Franchising

A Sonoma Coffee Cafe franchise is a concept not a product. The approved franchisee is purchasing the right to participate in that business concept, thus eliminating the need for costly development, market research, and copyright and legal services which are associated with independent start-up businesses.

Since we are awarding a franchise license, you will need to know how a franchisee is expected to perform and what our obligations are to you. We will spell out the terms of the relationship in our Uniform Franchise Disclosure Document (UFDD) and Franchise Agreement.

Once you qualify as a franchisee and become a licensee of the Sonoma Coffee Cafe franchise system, we will help you get oriented with Sonoma's structure. Since the success of your franchise is mainly dependent on how well you follow our model, we are committed to helping you every step of the way. Our effective system of operation will give you the edge necessary to create a thriving business. The Sonoma Coffee Cafe franchise program provides you the following support and assistance:

Financing - Sonoma Coffee Cafe is able to introduce you to financing sources that are familiar with our operations and have worked with us in the past. Additionally, Sonoma Coffee Cafe has been approved for the SBA Registry, thus providing lending institutions with assurance that Sonoma Coffee Cafe complies with Registry requirements.

Site Selection and Lease Negotiations - We provide professional support in helping you locate and identify suitable retail locations and lease negotiation assistance.

Restaurant Design and Construction - The Sonoma Coffee Cafe franchise program will assist in the design and construction of your store using our preferred partners.

Group Purchasing Power and Proprietary Products - In all possible situations, Sonoma Coffee Cafes purchase the same products. This group purchasing makes possible quantity discounts from manufacturers and distributors, Franchisees are required to purchase certain Sonoma Coffee Cafe proprietary products. These items assure the uniqueness, uniformity, and quality of the Sonoma Coffee Cafe system.

Development Rights Program and Area Developer Opportunity - These forms of franchising allow for ownership of multiple locations within a defined geographic area.

Once you qualify as a franchisee and become a licensee of the Sonoma Coffee Cafe franchise system, we will help you get oriented with Sonoma's structure. Since the success of your franchise is mainly dependent on how well you follow our model, we are committed to helping you every step of the way. Our effective system of operation will give you the edge necessary to create a thriving business. The Sonoma Coffee Cafe franchise program provides you the following support and assistance:

How much money can I make? No employee or agent of Sonoma Coffee Cafe make income projections, however, the coffee industry grosses over 10 billion dollars annually!

Where can I locate a Sonoma Coffee Cafe? We have the flexibility of locating a Sonoma Coffee Cafe in many different locations. Shopping malls and strip centers are typical location examples.

How long will it take to open my coffee cafe? After you sign a lease agreement, on average it takes 8-12 weeks before you are open for business. This allows for plan design and review by the appropriate governmental agencies and for construction and training.

How much can I finance? The amount of money you will be able to borrow is dependent on your financial situation. Typically, you will be required to have twenty percent of the capital in cash.

What kind of experience do I need? Sonoma Coffee Cafe does not require any related experience to operate a franchise. The ideal candidate is someone who has a passion for operating a successful business, and enjoys working with the general public.

What is the profile of a Sonoma Coffee Cafe Candidate? Sonoma Coffee Cafe is looking for self-motivated "people" persons who have marketing and relationship building skills and a passion for success - the cornerstone of our business model. Industry experience is not nescessary as this is taught during our training program and continues throughout your franchise relationship.

What kind of support is available? Sonoma's proven system is specifically designed to help franchise owners grow their business.

It enables franchisees to easily plan and evaluate their efforts on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, thereby ensuring that they are focused on activities that positively impact their bottom line.

Support Center - The coporate office is dedicated to providing ongoing support to our franchise owners, helping them grow their business successfully. Office support includes assistance in obtaining financing, site selection, and lease negotiations, store design, store construction, training, and group purchasing. The Sonoma Coffee Cafe corporate staff is in place to help you develop and grow your business while meeting your personal and professional goals.