Great American Cookies
Financial Plan
Liquid capital
The amount you need to secure the necessary loans.
Total investment
Total Investment to launch the business, including initial fees ($25,000)
The Concept
Great American Cookies is an established U.S. cookie franchise founded in Atlanta in 1977. The brand is best known for its freshly baked cookies and Original Cookie Cake, alongside brownies, Double Doozies and other desserts. Its stores have traditionally operated in shopping malls and other high-traffic retail environments. The brand is part of FAT Brands’ portfolio.
The system has more than 370 franchised units across the U.S. and internationally, with a particularly strong presence in the Southeast and Texas. The 2025 FDD reported 395 outlets at the end of 2024, all franchised.
For prospective franchisees, Great American Cookies offers a more established operating history than newer gourmet-cookie concepts. However, the brand’s parent company, FAT Brands, entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in January 2026, and a group of Great American Cookies franchisees has raised objections concerning supply costs and other issues in the bankruptcy case. This is an important point for potential investors to investigate before signing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Great American Cookies franchise?
The 2025 FDD estimates a total investment of approximately $340,500–$462,650 for the disclosed traditional format. The initial franchise fee is $25,000. Different formats, including non-traditional and satellite locations, can have different investment requirements.
What type of franchisee is Great American Cookies looking for?
The concept can suit both single-unit and multi-unit operators, particularly entrepreneurs comfortable with retail food operations, staffing and high-volume customer service. The brand’s mall and high-traffic retail heritage also makes site selection and location management particularly important.
How much revenue can a Great American Cookies franchise generate?
The 2025 FDD reports average 2024 net sales of $539,902 for 256 qualifying restaurants, with significant variation between locations. These are sales figures, not franchisee profit.
What ongoing fees does a franchisee pay?
Franchisees pay a 6% royalty plus a 2% marketing/brand fund contribution, before other operating expenses.
What should prospective franchisees consider about the current Great American Cookies system?
In addition to the brand’s established footprint, investors should carefully review the current financial position of FAT Brands and the ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. Franchisee groups have raised concerns over supply costs and contractual matters, making conversations with current franchisees particularly important.
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