Great American Cookies

Founded: 1977 Franchising since: 1977
Great American Cookies opened its first store in Atlanta's Perimeter Mall in 1977. From one family chocolate cookie recipe, it added a complete line of cookies and brownies and began franchising in 1978. In addition to regular cookies, most stores feature large plate- or pan-sized cookies with personalized messages for parties or special occasions.
On August 24, 1998, Mrs. Fields Original Cookies Inc. acquired the company. Mrs. Fields Famous Brands includes The Original Cookie Company, Pretzel Time, Hot Sam, Pretzelmaker and Mrs. Fields Cookies.

1346 Oakbrook Dr., #170 Norcross, GA 30093

Phone: (800)524-6444 Franchisee Association Great American Cookie Franchise Association

Franchisor is a privately-held company with 150 employee(s); 19 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Growth

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2009	293	1	2	0
2008	286	0	0	0
2007	286	0	0	0
2006	291	0	0	0
2005	--	--	--	--

Where Seeking Franchisees
In the U.S. Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North carolina, North dakota, New hampshire, New jersey, New mexico, Nevada, New york, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode island, South carolina, South dakota, Tennessee, Texas, United states, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West virginia, Wyoming
Worldwide

Total investment: $167K-296.5K Franchise fee: $25K

Ongoing royalty fee: 6% Term of agreement: Concurrent with lease, renewable

Express/kiosk option available

Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	No	No
Startup Costs	No	No
Equipment	No	No
Inventory	No	No
Accounts Receivable	No	No
Payroll	No	No

Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $150K
Cash liquidity requirement: $75K
Business Experience:

• Industry experience
• General business experience
• Marketing skills

Training

• Available at headquarters: 5 days

Ongoing Support

• Newsletter
• Meetings
• Toll-free phone line
• Grand opening
• Internet
• Security/safety procedures
• Field operations/evaluations

Marketing Support

• Ad slicks

Other marketing support

• POP materials

Franchise 500® rank:
#257 (2009);

America's Top Global Franchises:
#197 (2009);