Established
1978
Franchise Units
75
Minimum Investment
$1,500,000
Franchise Fee
Inquire
Total Investment Range
$3,200,000
Home Based
No
Description
Mimi’s Cafe is a well-established American casual dining brand inspired by classic French bistro traditions and comforting American favorites. Known for its warm, neighborhood-style atmosphere, generous portions, and all-day dining appeal, Mimi’s Cafe has earned a loyal following across the United States. The brand blends approachable French-inspired cuisine—such as freshly baked muffins, hearty breakfasts, soups, sandwiches, and classic entrées—with a relaxed dining experience that appeals to families, professionals, and multi-generational guests alike.
Positioned in the full-service casual dining segment, Mimi’s Cafe stands out by offering strong breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner dayparts, allowing franchisees to capture traffic throughout the day rather than relying solely on evening dining. This diversified menu strategy, combined with recognizable branding and decades of operational experience, makes Mimi’s Cafe an attractive franchise opportunity for investors seeking a proven restaurant concept with national awareness.
With its inviting décor, neighborhood café feel, and broad demographic appeal, Mimi’s Cafe continues to perform as a destination for everyday dining, weekend brunches, and special occasions. The brand’s heritage, scalable restaurant model, and ongoing menu innovation support long-term growth in both established and emerging U.S. markets.
Why Invest in the Mimi’s Cafe Franchise?
Investing in a Mimi’s Cafe franchise offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to operate a recognized full-service restaurant brand with decades of operational history and consumer trust. The concept benefits from strong brand recognition, especially in suburban and high-traffic trade areas where family dining and brunch demand remain consistent.
One of the biggest advantages of Mimi’s Cafe is its all-day revenue model. Unlike dinner-only concepts, franchisees benefit from breakfast and brunch traffic—often the most profitable meal periods—alongside lunch and dinner service. This creates multiple revenue streams and helps stabilize cash flow throughout the week.
Additional investment strengths include:
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Established national brand with a loyal customer base
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Proven restaurant systems and standardized operations
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Broad menu appeal across age groups and income levels
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Strong brunch and breakfast positioning in the casual dining space
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Scalable footprint suitable for suburban, lifestyle center, and urban locations
Background
Brand Name: Mimi’s Cafe
Industry Category: Full-Service Casual Dining Restaurant
Established Year: 1978
Founders: Arthur Simms
Ownership: Mimi’s Cafe is owned and operated under established restaurant ownership with extensive experience in multi-unit restaurant brands.
Mimi’s Cafe was founded in 1978 in California, inspired by the warmth and comfort of traditional French cafés combined with American hospitality. The brand quickly gained popularity for its homestyle cooking, fresh baked goods, and welcoming dining rooms. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Mimi’s Cafe expanded across the western and southern United States, becoming a familiar name in casual dining.
Over the years, the company has evolved its menu and restaurant design while staying true to its core identity—comfort, consistency, and community-focused dining. Today, Mimi’s Cafe operates approximately 75 active restaurant locations across the United States, with a presence in key suburban and metropolitan markets.
Support Training
Mimi’s Cafe provides franchisees with comprehensive support designed to guide operators from initial onboarding through long-term business growth.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and market evaluation
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Restaurant layout, design standards, and build-out specifications
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Assistance with equipment sourcing and vendor relationships
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Pre-opening marketing and launch planning
Training Programs
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In-depth initial training covering kitchen operations, service standards, food safety, and management systems
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On-site training support during restaurant opening
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Leadership and management development programs
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Ongoing operational training for franchise owners and key managers
Operational & Ongoing Support
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Standardized operating procedures and quality control systems
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Menu updates, product development, and seasonal promotions
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Supply chain coordination and approved vendor access
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Field support visits and performance evaluations
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and regional marketing campaigns
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Digital marketing, loyalty programs, and promotional tools
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Creative assets and brand guidelines
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Ongoing brand strategy and guest engagement initiatives
This structured support system allows franchisees to focus on execution, guest experience, and local market growth while benefiting from a proven operational framework.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Mimi’s Cafe franchisee is a well-capitalized entrepreneur or multi-unit operator with a strong interest in hospitality and full-service restaurant operations. Prior restaurant or multi-unit management experience is preferred, though not always required for qualified investors with the right leadership team.
Ideal candidate traits include:
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Strong business acumen and people-management skills
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Passion for food service and guest satisfaction
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Ability to manage or oversee a full-service restaurant operation
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Financial capability to meet investment and working capital requirements
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Interest in developing one or multiple restaurant locations
Mimi’s Cafe is particularly well-suited for franchisees seeking to build a long-term restaurant portfolio in suburban or high-traffic lifestyle markets across the United States.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Initial Investment | $1.5 million – $3.2 million |
| Minimum Investment Required | $1.5 million |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Initial Franchise Term | 20 years |
| Royalty Fee | 4% – 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing / Advertising Fee | 2% – 3% of gross sales |
| Build-Out & Infrastructure Cost | $900,000 – $2.0 million |
| Equipment, Furniture & Fixtures | $350,000 – $750,000 |
| Pre-Opening & Launch Marketing | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 24 – 36 months |
| Projected Revenue Potential | $2.0 million – $4.0+ million annually* |