Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic experience qualifications that I will have to meet? Although
previous restaurant experience could be helpful, Chester’s does not require
previous franchise or restaurant experience. We will train you on running the
restaurant and everything you need to make great food.
What are
the minimum financial requirements? Depending on the store size
and format, the total investment ranges from approximately $72,500 to $416,400.
If you qualify for financing, the total cash requirement will range from
$50,000 to $100,000.
What is “Total Investment”? Total Investment
includes everything you need to open and begin operating your Chester’s
restaurant. It includes all initial franchise fees, equipment, signage,
inventory, leasehold improvements and working capital for approximately 3
months after opening.
How much is the franchise fee?
For In-Line Store, the fee is $20,000 for each location.
For
Restaurant-In-Store the fee is $15,000 for each location.
How much are the royalties? The monthly royalty fee
for an In-Line Store or Restaurant-In-Store (Non-Supermarket) is 4% of the
restaurant's gross sales.
The monthly royalty fee for a Restaurant-In-Store (Supermarket) is 0% of the
restaurant's gross sales.
How much are the advertising
fees? The amount required to be contributed to the
Advertising Fund is not to exceed 2% of the restaurant's gross sales.
How much can I make as a Chester’s Franchisee? The
financial success of each Chester’s depends on many factors such as store
format, type of location, advertising efforts and operational efficiency.
Chester’s International and our affiliates have successfully licensed and
franchised many locations in the United States, however, we urge you to conduct
your own financial due diligence process.
Can the Chester’s
restaurant be financed? Yes, it can. Although we do not offer
financing directly, we can direct you to sources that provide equipment
leasing, conventional financing and SBA financing.
How are locations established? Site selection
is a very important part of the process. We will provide you with our site
criteria and then we will review and approve your site prior to development of
the restaurant. We will also provide sample plans and specifications for the
physical design or layout of the restaurant.
How long does it take to open the Chester’s? Each location is
different. It could be a very rapid process if you already own or lease the
proposed space. If you are leasing a space, you should be able to open the
store within 4 months of signing the franchise agreement. If you are adding a
Chester’s restaurant to an established business, the process can be even
quicker.
What training is available? We maintain
a state-of-the-art training facility in Birmingham, Alabama. You will receive
training on the point-of-sale system, managing the store, food cost control,
labor control and many other key topics in operating a Chester’s Restaurant. In
addition, you will receive training in our company training store on how to
operate all equipment and how to prepare the best chicken you have ever tasted.
We also provide training at your location of a minimum of four days.
How will you maintain the quality and consistency in the stores? Your
franchise agreement and the very comprehensive Chester’s operations manual will
contain specifications for all food and equipment used in conjunction with
operating the restaurant. We, or one of our field representatives, will visit
your restaurant throughout the year and assist you with operations, quality,
service and cleanliness.
Franchise Disclaimer