Established
2007
Franchise Units
25
Minimum Investment
$88,150
Franchise Fee
$37,500
Total Investment Range
$270,250
Home Based
No
Description
In a world where processed snacks and fast food have become the default for busy families, Wholesome Tummies (also known as WT Café) is stepping in to rewrite the script on childhood nutrition. This isn’t just a catering service; it is a mission-driven brand dedicated to providing "real food" to children where they live, learn, and play. With a primary focus on the multi-billion dollar school lunch market, Wholesome Tummies bridges the gap between convenience for parents and the high nutritional standards every child deserves.
The concept is simple but revolutionary: providing fresh, made-from-scratch, kid-tested meals delivered directly to schools. By moving away from the "mystery meat" and frozen nuggets of the past, the brand empowers schools to offer a premium food program without the administrative headache. As a franchisee, you aren’t just running a kitchen; you are becoming a health advocate in your community, helping to combat the rising tide of childhood obesity by establishing healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.
With a "Hub and Spoke" business model, Wholesome Tummies offers unprecedented scalability. Franchisees can operate from a single central kitchen (the Hub) and distribute to multiple schools, community centers, and camps (the Spokes), allowing for maximum reach and revenue without the need for expensive retail storefronts in every neighborhood.
Background
Established Year: 2007
Franchising Commenced: 2010
Founders: Debbie Blacher and Samantha Gotlib
Industry Category: Children’s Services / Food & Beverage / School Catering
Headquarters: Orlando, Florida
Active Units: 25
Brand Journey: Wholesome Tummies was born out of the shared frustration of two moms who were tired of the lack of healthy options in their children's schools. Starting with just five schools in Orlando, the response was so overwhelming that the brand quickly expanded before launching nationally. Today, the brand is a recognized leader in the "healthy kids' food" space, known for its rigorous nutritional standards and chef-developed menus.
Support Training
The system is designed to ensure that success is achievable for those without professional culinary backgrounds through a comprehensive training program.
Pre-Launch Support: Detailed assistance with site selection, lease negotiation reviews, and kitchen setup. The corporate team also helps navigate local health department requirements.
Wholesome University (12 Days): A deep dive into classroom and hands-on training covering:
Culinary Operations: Food safety, prep techniques, and recipe management.
Sales & Marketing: How to pitch to school boards, host tastings, and secure exclusive contracts.
Technology Training: Mastering the 24/7 online ordering and reporting platform.
Marketing Support: Access to a library of professional marketing collateral, social media management tools, and brand-wide advertising campaigns.
Ongoing Operations: Monthly coaching calls, quarterly webinars, annual conventions, and an online community of fellow franchise owners to share best practices.
Ideal Candidate
Professional chefs are not required; rather, the brand looks for leaders and community champions.
Passionate Advocates: You must be genuinely excited about improving children's health and nutrition.
Business Savvy: A background in management, sales, or marketing is highly beneficial. You should be comfortable networking with school administrators and parents.
Self-Starters: The brand needs "brand champions" who can operate with a sense of urgency and lead a small, dedicated team.
Location Preference: Suburban areas with a high density of private, charter, and parochial schools, as well as large-scale daycare centers.
Investment Capability: Candidates should meet the minimum liquid capital and net worth requirements to ensure a strong start for their territory.
Financial Detail
| Investment Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $37,500 |
| Total Investment Range | $88,150 – $270,250 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $100,000 |
| Minimum Net Worth | $350,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing/Ad Fund | 2% of Gross Sales |
| Technology Fee | $350/month or 1% |
| Expected ROI Timeline | 18 – 24 Months |
| Break-Even Point | 12 – 24 Months |
| Veteran Discount | 25% Off Initial Fee |
