Opening a food store helps meet the needs of local consumers for basic necessities.
Joining a franchise offers several advantages, as it enables entrepreneurs to benefit from an already established reputation, which makes it easier to attract customers.
What’s more, the network provides support in terms of training, marketing and logistics.
This reduces risk and facilitates the day-to-day running of the store.
Discover the best franchises to join and the steps to success.
How to open a food business: regulations to follow
Before thinking about joining a franchise, it’s important to find out about the process involved in opening a food business. The first step is to carry out a market study, to identify consumer habits, whatever the type of business you plan to open: convenience store, organic store or delicatessen.
Opening a food store requires a number of formalities. Several obligations must be met. First of all, training in food hygiene is mandatory, particularly as regards storage, layout of premises and respect for the cold chain. However, no diploma is required to open a food business.
You can, however, enroll in an installation preparation course (SPI), which will introduce you to the basics of accounting and management.
You’ll also need to check that the premises you choose comply with public reception standards.
This includes displaying prices and information panels, as well as guaranteeing safety and accessibility for establishments open to the public (ERP).
In addition, you’ll need a takeaway license to sell alcoholic beverages.
If you plan to market products of animal origin, you will need to inform the Direction départementale de la protection des personnes.
What’s more, if your intention is to supply these products to intermediaries rather than end consumers, you’ll need to obtain sanitary or CE approval.
Drafting the company’s articles of association is another essential step for the project owner.
This is usually done with the help of a lawyer or notary.
Next, you’ll need to file a registration application with the authorities to give the company legal existence.
This will entail registration in the National Business Register (RNE) and the Trade and Companies Register (RCS).
It should be noted that RCS registration is only required if your store is of a commercial nature and employs at least 10 people.
Steps to follow before opening a food business
Once you’ve decided on your concept, you’ll then need to consider where to locate the premises and estimate the budget required.
The business plan is the very foundation of your project to open a food business, so drawing it up is a vital part of the process.
Normally, this stage takes place just after the market study.
The aim is to carry out an in-depth analysis of market trends, customer profile and competition.
This document should include your company’s marketing strategy, a financial plan covering the next few months to a few years, and other financial requirements.
In addition, a business plan is essential for obtaining a business loan.
Selecting the right location for your premises is another decisive step that will have a significant impact on the success of your business.
It’s advisable to choose a lively shopping street, with high footfall.
Then, taking your budget into account, you’ll need to decide whether to buy or rent a space.
Buying can be expensive at the outset, whereas leasing represents a long-term investment.
What’s more, as an entrepreneur, you can opt for the “location-gérance” option.
This involves leasing a business for a defined period.
This option offers the advantage of testing the profitability of the business.
How much money do you need to open a food store?
Opening a food business requires a considerable budget.
These include the purchase of equipment such as a cash register, shop sign, computer hardware, refrigerator, merchandise such as dried fruit, cleaning products, preserves and frozen foods, as well as store fittings.
In addition, you’ll need to invest in the equipment needed to display your products and build up a start-up stock.
Other costs include advertising expenses, royalties, energy costs, work and intermediary fees.
Why join a food franchise?
As you’ve seen, opening a food store is a complex and time-consuming process.
That’s why joining a franchise may be the best option.
But why?
Firstly, it allows you to retain your independence, while benefiting from the support, know-how and structure of an established network.
Indeed, when you join a franchise, you can set up an operational business quickly, minimizing the risks associated with launching a new brand.
What’s more, you’ll automatically benefit from the brand’s reputation for quality products and services.
As a rule, specialized training is provided by the franchisor.
This will enable you to acquire the skills you need to manage your food store effectively.
Financially, joining a franchise can offer advantages, as financial institutions are often more inclined to support projects belonging to well-established networks.
What’s more, franchise contracts usually include a clause guaranteeing franchisees an exclusive geographical area for their business, giving them a competitive edge in the local market.
Which food franchises are the most profitable?
Among the many options available to entrepreneurs wishing to invest in food franchising, a few brands stand out for their proven success and appeal to franchisees.
Here’s a look at some of the most profitable food franchises in France:
Monoprix offers a great opportunity for entrepreneurs wishing to launch into food franchising. By joining Monoprix, franchisees benefit from a strong, well-established brand, known for its prime city-center locations and its commitment to innovation in the supermarket sector.
Franprix is another attractive option for those looking to invest in a local food business. By becoming franchisees, entrepreneurs benefit from personalized support, privileged relationships with external partners, and training to help them successfully set up their business.
Intermarché also represents an attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs.
With zero start-up costs and a well-established brand, the cooperative chain offers members the chance to join a dense network in France, with a strong presence in the supermarket market.
How do I join a franchise?
To become a franchisee, you need to follow several important steps:
- First of all, make sure you have the necessary qualifications and authorizations, especially if the activity is subject to specific regulations.
- Next, choose your business sector and the franchisor you want to partner with.
- Evaluate your franchise project by drawing up a detailed business plan, which will enable you to anticipate the necessary investments.
- Once you’ve chosen a sector and a franchisor, decide on a strategic geographic location for your future store.
- To ensure proper legal and accounting management of your project, enlist the help of a legal professional, such as a lawyer specialized in corporate law, as well as a chartered accountant.
- Finally, choose the legal form best suited to your business, such as EURL/SARL or SASU/SAS, and negotiate the franchise agreement with the franchisor.
