Take a BiteWelcome to the Great American Cookies Franchise Discovery Process. We have carefully designed the process to allow you to evaluate our opportunity and determine if we are a fit to achieve your professional and personal goals. In the first section, we will provide you with an overview of the opportunity and process.

Process Overview

Take a BiteThis section is designed to:

Provide answers to your questions about the Great American Cookies franchise opportunity

Address key elements for succeeding as a franchisee

Share our vision of the brand and franchisees

Determine if you would like to move forward in the process

Process Overview

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Great American Cookies History

Take a BiteFounded in 1977 on the strength of an old family chocolate chip cookie recipe, Great American Cookies® has set the standard for gourmet cookie sales in a fun, celebratory environment. For over 30 years, Great American Cookies has maintained the heritage and integrity of its products by producing proprietary cookie dough exclusively from its plant in Atlanta. Great American Cookies is known for its signature Cookie Cakes, trademark flavors and menu of delectable products baked fresh in store.

Franchising with Great American Cookies

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Great American Cookies is owned by Global Franchise Group, which is a strategic brand management company with a focus on franchising. Global Franchise Group (GFG) owns a portfolio of franchise brands that includes quick service restaurant (QSR) franchise concepts: Great American Cookies®, MaggieMoo's®, Marble Slab Creamery®, and Pretzelmaker®.

Franchising with Great American Cookies

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Because Global Franchise Group, LLC is one of the world’s leading brand management companies, we understand the importance of supporting all our franchisees in every way possible.

Franchising with Great American Cookies

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This deep commitment and passion for our brands is the reason for building GFG University, ensuring every franchisee in our brand portfolio has a level of expertise and confidence from day one of ownership. It takes hard work and devotion to run a profitable business, and GFG University offers state-of-the-art technology for initial and ongoing training, programs and support.

The Opportunity

Take a BiteGreat American Cookies takes pride in being the “Home of The Original Cookie Cake”. We were the 1st cookie franchise in the United States; in fact, we’ve been manufacturing our dough in the same plant for over 30 years. Our original chocolate chip cookie recipe was created by the grandmother of one of our founders. This proprietary recipe is still the basis of our cookies today. We want you to share in the fun with us!

The Opportunity

Take a BiteGreat American Cookies is more than just delicious, fresh-baked cookies. We believe in providing excellent support to the local community. During the marketing section of training at GFG University, franchisees learn the importance of supporting the local community. Our franchisees are active members of their local Chambers of Commerce, supporters of the neighborhood schools and partners with not-for-profit and other charitable organizations.

The Opportunity

Take a BiteAs many of our locations are in malls, we often partner with other retail outlets to help drive small business. We are also very supportive of the employees who work in the malls and we develop special programs to reward their service. We find giving back to the community in which we operate extremely rewarding. It is something we love and enjoy!

Multi-Unit Ownership

Take a BiteOperationally, multi-unit stores are easy to run and scaling up to multi-unit ownership is incredibly easy to do

Considering multi-brand in the same mall is also easy to do, as the operations of all brands are easy enough that the management between both locations could be shared

Marketing is much more cost effective when the units are within a defined radius

Multi-Unit Ownership

Take a BiteTraining of staff and, more importantly, managers is easily facilitated with multi-units

Once you open your first store and it is time to grow, the ability to do so is easy

One owner could easily get up to 3-5 stores without much additional "administrative" staff

Multi-Unit Ownership

Take a BiteLandlords LOVE excellent operators and will give you first choice or special considerations if you have multi-units

Multi-unit and multi-brands help spread the risk you assume

Franchise Support

Take a BiteTurn-Key Store DesignMarketing support, calendar of events and ongoing key brand building initiatives

Operations training including: P&L Management, cost of goods and labor controls

Periodic field representative consultations on operations and marketing 

Tips for team training on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty

Franchise Support

Take a BiteThe opportunity to network with experienced peersUnparalleled franchisee training and support through GFG University

The opportunity to co-brand with other brands in the Global Franchise Group, LLC portfolio at discounted rates

Ongoing access to our expertise and materials in the areas of: Business Development, Site Selection and Leasing, Construction, Purchasing, Training, Store Operations, Quality Control, Promotions, Marketing, Research and Development

GFG “U” Service Wheel

Take a Bite Marketing, PR, Branding Trend Analysis Merchandising Private Label Programs IT HR / Legal Lose Prevention Development Sales Training Development Logistics Real Estate Construction Purchasing Store Support Finance

Technology

Take a BiteGreat American Cookies uses technology in a variety of ways to enhance our marketing and make life easier for our franchisees.

We use social media to broaden our marketing and reach a greater number of potential customers. Technology is also used to bring repeat business to our franchisees with email campaigns. 

Technology

Take a BiteIn order to make your life easier, we offer online updates, trainings and webinars. You can also use your computer to access the POS data for report purposes, which you will learn about in training.

Marketing and Public Relations

Take a BiteMarketing and Advertising is essential to the growth of any business.

In our experience, we have found the more you raise awareness the more traffic is driven to your business. Global Franchise Group is very focused on getting exposure for all our brands. We are able to leverage our connections and promote brand awareness in many sectors.

Financial Requirements

Take a BiteThe cost to open a Great American Cookies store will vary depending on the location, area and size of the store. Your total investment will be approximately $178,350 to $280,350, with a typical store ranging from 500 to 900 square feet.

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Traditional Store Low High

Franchise Fee $35,000 $35,000 Grand Opening Marketing $3,000 $5,000

Travel and Living Expenses While Training $1,000 $5,000

Cookie Ingredients $5,000 $10,000 Other Opening Inventory $5,700 $15,150 Architectural Fees $3,800 $6,750

Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment and Décor $79,350 $96,750

Signs $3,000 $6,000 Prepaid Rent and Security Deposit $2,500 $5,000 Leasehold Improvements $27,150 $100,000 Utility Deposits $2,200 $3,000 Professional Fees $1,000 $6,000 Computer System $2,650 $5,500

Business Licenses, Permits, etc. (for first 6 months) $1,500 $2,500

Insurance (3 months) $2,500 $3,500 Additional Funds (3 Months) $8,000 $12,000 Total Initial Investment $183,350 $317,150

Royalty Fee 6%Marketing Fee 1.5%Multiple Unit Fees # of Units Franchise Fee

2-5 $22,500

6-10 $20,000

Franchisee Profile

Take a BiteAlthough it is tough to pinpoint who would be a perfect candidate, we have found a few comparable characteristics among some of our most successful franchisees:

Financial stability with a net worth of at least $250K and $100K of that in liquid assets

Committed, Positive AttitudeConfident, Ambitious, Self-Motivated

Franchisee Profile

Take a BiteWilling to work for success, complete ongoing training and attend brand meetings

Passionate about the business, brand and community

Wants to build a business rather than create a job

GFG is here for the support, but you have to be motivated to do the work

Certain paperwork will be requested before we conclude this discovery process. The paperwork will include:

- Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) review and  completion of Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)- Liquidity Verification showing at least $100K- Tax returns for last 2 years- Complete background check form for you, spouse and  partners (if applicable)- Articles of Incorporation or Membership Agreement if in a company name

Next Steps

Take a BiteThere are many benefits to franchising with such a dynamic, mature and growing brand.

Advantages of the Great American Cookies Brand

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Providing high quality and superior productsInnovator and leader of signature Cookie CakesTrademark FlavorsLeader in mall-based cookie systemFun EnvironmentOwnership of the supply-chain 

Advantages of the Great American Cookies Brand

Easy to OperateCreating Fond MemoriesFreshly baked Cookie Cakes and cookies fromproprietary recipes

Brand Recognition

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Target AudiencePrimarily families with pre-teen childrenWomen 18-34Mall Employees

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Unique DifferentiatorsHome of the Original Cookie Cake Freshly baked cookies and Cookie Cakes from a proprietary recipe

Online cookie cake ordering available

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All cookie dough manufactured in Atlanta

Franchise Disclosure DocumentThe Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a document required by law for all franchisors to give to potential franchisees. 

We have provided this guide to outline key points and to help you understand our brand(s), the opportunity as a franchisee and how our relationship together would work.

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Franchise Disclosure DocumentWe are required by law to tell you to read the FDD carefully and rely solely on the Franchise Agreement when making decisions. 

Download coming soon. In the mean time, please speak to your development manager for an emailed or mailed version to be sent to you.

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In-Store CelebrationsGreat American Cookies has multiple celebrations throughout the year. The celebratory promotions focus on new and existing products to drive brand awareness, increase traffic and trial, and, most importantly, build profitable revenues.

The Cookie Cake is a major focus during seasonal holidays, especially Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and the Winter Holidays.

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Online Cake OrderingThe Great American Cookies website allows our consumers to place their orders for Cookie Cakes online. In the digital age it is important to be where the consumers are. Online ordering is quick and easy for the consumer and creates an additional revenue source for the franchisee.

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Local Store Marketing KitsGreat American Cookies provides step-by-step toolkits for local store marketing initiatives to support:

- National Promotions - Online Cookie Cake Ordering - Fundraising - Business-to-Business Sales

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These toolkits include customizable marketing materials that franchisees can produce locally.

Marketing MaterialsGreat American Cookies has a vast array of materials available for the franchise system. Complete kits are included with each new promotion to dress the store in support of new and existing products. A multitude of local store marketing materials are available on the Great American Cookies intranet, as well as from our print vendors.

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Public RelationsThe Great American Cookies brand is supported by a well-renowned agency that increases brand awareness and drives traffic to our locations. They will:

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Support New Product IntroductionsManage Celebrity EndorsementsManage special eventsWork with franchisees on a local level to help with local media placement and product drops

WebsitesIn the digital age an online presence that is both engaging and interesting is important. The Great American Cookies website:

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Showcases the current promotionFeatures Contests Allows customers to explore all menu offerings

Enables customers to order Cookie Cakes online  Offers fun activities, including coloring pages, downloads and much more

Marketing Calendar

Making DoughWe provide a yearly national calendar to our franchise system so that they may implement initiatives on a local level. This calendar is reviewed by the franchise marketing committee and includes their input and feedback.

Initial and Ongoing

Making DoughWhen a store opens, a grand opening kit is provided and includes all necessary marketing materials. Additionally, new materials are sent to dress the store for each celebration. Supporting pieces for contests and initiatives are also included.

Social Media

Making DoughGreat American Cookies utilizes Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to engage and interact with our customers. We talk to our current promotions and contests, driving brand awareness. Social media allows real time dialogue with our customers.

Site Selection

Where to BakeGreat American Cookies is seeking locations in

primary and secondary markets throughout the U.S.

Site Criteria:- Location type - Mall and Specific Lifestyle Centers  - Minimum: 60,000 population within a 10-mile radius- Minimum: Median household income $40,000- Minimum: 200 square feet for kiosks and 600 square

feet for inline locations, which can be up to 1100 square feet- Large Anchors- Near Kids Concepts- Locations in line with foot traffic- Outside of food court or on end-cap of food court

Target Venues

Where to BakeRegional Malls:

- Kiosk- Inline- End-cap

Large Lifestyle Centers:- Pedestrian Driven- Inline- Entertainment

AirportsEntertainment Complexes

Target Venues

Where to BakeTourist Destinations

Transportation HubsSize:

- Inline stores: Target between 600 and 1100 square feet

- Kiosk stores: between 100 and 400 square feet with off-site storage area

Real Estate / Lease Assistance

Where to BakeAn experienced real estate professional will help

you with the following:

- Site Selection- Site Evaluation- Demographics and Market Analysis- Letter of Intent Negotiation- Lease Review- Lease Renewals (ongoing)

Real Estate / Lease Assistance

Where to BakeSite Characteristics to consider:

- Demographics- Co-Tenancy- Traffic (drive and walk)- Accessibility- Visibility- Competition Analysis

Construction Assistance

Where to BakeArchitect – Approval and facilitation of unit plans

Take Offs – Review and validation of quantities from vendors

Generate Purchase Orders – Convert take offs to purchase orders for franchisee to process

Store Layout – Produce one page layout for assistance with real estate negotiations

Construction Assistance

Where to BakeVendor Relations – Manage vendor base and

establish processes and pricing

Manuals – Maintain design and construction manuals for all concepts

Consultation – Assist franchisee with project management of build out

Store Build Out

Where to BakeYou will be assigned a Construction Project

Manager who will work directly with you and your general contractor on the build out of your store

Construction Project Managers will complete a punch list on the store at the completion of the project

You can rely on your Construction Project Manager to guide you through the process

Preferred Vendor Network

Where to BakeSince GFG has four Quick-Serve Restaurant brands,

we have a network of preferred vendors that provide goods and services to multiple brands

GFG uses a collective buyer power to lower costs across brands

Preferred vendors will work with you through the assistance of the Construction Project Manager and Ops team to ensure proper buys and on-time openings

Training4 days of platform (in-store) training on operational execution of business

5 days of classroom training on operations, marketing, finance, etc. 

Business and Operational Tools for Owners

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Ingredients

Modules Facilitated by Content ExpertsOngoing Education and DevelopmentEngaging, Interactive, High Tech/High Touch

Franchisor’s RoleBrand IntegrityBusiness ModelStore Opening Support

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Ingredients

Franchise Relations / CommunicationTraining:

- New Owner Platform- New Owner Training- Products & Initiative Roll Outs (Webinar, Regional

Meeting)

Franchisor’s Role

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IngredientsMarket Visit:- Sales- Financial Review- Quality Assessments- Business Plan

Business AnalysisMystery ShopCompliance Audit

Pre-Opening / On-Site Assistance

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Ingredients4 days of platform (in-store) training on operational execution of business

5 days of classroom training on operations, marketing, finance, etc. 

New Store Opening assistance by Franchise Business Consultant

As needed assistance with all aspects of opening by Franchise Business Consultant, including initial ingredients order, opening marketing kit, etc.

Franchisee Meetings

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IngredientsGFG and our franchisees have roundtables on a quarterly basis where robust feedback and question and answer sessions occur. The All Franchisee Conferences allow franchisees to meet with other franchisees and GFG individuals, as well as key note speakers and industry experts.

Ongoing Training & Support

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IngredientsOngoing training and support is provided by way of:

- Webinar Sessions

- Regional train-the-trainer sessions to meet business needs

POS Platform

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the OvenProvides our owners/operators with access to a number of reports

Allows for better management of labor, scheduling and inventory

Provides understanding of sales cycles, product mix and much more

Reporting

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the OvenThe POS system allows for direct upload of information to the GFG systems.

We use this information to assess the success of programs and make adjustments to improve franchisee profitability.

Intranet

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the OvenThe Great American Cookies intranet site allows franchisees to have access to a wealth of information at their fingertips. The portal is a one-stop-shop for:

- Forms and Campaigns- Marketing Materials- Training Materials- Communication with Corporate and Fellow Franchisees - Best Practices Ideas- And Much More!

The Kitchen

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the OvenInnovation

- Innovative New Products- Value Engineering- Quality Assurance- Vendor Partnership

Overview of Manufacturing- Proprietary Products- GAC Cookie Dough- Private Label Production- Vertically Integrated- Production at 30% Capacity- Built-In Supply Chain- Competitive Cost of goods

Support Center

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the OvenThe Great American Cookies brand has dedicated Research and Development Food Science Support focused on:

Exploring trends in the marketplace

Continually revolutionizing our fresh baked products

Support Center

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the OvenNew product innovations and ensuring each product is taken through an extensive process to:

- Validate operational procedures in-store along with all other day-to-day activities 

- Understand consumer demand and the products impact on store sales and product mix before a national launch

A state-of-the-art Innovation Lab that provides the foundation for this innovation

Next Steps

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the OvenComplete the application for pre-qualificationContinue discovery discussions with your regional Development Manager

Review our Franchise Disclosure DocumentSpeak with franchisees for feedback about the business and gather additional information to complete your business plan

Next Steps

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the OvenJoin us for a Meet-the-Team Day in Norcross, GAReceive approval and sign your Franchise AgreementThank you for completing your review of the Great American Cookies Virtual Brochure! We look forward to working with you towards joining our franchisee team!

Disclaimer

This is not an offer to sell a franchise as an offer may only be made by a franchise disclosure document prepared in

accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s franchise laws and applicable state laws. Filing of a franchise disclosure document does not constitute the state’s approval of the

franchise disclosure document.