Franchised or independent crepe or waffle shop: what should a buyer weigh?

Both kinds of shop can work, and neither is the safer choice for everyone. A franchised crepe or waffle shop trades some freedom for a system and a name. An independent shop keeps the freedom and carries all the marketing and menu work itself. The useful question is which set of trade-offs you can live with for the years you plan to own the shop.

What a resale involves with a franchise

Ask the franchisor how a resale works. Under many franchise agreements the franchisor must approve you and you may need to train, but this depends on the agreement and the province. Ask how long the agreement still has to run, whether it can be renewed and on what terms, and whether the franchisor expects the shop to be renovated. Those are contract facts. What documents you are owed before signing is a question for your lawyer.

Menu, supply and recipes

Many systems fix the menu and require certain suppliers. That keeps the product consistent, but you cannot add a new topping or change a batter just because customers ask. An independent owner can adjust the menu at will, though also has to source suppliers and build recipes. Ask the seller of either kind which recipes and supplier terms come with the sale.

Brand pull and location

In malls, a known name can bring walk-in customers an unknown shop must earn. On a quiet street the brand may count for less than the location. Ask the seller what share of customers come for the name and what share come for the spot. For a similar comparison in another dessert, see franchised or independent donut shops.