1987
15
$311,800
$35,000
$808,600
No
Country Waffles is a beloved American breakfast and lunch franchise that has been serving communities with warm hospitality and delicious, homestyle meals since 1987. With over 35 years of experience, Country Waffles has established itself as a go-to destination for families and individuals seeking a cozy, high-quality dining experience. The brand's commitment to quality, consistency, and community has fostered a loyal customer base and a strong reputation in the industry.
Operating primarily in California, Country Waffles offers a diverse menu featuring classic breakfast items, hearty lunch options, and signature waffles that cater to a wide range of tastes. The franchise's business model emphasizes a balanced lifestyle, allowing franchisees to enjoy the flexibility of daytime operations while benefiting from a proven and profitable system.
As a Country Waffles franchisee, you become part of a supportive network dedicated to your success. The franchise provides comprehensive training, ongoing operational support, and a time-tested system designed to help you navigate the challenges of running a restaurant. Whether you're an experienced entrepreneur or new to the foodservice industry, Country Waffles offers an opportunity to own a business that combines profitability with a fulfilling work-life balance.
Investing in a Country Waffles franchise offers several compelling advantages:
Proven Business Model: Benefit from a time-tested system that has been refined over decades, ensuring operational efficiency and consistency.
Strong Brand Recognition: Leverage the established reputation of Country Waffles to attract a loyal customer base and drive sales.
Flexible Lifestyle: Enjoy the benefits of daytime operations, allowing for evenings and weekends free to spend with family and friends.
Comprehensive Support: Receive extensive training and ongoing support in areas such as operations, marketing, and customer service to help you succeed.
Community Focus: Join a brand that values community involvement and strives to create a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.
Established Year: 1987
Franchise Units: Approximately 15 locations across California
Founders: Not publicly disclosed
Franchising Since: 1992
Ownership: Privately held
Market Presence in USA: Primarily in California, with potential for expansion into other regions
Industry Category: Food and Beverage – Breakfast and Lunch
Country Waffles began as a single location and has grown into a respected brand known for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The franchise's focus on providing a consistent and enjoyable dining experience has contributed to its steady growth and success in the competitive foodservice industry.
Country Waffles offers a comprehensive support and training program to ensure franchisee success:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and restaurant design to set up your business for success.
Initial Training: Comprehensive training covering all aspects of restaurant operations, including food preparation, customer service, and staff management.
Ongoing Operational Support: Regular visits from field representatives to provide guidance, address challenges, and ensure adherence to brand standards.
Marketing Support: Access to marketing materials, promotional strategies, and social media guidance to help drive customer engagement and sales.
Continuous Education: Opportunities for ongoing training and development to stay current with industry trends and best practices.
This robust support system is designed to equip franchisees with the tools and knowledge needed to operate a successful Country Waffles location.
The ideal franchisee should genuinely enjoy interacting with customers and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Country Waffles prides itself on customer experience, so a franchisee who loves serving people and ensuring they have a positive dining experience is key to success.
Running a Country Waffles franchise involves managing a team of staff, from cooks to servers. Strong leadership skills are crucial to motivate employees, maintain high standards, and ensure smooth daily operations. A franchisee should be able to lead by example and create a positive workplace culture.
A successful franchisee needs to understand budgeting, cash flow management, and profit margins. They should be capable of monitoring expenses, planning for growth, and making strategic decisions to ensure the business remains profitable.
Country Waffles thrives in communities where it engages with customers beyond the restaurant. The ideal franchisee should be active in local events, build relationships with customers, and contribute to community initiatives, fostering loyalty and brand awareness.
One of the advantages of the Country Waffles model is daytime operations. The ideal franchisee should value a business that allows for evenings and weekends free for personal time, while still being fully engaged during business hours.
Franchisees should be motivated self-starters with a drive to grow their business. They need to take ownership of their location, problem-solve, and proactively seek opportunities for improvement while following the brand’s proven operational system.
Franchisees must have sufficient capital to cover the franchise fee, startup costs, infrastructure, marketing, and working capital. Financial preparedness ensures smoother operations and a better chance at reaching profitability.
Ideal candidates should be interested in high-traffic areas suitable for breakfast and lunch dining. Understanding local demographics and choosing locations with strong customer potential is critical for success.
While prior experience in foodservice, hospitality, or retail is advantageous, it is not mandatory. The brand provides extensive training to ensure franchisees, even those new to the industry, can operate successfully.
The ideal franchisee respects the Country Waffles brand standards and system. They should be willing to follow operational guidelines, marketing strategies, and training programs, ensuring consistency across all locations.
| Financial Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $311,800 – $808,600 |
| Liquid Capital Required | $87,500 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Infrastructure Cost | Varies based on location, lease, and size |
| Marketing Budget | Included in the marketing fee |
| Working Capital | Depends on location and operational needs |
| Expected ROI | Varies based on location, management, and market conditions |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 18–24 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering |
