Running your own restaurant can be an exciting but challenging adventure. Opening a restaurant franchise is emerging as a strategic move, offering the notoriety of an established brand and a predefined business model.
There are a number of crucial steps for entrepreneurs to follow.
Find out how to make your dream of owning a restaurant a reality.
How do I open a restaurant franchise?
Opening a restaurant franchise requires a methodical approach.
First, understand the concept, where a contract is signed with a franchisor to operate the business model of its established brand.
In restaurant franchising, the choices are diverse, from traditional to fast-food.
The crucial step is to select the concept best suited to the catchment area.
A solid business plan is essential to anticipate costs, including entry fees, restaurant layout and stock.
A thorough market study guides this choice.
Finally, a meticulous evaluation of investments, from the projected income statement to the necessary cash flow, enables us to verify the financial viability of the project.
How does a restaurant franchise work?
A restaurant franchise is based on a contract between an independent franchisee and an established brand.
The applicant operates the franchisor’s concept and products, while benefiting from the franchisor’s reputation and know-how.
The franchisor provides ongoing support, from initial training to detailed operating manuals.
In exchange, the restaurateur agrees to respect the standards of the established brand, pay entry fees and royalties, and contribute to the network by sharing best practices.
What are the advantages of being a franchisee?
Opting for a restaurant franchise offers a number of advantages.
Firstly, the franchisee benefits from the notoriety of an established brand, which reduces the risks involved in launching a new restaurant.
Access to a support network of like-minded professionals simplifies problem-solving and stimulates growth.
Financial risks are also limited, thanks to the franchisor’s assistance with financial planning.
What’s more, franchisees benefit from in-depth training and a detailed operating manual, making it easier to learn the established brand’s know-how.
Why choose a restaurant franchise?
Choosing this type of contract to launch a restaurant has its advantages.
Restaurant franchising offers a proven path to entrepreneurship, with a predefined business model and an existing customer base.
The security and stability associated with an established brand attracts investors.
The collective strength of the network facilitates negotiation with suppliers, reducing operational costs.
In addition, national marketing campaigns run by the franchisor increase the restaurant’s local visibility.
Restaurant franchising offers an attractive opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering a balance between independence and the organizational support of the established brand.
Preliminary steps to opening a franchised restaurant
Opening a franchised restaurant is a project that requires meticulous preparation.
The first step is to choose the concept to operate from among a multitude of options.
The restaurant’s location plays a crucial role, and a local market survey is recommended to assess the potential of the catchment area.
Staff recruitment and labor law provisions specific to restaurant franchising must be taken into account.
It is also essential to carry out thorough research into the established franchise network the franchisee wishes to join, meeting not just one franchisor, but several for a complete analysis before making a choice.
Essential documents for opening a restaurant
In addition to the contract, two other documents are of vital importance: the Pre-contractual Information Document (DIP) and the operating manual.
The DIP, governed by the Doubin law, must be provided to the franchisee at least 20 days before the contract is signed.
It provides information on the franchisor, the restaurant franchise, the market and the franchisor’s financial situation.
The operating manual, handed over after signature of the contract, details the franchisor’s know-how.
In restaurant franchising, it covers aspects such as recipes, the presentation of the established brand’s products, and the use of equipment.
The diversity of franchises in the field
The world of restaurant franchising offers something for every palate and budget.
Among these choices, the franchisor stands out by offering a unique culinary experience.
Traditional restaurant / brasserie franchise :
Immerse yourself in the authenticity of French cuisine with establishments such as Au Bureau, My Beers, Ninkasi or Bistrot Régent. These franchises captivate fans of local flavors and emblematic brasserie dishes.
Theme restaurant franchise :
Explore distinct taste worlds, from Italian and Tex-Mex to Japanese and Moroccan. Established brands such as Indiana Café, Poutinebros and Heiko Poké transport guests to unique culinary destinations.
Fast food / Sandwich franchise :
The dynamic fast-food sector seduces with an infinite variety of concepts, from specialty coffee to food trucks, burgers, sushi and more. Franchises such as Bagelstein, Pizza Hut and Berliner Das Original offer a fast, delicious street food experience.
An infinite range of culinary choices exists within the restaurant franchise, with each franchisor offering a distinct taste adventure.
How do you choose a restaurant franchise?
The choice of restaurant franchise is marked by financial and geographical considerations.
To guide this complex decision, several key industry factors need to be carefully assessed.
The right restaurant concept
There’s no shortage of established brands in the restaurant franchising sector, so it’s essential to carry out an in-depth study of the different offers.
The ideal location depends on a number of parameters, such as the presence of a competing restaurant, your personal sensitivity, and your financial capacity.
The franchisor you choose must be perfectly suited to your target catchment area.
Draw up a solid business plan
The business plan plays a central role in securing your contract with the established company.
It’s a reference document that prepares and presents objectives, and details the means to achieve them.
It offers a clear, strategic vision of the restaurant franchise for the years ahead, providing a compass for the growth and success of your business.
Carry out in-depth market research in the field
Thorough market research is the key to an informed decision.
The catchment area, that geographical portion surrounding your point of sale, must be carefully analyzed.
Factors such as the number of inhabitants, the local business sector, the presence of a competing restaurant, and the attractiveness of the area are all determining factors.
This sector study should not be taken lightly, and the assistance of an expert can prove invaluable in maximizing its relevance.
Restaurant franchising: how to draw up the contract?
The contract is an essential document defining the rights and obligations of the parties.
The franchisor’s obligations include transmitting the know-how of the established brand, providing the distinctive signs of the restaurant franchise, and providing initial assistance to the franchisee.
Some franchise agreements also include a territorial exclusivity clause.
The franchisee, for his part, undertakes to respect the franchisor’s know-how, to comply with controls, and to respect supply clauses.
The contract also details the financial aspects, such as the entry fee, the monthly operating fee, and the end-of-contract conditions.
Setting up a company in the sector
Apart from the contract, joining a restaurant franchise network requires the creation of a legal structure, often in the form of a SARL or SAS.
The choice of legal form depends on the franchisee’s preferences and needs.
Administrative formalities such as registration with the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés (RCS), declaration with ASSEDIC and URSSAF, and allocation of a SIREN number are all necessary.
Rules applicable to the sector
Opening a franchise implies compliance with a number of rules specific to the sector.
These include obtaining a liquor license, declaring the handling of foodstuffs of animal origin, complying with hygiene, safety and accessibility regulations, and informing consumers about prices, meat origin and licenses.
It’s a good idea to enlist the help of a specialist lawyer to help you navigate the clauses of your restaurant franchise contract and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
