tamme tannehill ⋅ Louisville, KY Find Me A Franchise, LLC ⋅ 35 years experience

Hi Jose.....do you still need help with finding a franchise? I have over 18 years in franchise ownership, business and franchise coaching. Would love to help if I can.

Tamme

Charlayne Coburn ⋅ Reno, NV Bonanza Casino ⋅ 30 years experience

I just ran across this opportunity in one of my industry newsletters. It might be of interest to you! Good luck, Char

Melting Pot Incentivizes Franchise Expansion in Alaska

Industry Headlines // June 15, 2015

The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc. today announced the company is accelerating its expansion effort in Anchorage, Alaska, by offering a significant discount on its initial franchise fee. In honor of its 40th anniversary, The Melting Pot will offer new franchisees who sign a franchise agreement to develop one or more restaurants a 40-percent discount off the initial franchise fee for their first restaurant—an $18,000 savings. The development incentive will be available through the end of the year.

The top fondue franchise plans to enter Alaska for the first time with the development of a restaurant in Anchorage. Additional markets throughout the U.S. where the company is looking to recruit qualified new franchisees include Dallas, Texas; Hartford, Connecticut; and Los Angeles, California, as well as Memphis and Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Melting Pot has never had a restaurant located in Alaska but has a history of performing well in cool climates.

“Over the past 40 years, The Melting Pot has evolved from a single restaurant into a global franchise,” says Mike Lester, president of The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc. “Combined with our recent operational and menu enhancements, the reduced franchise fee provides entrepreneurs with a great incentive to invest in the brand and encourages future development throughout Alaska. We look forward to bringing our one-of-a-kind, polished casual dining experience to the Anchorage market for the very first time.”

The Melting Pot operates more than 130 restaurants across 35 U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Southeast Asia, and has more than 20 locations in development internationally. The concept is known for offering an assortment of flavorful fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrées served with signature dipping sauces. The menu features a variety of à la carte selections, highlighting customizable options that invite guests to enjoy one, two, three or more courses as they select any combination of individually-priced cheese fondues, salads, entrées, and chocolate fondues.

To drive domestic and international expansion, The Melting Pot will be exhibiting at the International Franchise Expo at Booth No. 227 from June 18 to June 20 at the Javits Center in New York City. In addition, The Melting Pot is hosting a live webinar on June 25 at 11 a.m. (EDT) to provide more information on franchise opportunities and available territories.

Cedric Cook ⋅ Richmond, TX IBM ⋅ 19 years experience

Jose, check out this link... This is a very good resource for you.

http://www.franchise.org/vetfran-directory

Alexander Hildenbrandt ⋅ Jacksonville, FL STONEWORK Franchising ⋅ 2 years experience

Hi Jose,
First id like to say its a great way to think about getting out! Give me a shout if you get some time. I am a franchise broker who got out of the Army and helps people explore franchise options and information. I am at no cost and I my main clientele are veterans. I would love to help you gather the info you need and introduce you to franchises that fit. 912-271-5748 alex@stonefran.com

So, to answer your question: I have an insiders guide for you if you send me an email I will send it back with some other franchise learning stuff. its a good place to get started but I would recommend a book called The Educated Franchisee. It has an apple on the front. I am not connected to it business wise but it helped me understand allot of it while I was in Afghanistan a year and a half ago. Its short and breaks things down Barney Style.

The benefits: I have pages of info on benefits but here are basics.
Turn-key Business
Tested & Proven systems in place
Higher likelihood of success
Corporate image and Brand awareness
Easier to obtain financing
Training
Ongoing support
Marketing Exclusive territory (typically)
Cheapest way to step into business (typically)

Responsibilities: Franchising is a method of doing business. So every franchise is going to have different requirements when it comes to your responsibilities. Immediately, upon agreement, you will be responsible for paying a franchise fee and responsible for opening shop or home based or whatever in the time required. That's not really stressful unless you are busying like 5. Most of us cant afford that anyway, so you are responsible for what is outlined in your agreement. Franchises also want you to be within about 6 months of making the decision however that does not count you out from planning and prep with me or any other ahead of time.

General guidance from a former NCO:
Know you will need capital, not all of it can come from a loan. 20% has got to be your hard earned cash and the rest can be financed either internally or externally. Franchises need you to have skin in the game.

Franchises sell, da right, but franchise brokers inform and are free. They get compensated but not by you. Use the tools you have available. I have a pipeline program if you are a couple years out. I also have scramble mode. LOL. That was me.

You will never get to 100% certainty. You have to commit to it to be successful. There is no buying a machine that just pumps out cash. Get to about 80-85% with all the data available on a franchise and then make your decision. Over analysis can paralyze you from ever doing anything.

Good luck man and when you get some free time give me a call!

Sincerely,
H