:
The restaurant was started by John and Audrey McIntosh, who envisioned a casual, family-friendly dining experience serving hearty meals and freshly baked pies.
3. Brand Journey and Company History:
Originally named "The Snack Shop", the business focused on breakfast and lunch offerings for travelers and locals.
In 1965, the name was officially changed to CoCo's, reflecting its evolving brand identity.
Over the decades, CoCo's expanded across California, Arizona, and Nevada, building a reputation for quality baked goods, breakfast classics, and comfort food.
The brand experienced several ownership transitions, eventually becoming part of Shari’s Management Corporation in 2018, which also owns Shari’s Cafe & Pies.
The company emphasizes maintaining its classic American bakery-diner atmosphere, combining nostalgic charm with modern operational efficiency.
4. Franchise Units:
As of 2024, CoCo's operates over 70 locations in the USA, primarily in California, Arizona, and Nevada.
5. Ownership and Market Presence:
Currently owned by Shari’s Management Corporation, CoCo's benefits from shared operational expertise, marketing strategies, and supply chain efficiencies.
The franchise is positioned in the casual dining and bakery-restaurant industry, focusing on breakfast, lunch, and dessert markets.
CoCo's is recognized for its signature pies, family-friendly environment, and consistent customer satisfaction.
6. Industry Category:
CoCo's falls under the Casual Dining / Bakery Restaurant segment in the USA, catering to families, travelers, and dessert lovers. Its primary competitors include Denny's, Marie Callender’s, and IHOP, but CoCo's differentiates itself through specialty baked goods and nostalgic ambiance.
7. Additional Information:
The brand places strong emphasis on community engagement and local partnerships, which strengthens its customer loyalty.
Franchisees benefit from a proven business model, consistent operational procedures, and marketing campaigns that have been refined over 75+ years.
CoCo's Bakery Restaurants offers a robust support system to ensure franchisee success:
Pre-Launch Training: Comprehensive training covering all aspects of restaurant operations, including kitchen procedures, customer service, and management practices.
Operational Support: Ongoing assistance with inventory management, staffing, and quality control to maintain brand standards.
Marketing Assistance: Access to national and local marketing campaigns, promotional materials, and digital marketing strategies to drive customer engagement.
Technology Integration: Implementation of point-of-sale systems and other technological tools to streamline operations and enhance customer experience.
Community Engagement: Guidance on local community involvement and events to strengthen brand presence and customer loyalty.
CoCo's Bakery Restaurants is looking for franchisees who not only have the financial capability to invest but also share the brand’s values, commitment to quality, and customer-focused approach. The ideal franchisee profile includes the following characteristics:
1. Entrepreneurial Mindset:
Self-motivated and driven individuals who are passionate about the foodservice industry.
Willing to take initiative, innovate, and grow the business while adhering to the brand’s proven system.
2. Business and Management Experience:
Prior experience in restaurant management, retail operations, or hospitality is highly desirable.
Ability to lead a team, manage staff effectively, and maintain operational efficiency.
Strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, and cost control.
3. Customer-Centric Approach:
Dedicated to delivering excellent customer service.
Ability to build strong community relationships and maintain a welcoming, family-friendly environment in line with CoCo’s reputation.
Commitment to quality and consistency, ensuring customers receive the same experience across all visits.
4. Financial Capability:
Ability to meet the initial investment requirement, which ranges between $495,000 to $2,848,000 depending on location and store size.
Sufficient working capital to manage operating expenses, staff salaries, inventory, and marketing activities.
5. Location Preference and Market Awareness:
Interest in establishing a franchise in high-traffic areas within California, Arizona, or Nevada.
Awareness of local demographics and market potential to optimize customer reach and revenue.
6. Long-Term Commitment:
Willingness to follow CoCo's operational systems and maintain brand standards.
A long-term vision for growth and sustainability within the casual dining / bakery restaurant segment.
7. Passion for the Brand:
Appreciation for CoCo’s heritage, baked goods, and family-friendly dining experience.
Desire to contribute to the brand’s legacy while leveraging the support and resources offered by the franchisor.
Summary:
The ideal CoCo's franchisee is a financially capable, customer-focused entrepreneur with relevant management experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for the foodservice industry. They should be committed to upholding the brand’s reputation while growing a profitable and sustainable business.
| Financial Component | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $495,000 – $2,848,000 (depending on location and size of restaurant) |
| Minimum Cash Required | $432,500 |
| Royalty Fee | 4% of gross sales |
| Marketing / Advertising Fee | 3% of gross sales |
| Working Capital | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Franchise Term | 15 years with a 5-year renewal option |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 2 – 3 years, depending on location and management efficiency |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location; average ROI within 3–5 years |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering services |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out | Varies depending on site size, location, and design; typically included in total investment |
| Other Expenses | Equipment, POS systems, staff training, initial inventory, permits, insurance |
