Frequently asked questions (FAQ) - Symposium Cafe Franchise opportunities
Symposium Cafe restaurant is a unique exciting
concept, of
an upscale, licensed, casual cafe. Symposium Cafe niche is the fastest
growing
food service segment in North America. With a menu including classic
gourmet
meals, full service breakfast exotic desserts, European coffees and specialty beverages. Each
restaurant location is open 7 days from early morning breakfast to late evenings
with
dining available both indoors or outside on our restaurant patios.
Symposium Cafe attracts a casual dining clientele,
that
appreciates a well designed restaurant, and good quality food, excellent
service
and a comfortably unique restaurant experience.
Symposium Cafe concept has been awarded the Canadian Franchise
Associations 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 Award of Excellence in
regards to our Franchise support - one of only two full service
restaurants in Canada to win this prestigious award.
We also have won the Gold award three of the past five years,
being top Franchise in our category for these three years.
The uniqueness of our decor is recognized by Trademarks Canada which has
awarded Symposium Cafe Restaurant & Lounge Trade dress protection
throughout Canada - one of only a handful of restaurants to ever
achieve this.
The total investment required will vary by
location, but is
estimated to be approximately $625,000 - $675,000 for a turnkey
operation. You
will need approximately $300,000 -$325,000 in unencumbered cash, with
the
balance financed. Other store opening costs (detailed in the "Investment
Details" section) range from $85,000 - $130,000 which include your store
opening
cash on hand, inventories, prepaid rent, etc.
Unencumbered cash is cash on hand, in a savings
account,
chequing account or GIC account, otherwise known as "liquid capital".
Home
equity and RRSPs are not usually considered unencumbered, except in
certain
circumstances. Your assets must be in Canada and you must be able to
provide
appropriate documentation to substantiate all assets.
We do not provide financial assistance, but will
provide
assistance with the preparation of a business presentation and will work
with
your financial institution to provide any information they require to
complete
your loan application. While we do not offer direct or indirect
financing, we
may recommend competent lenders who are capable of meeting the financing
needs
of our Franchise Partners.
The royalty fees are 5% as defined in the Franchise
Agreement and are paid monthly.
The Advertising Fees are 2% of sales as defined in
the
Franchise Agreement and are paid monthly to the Franchisor. These fees
are
maintained in a "Symposium Cafe Advertising Account" and are used for
system
advertising and promotion of Symposium Cafe system as established by the
Franchisor.
Symposium Cafe offers one of the most extensive
training
programs in Canada offering three full months of training for up to
three
individuals at an existing Symposium Cafe location.
Upon successful completion of Symposium Cafe
training
program and assuming the responsibility of your restaurant franchise, a
transition tutor is assigned to directly assist you on a regular basis
in your
restaurant franchise for a period of 10 weeks. This tutor works closely
with you
through the opening stages of your cafe, the day-to-day operating
systems and
procedures to ensure a successful start-up of your restaurant. This
program is
designed to strengthen and build the Franchise operators commitment to
our
proven systems. Our unique 10 weeks in-store program is crucial to
building your
team, establishing a strong customer base, growing restaurant sales and
operating a successful Symposium Cafe franchise.
The field consulting team provides ongoing support
and
training through restaurant visits and coaching. They ensure all
Symposium Cafe
systems, specifications and standards are in place to drive consistent
operations and profitable sales. Professional operations staff makes
ongoing
visits to your restaurant to hear any concerns you may have. They'll
also
conduct restaurant audits, which expose areas of concern within your
operation.
Our regional managers work with our Franchisees to develop action plans
to
correct and eliminate any problems uncovered.
Franchise regulations prevent us from making income
disclosures. The restaurant's profitability will vary depending on
management
control and local market conditions, the franchisees dedication to our
systems,
sales mix, and competition in the area, operational costs, time of year
and
more. We encourage prospective Franchisees to obtain independent
professional
legal and accounting opinions on a Symposium Cafe franchise program, and
to
speak to existing franchisees.
Restaurants are typically located in a market with
a
minimum population of 25,000 people, as well as possessing a square
footage of
approximately 3,100 to 3,500 square feet. As well we want to ensure that
each
location has a well rounded mix of residential, commercial mix. We are a
destination restaurant and do not necessarily have to be located at the
most
prime site, as long as we are located close by.
The Franchisor has its own development department
that
locates and negotiates sites. Demographic research and other studies are
carried
out to determine suitability. We welcome all site suggestions, however
they are
subject to approval by our development department.
No - Symposium Cafe designs and oversees the
construction provided by separate entities, turning over a turnkey
operation to the Franchisee.
A visit to the location would be made to inspect and
determine the practicality of converting it. We have well established
relationships with contractors that can assist with the conversion
process.
Best Family Restaurant, popular Breakfast Spot, great Desserts Place - 22 Locations near you
With 22 local neighborhood restaurants throughout Ontario, there’s a Symposium Cafe Restaurant close to you;
Ajax, Alliston, Ancaster, Aurora, Barrie, Bolton, Brantford, Cambridge, Cobourg, Georgetown, Guelph, Keswick, Lindsay, Markham, Milton, Oakville, Oshawa, Stoney Creek, Thornhill, Waterdown, Waterloo, Woodbridge.