Gloria Jeans Coffees, Ireland

Listed below are some of the most frequently asked questions about becoming a Gloria Jean's Coffees Franchisee.

How many years has Gloria Jean's been in existence?

The first Gloria Jean's opened in the USA in August 1979, and we have been franchising since June 1986. In Ireland, Gloria Jean's has been operating since 1996 and as Master Franchisee since 2006.

How much is a Gloria Jean's Coffees franchise?

The all inclusive cost of a franchise can vary depending on location and premises size. Based on a store size of approximately 1100 square feet / 100 square metres, an investment of approximately €200,000 would be required. However, A Gloria Jeans Kiosk would cost approximately €100,000.

How much is the royalty fee and what do I receive for my royalty fees?

The royalty fee is 6% of net sales. The royalty fee covers a wide variety of management assistance and operational services provided by Gloria Jean's, including:

• Coffee training programs.
• Rigid quality control standards.
• On-going research and development of new products and equipment.
• Establishment and licensing of vendors and distributors.
• Greater buying power.
• Preparation and distribution of updated manuals and training videos.
• Refinement of operational accounting systems and reporting procedures.
• Territory managers assist franchisees with all aspects of daily operations, and ensure proper performance levels and quality standards.

Is there an advertising fee and, if so, what type of advertising and promotional support will I receive?

Yes. Franchisees participate in an Advertising and Promotion Program funded by a monthly contribution of 2% of net sales. Advertising and promotion is an essential part of the development of the Gloria Jean's franchise network and image. This fund is earmarked for store advertising and other support services. Materials include:

• Distribution of press releases to the media
• Production of promotional literature
• Point-of-purchase displays
• High-quality advertising materials
• Media placement

The net result enhances the dominance of Gloria Jean's in the market and expands customer awareness.

Is there a training program? And if so, what type of training will I receive?

Yes. Upon acceptance of your franchise agreement and prior to your store opening, you will receive comprehensive training. This informative session covers every aspect of operations including purchasing, merchandising and product knowledge. Training takes place in our support office and in-store for hands-on experience. During the training, you will receive our confidential Operations Manual - your complete guide to store operations.

What are the services a new franchisee receives from Gloria Jean's Coffees before a store opens?

Because determining a good location is so important, Gloria Jean's Coffees will select a site or assist in the selection process should you have in mind a location that is acceptable to Gloria Jean's Coffees.

• Design and construction services are provided by Gloria Jean's Coffees for the location.
• Gloria Jean's Coffees also selects and procures key fixtures and equipment.

Does Gloria Jean's Coffees help me open my new store?

Yes. We provide field support personnel in your new store to help merchandise, operate, and assist in employee training.

Is the franchisee required to purchase any equipment, product, or supplies directly from Gloria Jean's Coffees?

Certain private label products (e.g., coffee and supplies) must be purchased from Gloria Jean's Coffees. Certain products may also be specified and purchased from authorised vendors.

Who selects the location of my store?

Franchisee’s conduct there own due diligence and enquiries as to the suitability of any site for a Gloria Jean’s Coffees franchise. Gloria Jean's generally secures the location and negotiates the lease terms. Franchisee candidates are welcome to suggest locations for consideration.

What is the criteria for choosing a site?

Selection of a good site is very important. Items such as vehicular and pedestrian traffic, visibility, population density and income, lease costs, the proximity to major residential areas and other major retail businesses, and location of the store in the shopping centre or street front are all items which a franchisee should take into consideration.

What is the ideal size and location for a Gloria Jean's Coffees store?

Gloria Jean's Coffees is a very flexible concept and can operate effectively in a wide range of sizes and configurations. The format is normally adaptable to a space from 80 to 100 square metres for stores, and 20 to 30 square metres for kiosks.

What store design assistance do I receive?

We work with architects and designers to create detailed functional building plans and store designs that are another integral part of the Gloria Jean's Coffees formula.

May I sell my franchise right?

Yes, subject to Gloria Jean's Coffees right of the first refusal and approval of purchaser.

Can I own more than one store?

Yes, if the franchisee is financially and managerially qualified, as well as complies with the standard of operation outlined in the franchise agreement.

Why should I purchase a franchise?

The primary advantage of franchising is that it substantially reduces risks. Other significant advantages include:

• The buying power and consistent product quality that is available from the franchisor.
• The ability of the franchisor to secure preferred locations.
• Proven systems of operations and training.
• Affiliation with a growing national chain that provides the name recognition and quality identifications associated with widely recognised franchised concepts.
• The initial and on-going support of a franchisor who succeeds only to the extent that its franchisees succeed.

Why should I purchase a Gloria Jean's Coffees franchise instead of any other gourmet coffee operation?

After more than 30 years in the gourmet coffee business, Gloria Jean's Coffees has developed their gourmet coffee operation to offer the widest selection, the finest product, and the strongest support in the industry.

These qualities are evident in our #1 ranking, rapid growth, and top retail position globally. Gloria Jean's provides proven systems of operation, a highly recognised image, superior training and on-going field support. You should take these important qualities into consideration when making your decision.

How soon after approval can I expect to open my store?

That depends primarily on the availability of locations in the area you have selected for your store. In some areas, sites already have been chosen, which substantially reduces the time involved.

What experience do I need to operate a Gloria Jean's Coffees store?

The primary qualifications are financial stability and capability combined with a demonstrated work ethic and desire to succeed. The character and motivation of the franchisee is considered more critical to the performance of the business than prior business or retail experience, as our extensive training program and store assistance will ready you to operate a Gloria Jean's Coffees store.

Does Gloria Jean's Coffees require franchisees to be actively involved in operating the store?

Yes. The Gloria Jean's Coffees business requires and responds to the personal input and attention of the owner. It is essential that the franchisee become personally involved in all aspects of the business. You can expect to work many long hours - particularly in the beginning. You should be willing and capable of performing all sales, promotion, and other functions that are required on a daily basis. The demands on you personally can be minimised by your ability to attract, motivate, and retain capable employees.

I am definitely interested in franchising a Gloria Jean's Coffees store. What do I do next?

Complete and return the Franchisee Qualification Application Form. Upon receipt of your Application Form, your personal and financial information will be reviewed.

What happens after I submit my Franchise Qualification Application Form?

Your application will be reviewed as soon as it is received. This process may take up to 2 weeks. Should your application prove satisfactory, we will be contacting you to arrange for you to go through the Approval Process involving a series of interviews.

Don't waste time - download the Gloria Jeans Franchise Application document now.