South Bend Chocolate Co.

Gourmet chocolate and confectionery manufacturer
Year began: 1991    Franchising since: 1997
Chocolate is in the Tarner family’s blood. When Mark Tarner founded the South Bend Chocolate Company (SBCC) in 1991, he had already spent several years working in his father’s chocolate factory. Privately owned and operated, the SBCC got its start making chocolates under a license from the University of Notre Dame, and currently makes licensed chocolates for other schools, including Indiana University and Purdue University. In addition, SBCC also wholesales its product line to gift shops, gourmet food stores, coffee shops and gift basket companies throughout the country. SBCC franchises operate retail kiosks, Chocolate Café sites and Café Express coffee carts in malls throughout Indiana and other states.
3300 W. Sample St.
South Bend, IN 46619

Phone: (574)233-2577
Fax: (574)233-3150

Franchisor has 60 employee(s); 3 employee(s) in franchise department.


Franchise Growth
Year

2005
2004
U.S. Franchises
13
11
Canadian Franchises
0
0

Foreign Franchises
0
0
Company
Owned

10
9

Where Seeking Franchisees
In the U.S.

Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 1 mile or master franchise for states

Costs & Fees
Total investment: $74.95K-295.5K
Express/kiosk option available
Franchise fee: $35K
Ongoing royalty fee: 4%
Term of agreement: 4 years, renewable
Renewal fee: $150
Type of Financing Available
In-HouseThird Party
Franchise FeeNoNo
Startup CostsNoNo
EquipmentNoNo
InventoryNoNo
Accounts ReceivableNoNo
PayrollNoNo
Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $200K
Cash liquidity requirement: $50K
Business Experience:
  • Overall qualifications considered; no specific experience is necessary

Operations
  • 0% of all franchisees own more than one unit
  • Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 - 20
  • Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

Training & Support
TRAINING
  • Available at headquarters: 10 days
  • At franchisee's location: 80 hours
  • Ongoing (monthly visits)

ONGOING SUPPORT
  • Newsletter
  • Meetings
  • Toll-free phone line
  • Grand opening
  • Internet
  • Field operations/evaluations

MARKETING SUPPORT
  • Co-op advertising
  • Ad slicks
  • Regional advertising

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