1992
25
$73,500
$35,000
$450,000
No
Are you ready to capitalize on the explosive growth of the healthy fast-casual food franchise segment? The CrepeMaker franchise represents a premier quick-service restaurant (QSR) investment focused on delivering fresh, gourmet, made-to-order crêpes. Since 1992, CrepeMaker has been the largest crêpe concept in the United States, transforming the delicate French street food into an accessible, hand-held, and robust dining experience tailored for the American consumer.
Our proprietary concept successfully bridges the gap between high-quality, fresh ingredients and the speed required by today's busy lifestyles. With a versatile menu featuring both savory entrées and delectable sweet desserts, CrepeMaker captures multiple revenue streams throughout the day, from breakfast and lunch to dinner and late-night snacks. This proven business model offers franchisees the opportunity to enter a high-profit dessert franchise niche with minimal direct competition, leveraging a recognized brand synonymous with quality and freshness. Investing in CrepeMaker means joining a family committed to community, cultural enrichment, and providing a superior, healthy alternative to conventional fast food.
The decision to invest in a food franchise is significant, and CrepeMaker offers compelling advantages over traditional QSR opportunities:
Unique Market Position: We dominate the specialized crêpe franchise category. While other QSRs compete in crowded burger or sandwich spaces, CrepeMaker offers a distinct, low-competition product that appeals to a wide demographic seeking novelty and better-for-you options.
Versatile Formats & Low Infrastructure Cost: CrepeMaker thrives in various models—from high-traffic kiosks and inline cafes in malls and downtown areas to robust catering operations. This flexibility allows franchisees to select a format that aligns with their low-cost food business investment strategy and preferred location.
Broad Customer Appeal: Our menu is designed for all-day revenue. The savory options (featuring fresh meats, vegetables, and cheeses) attract the lunch and dinner crowd, while the sweet dessert crêpes secure robust evening and weekend sales, often drawing families and younger customers who value a visually engaging, made-to-order food business.
Operational Simplicity: The core product—the crêpe—relies on a simple, proprietary batter and cooking process. This translates to lower labor costs, reduced kitchen complexity compared to full-service restaurants, and minimal food waste, directly impacting your high profit margins.
Master and Area Development Potential: For experienced multi-unit developers and investors, CrepeMaker offers territorial rights and master franchise opportunities, allowing rapid expansion and market penetration across major Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs).
CrepeMaker is a U.S.-based franchise founded in 1992 by Christopher Hoffman and Maria Suñe. Their inspiration came from enjoying French crêpes sold from street carts in Paris. They envisioned a similar concept for South Florida, offering fresh, handheld crêpes filled with healthy, delightful food combinations. Starting with a mobile unit in downtown Miami and a small café in Pinecrest, Florida, their idea quickly gained popularity. By 2010, CrepeMaker had expanded to over 25 locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
The company is known for its commitment to fresh, healthy, and delicious food, offering a variety of entrée and dessert crêpes made to order. CrepeMaker has also been involved in community initiatives, partnering with schools and participating in charity events to support local causes.
As of 2025, CrepeMaker continues to operate as a privately owned franchise, expanding its presence and maintaining its reputation for quality and community engagement.
CrepeMaker provides a robust, turn-key franchise support program designed to guide you from site selection through ongoing operational excellence:
Pre-Launch & Development Support:
Site Selection: Assistance with market analysis, site criteria evaluation, and lease negotiation guidance.
Design & Construction: Prototypes and detailed construction blueprints for kiosks and inline stores, ensuring efficient kitchen layout for high-volume service.
Vendor Management: Access to established national contracts for bulk purchasing of all natural ingredients, equipment, and supplies, ensuring the best pricing and maintaining product consistency.
Comprehensive Training (Academic & On-Site):
Initial Training Program: An intensive 4-week program combining classroom instruction and hands-on, on-site training at a corporate location. This training covers up to five (5) members of your initial team, focusing on brand history, operational protocols, food safety, inventory management, and the art of crêpe-making.
POS System Training: Complete training on our integrated Point-of-Sale (POS) system for efficient order management, sales tracking, and reporting.
Operational & Ongoing Support:
Field Support: Regular visits from Franchise Business Consultants to assist with ongoing unit operations, maintenance, customer-service techniques, and quality control.
Supply Chain: Continuous support in product ordering and suggested pricing guidelines to maximize profitability.
Marketing & Technology Support:
Local Store Marketing (LSM): Assistance with developing innovative, community-focused marketing strategies, grand opening support, and access to approved, engaging advertising materials.
Digital Presence: Guidance on maximizing digital engagement, local SEO, social media strategies, and utilizing loyalty programs.
We are seeking passionate, business-savvy individuals who are eager to become ambassadors for the CrepeMaker brand and share our commitment to quality and service.
Business Background: Prior experience in the food service industry, hospitality, or retail management is encouraged but not mandatory. We look for entrepreneurs with strong organizational, leadership, and sales skills.
Passion & Vision: The ideal franchisee must share our passion for fresh, high-quality ingredients and outstanding customer service. A dedication to upholding the brand's integrity and community involvement is crucial.
Management Style: We welcome both owner-operators who will be closely involved in day-to-day operations initially, and experienced investors who plan to scale rapidly using a professional management team (allowing for an eventual semi-absentee or absentee ownership model).
Investment Capability: Must meet the minimum liquid capital requirement and possess the net worth necessary to secure financing for the total investment. We seek individuals committed to financial security and long-term growth.
Location Preference: We are prioritizing development in high-density metropolitan areas, high-traffic retail centers, college towns, and areas with strong catering potential. Master Franchise candidates must have strong ties and development experience within their target territory.
The financial requirements for launching a CrepeMaker franchise are competitive within the specialized QSR sector, offering a strong balance between brand value and market entry cost.
Financial Component | Estimated Range (USD) | Detail & Notes |
---|---|---|
Minimum Liquid Capital | $73,500 – $223,800 | The required cash on hand necessary to cover startup and working capital needs (must be verifiable). |
Total Investment Required | $150,000 – $450,000 | This range accounts for variability between a smaller kiosk/cart model and a full-size inline cafe build-out. Actual costs are detailed in the FDD. |
Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 | The up-front fee paid to the franchisor for the rights to operate under the CrepeMaker name, training, and initial support package. |
Infrastructure/Build-Out Cost | $50,000 – $250,000 | Covers construction, leasehold improvements, professional fees (architects, permits), and essential equipment (griddles, POS, refrigeration). |
Marketing Budget (Initial/Grand Opening) | $5,000 – $10,000 | Funds allocated for pre-opening and grand opening marketing campaigns, signage, and local advertising. |
Working Capital (3-6 Months) | $15,000 – $50,000 | Essential funds needed to cover initial operational expenses (payroll, rent, utilities) before reaching the break-even point. |
Ongoing Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales | Paid weekly or monthly, this fee grants ongoing support, use of the trademarks, and operational consulting. |
Marketing/Ad Fund Contribution | 1% - 2% of Gross Sales | Contributes to the national or regional advertising fund, supporting system-wide brand development. |
Expected ROI & Break-Even Time | Variable | Due to regulatory restrictions, specific financial performance representations (FPRs) are contained within the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Generally, QSR concepts aim for a break-even point within 12-24 months. Your potential revenue streams include retail sales, catering, and corporate/event sales. |
Disclaimer: All figures are estimates based on industry standards and public information regarding CrepeMaker's general requirements. Prospective franchisees must refer to the official Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for the most current and accurate financial performance representations, fees, and investment totals.