Franchising
Partner with a Daytime Café Brand Built for Freshness & Consistent Execution
Join a hospitality-forward concept with ingredient-first menus, community roots, and a daytime operating model designed for quality of life and operational discipline.
Why Franchise With Us?
Balanced hours, strong guest loyalty, and comprehensive support—everything you need to deliver great daytime dining and scale responsibly.
Daytime Model
Typical 7:00AM–2:30PM hours help teams perform, reduce complexity, and support retention.
Focused daypartsPredictable schedulingFresh Menu, Real Loyalty
Made-to-order plates, seasonal features, and hand-juiced beverages drive frequency and word of mouth.
Seasonal LTOsBeverage mixFranchise-First Support
Site selection, design/build, training, marketing, and field ops to help you win locally.
PlaybooksField visitsQualifications & Fit
Ideal Partner Profile
- Hospitality-minded operator (single or multi-unit)
- Operational discipline and people-first leadership
- Local market knowledge and community engagement
- Ability to execute brand standards consistently
Financial Readiness (Illustrative)
- Liquid capital: indicative range $250k+
- Net worth: indicative range $1M+
- Strong credit and access to financing
Figures are directional only; actual criteria vary by territory and timing.
Self-Assessment Checklist
Investment & Fees (Range)
These ranges are indicative and subject to change. Always refer to the current FDD or equivalent documents for official terms.
| Category | Estimated Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $40,000–$50,000 | Per restaurant; varies by territory |
| Total Investment | $750,000–$1,300,000+ | Build-out, equipment, pre-opening, working capital |
| Royalty | ~5% of gross sales | Ongoing |
| Marketing Fund | ~2% of gross sales | National + required local spend |
Financing Pathways
- Conventional bank lending
- SBA (U.S.) or regional programs
- Partner/investor structures
- Equipment leasing for select items
Cost Management Levers
- Real estate negotiations & scope control
- Vendor programs and SKU discipline
- Labor efficiency via daytime scheduling
Illustrative Unit Economics Educational • Not FDD
Below is a directional view to help frame the model. Your results will vary by market, execution, and many factors.
Revenue Drivers
- Breakfast & brunch dayparts with high visit frequency
- Beverage mix (coffee & fresh juice) uplift
- Seasonal LTOs to grow average check
- Catering / group brunch opportunities
Margin Influencers
- Labor scheduling and cross-training
- Ingredient yield & waste reduction
- Local store marketing ROI discipline
- Menu engineering and mix management
Franchise Process: From Inquiry to Opening
1) Intro & Pre-Qualification
Discovery call, concept overview, and initial financial fit.
2) FDD Review & Diligence
Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (or equivalent), speak with our team, and evaluate the model.
3) Territory Planning
Align on development areas and multi-unit potential where available.
4) Real Estate & Design
Site selection guidance, LOI support, prototype plans, and equipment specs.
5) Training & Staffing
Owner/manager training; recruiting and pre-opening team development.
6) Build-Out & Pre-Open
Construction, inspections, and marketing ramp-up with grand opening plan.
7) Grand Opening & Beyond
Field support, KPI cadence, and ongoing marketing & menu updates.
Territories & Development
Development priorities can change throughout the year. Ask about current availability and multi-unit opportunities.
Target Trade Areas
- Suburban family neighborhoods with strong daytime traffic
- Hospital/medical corridors and office clusters
- College towns and commuter hubs
- Lifestyle centers and high-visibility endcaps
Exact criteria vary by market; your development representative will share current priorities.
Training, Operations & Ongoing Support
Real Estate
Trade area mapping, site criteria, LOI collaboration, and landlord engagement support.
Design & Build
Prototype plans, equipment lists, vendor programs, and project timelines to streamline opening.
Training & Ops
Owner/manager training, SOPs, staffing playbooks, and field visits with KPI cadence.
Marketing
Brand campaigns, local store marketing toolkit, PR support, and grand opening blueprint.
Real Estate & Prototype Overview
Site Attributes
High daytime population, strong ingress/egress, parking, and visibility. Inline or endcap locations perform well.
Design Intent
Bright, open interiors with efficient kitchen lines and seating that supports average visit times and party size.
Build Efficiency
Prototype plans and approved vendors help control costs and maintain brand standards.
Franchising FAQs
Is this page an offer to sell a franchise?
No. This page is for informational purposes only. Offers are made solely by the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) or equivalent where permitted by law.
Do the investment figures apply to every market?
No. They are indicative ranges. Actual costs vary based on site, scope, and timing. Refer to the current FDD for official details.
How long is the process from inquiry to opening?
Timelines vary by real estate, permitting, and construction. Your development representative can outline a plan for your market.
Is multi-unit development available?
In select territories. Availability changes over time—ask about current development areas and pacing.
Request the Franchise Kit
Get the latest overview with investment details, territory availability, and the step-by-step process.
Having trouble with the form? Email us at info@firstwatchrestaurantfranchise.com.