Franchising FAQs

With a new upscale image and enhanced branded deli offer, Country Style is ideally poised for an exciting future. Building on extensive franchising experience that began in 1963, the Country Style franchise program offers our franchisees a formula for success:

1. a proven franchise model
2. a highly recognized franchise brand
3. award winning marketing campaigns
4. site selection and lease negotiations expertise
5. turnkey store design, construction, fixturing and equipment
6. 5 1/2 weeks of comprehensive pre-opening training by our Corporate Trainer
7. 2 weeks of in-store training by our Store Opening Team
8. on-going field operational support
9. bank financing assistance

The Country Style franchise is a restaurant concept features freshly ground coffee; fresh baked goods; and a fresh sandwich offer. The coffee and sandwich categories represent the two fastest growing segments within the Quick Service Restaurant industry.

At present, we have a number exciting franchise opportunities available throughout the province of Ontario. We are currently accepting applications from qualified and highly motivated individuals who share our vision of “Gold Standard” business practices.

Coffee is Country Style’s core business, made from high quality Arabica beans.

Specific food service experience is not necessary. However, Country Style is seeking candidates who are customer focused and are committed to providing Gold Standard levels of customer service, quality and cleanliness. Country Style provides the training and support and successful franchisees possess and provide the leadership, drive and positive attitude to effectively implement and execute the systems.

The estimated total investment of a “turnkey” traditional Country Style Franchise representing a typical 2,000 to 2,400 square foot full production, free-standing unit with a drive thru is approximately $325,000 to $360,000; typical 875 to 1,000 square foot limited production free-standing unit drive thru only is approximately $280,000 to $300,000; a typical 1,000 to 1,500 square foot limited production in-line unit is approximately $280,000 to $312,000; and a typical 500 to 700 square foot limited production mall unit is approximately $230,000 to $250,000. The total investment will vary, depending on the size and condition of the premises, among other factors.

The estimated cash investment net of a GST refund is approximately 35% to 40% of the estimated total cost. The estimated total cash investment may vary, depending on the amount of the total investment, among other factors. In addition to this, a franchisee will need additional resources for working capital, initial deposits, etc.

Typically, financing is available through the Canadian chartered banks utilizing the Canadian Small Business Financing Act (CSBFA) to finance up to 90% of leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment. The amount of financing will vary from location to location depending on the amount of leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment. Country Style will review in detail the process involved and how to prepare you to meet with a bank.

The amount of the initial Franchise Fee is $35,000.
What is the term of the Franchise Agreement?
The Franchise Agreement has an initial term of 10 years, plus two 5-year options.

The amount of the Royalty is 4.5% of gross sales.

The amount of the Advertising Contribution is 3.5% of gross sales.

Our marketing department will develop advertising initiatives to create effective campaigns designed to build brand name awareness and traffic to Country Style restaurants. In addition, our marketing and operations departments will work with you to establish effective Local Store Marketing strategies. Country Style Food Services Inc will coordinate a Grand Opening Promotion within your community.

The selection of a suitable location is an important ingredient to the recipe of success. Locations are selected based on availability, traffic counts, access, parking, visibility, construction costs and lease terms. Country Style seeks and negotiates suitable real estate; is on the head lease; and subleases to the franchisee.

Country Style provides a “turnkey” build out of the restaurant. Our construction department will co-ordinate the design, construction, fixturing and equipment installation, in accordance with Country Style standards and specifications. This service expedites the build out phase of development, maximizes economies of scale and ensures the consistent image of our brand.

With the current stage of development of the Country Style brand in Ontario, it represents an outstanding ground floor opportunity to join the Country Style family. Currently, there are excellent locations available throughout Ontario.

Many of our existing franchisees are multiple unit owners. Our experience is that multiple store ownership provides many benefits to a Country Style franchisee. Owning multiple units allows an operator to capitalize on management efficiencies and economies of scale with the ability to cross promote and cross manage among the units. In addition, with our current stage of development, the opportunity to develop multiple units within a defined market is a very real possibility and can build strong brand equity in that market.

Country Style provides a comprehensive 5 1/2-week initial training program by our corporate trainer. After this, Country Style provides 2-week store-opening assistance by our store opening team.