Washington County is buzzing with excitement since plans to open a new restaurant in Cedar Creek were released.
Local business partners Travis Dowden and Ben Anderson are working with building owners Amy and Kevin Zimmer to dish up a new culinary experience to Washington County.
Because you asked, Washington County Insider stopped by the former Schwai’s to find out what the commotion is all about.
Anderson told the http://www.washingtoncountyinsider.com exclusively, “We’re working feverishly to put the final pieces of the puzzle together right now, and we’re thrilled to unveil the new concept to the community in the very near future.” Neither Anderson or Dowden are ready to lift the veil of secrecy as to the name of the new establishment, though they did take time for a photo op (below) and a “look around” inside of the up and coming restaurant.
I think these guys made a wise business decision not investing capital in a $45,000 franchise fee – cost that would be passed on to the consumer for the “privilege” of eating at Sobelmans. McDonalds is the premier franchising company, with 36,000 locations (80% are franchised) & a history of proven performance going back at least 60 years. And McDonalds has name recognition – I myself had not heard of Sobelmans until it was announced that they were coming to Cedar Creek. Anyway, McDonalds charges a $45,000 franchise fee. From what I can see, Sobelmans has 3 locations – not sure if any of them are franchised or if corporate owned. In any event, they don’t have vast franchise experience at this time – unless they have hired a proven franchise executive.
Here are fees for some common franchises in this area: Pizza Hut ($25,000); Pizza Ranch ($30,000); Texas Roadhouse ($40,000); Dairy Queen ($25,000-$35,000); Applebees ($35,000).
Start up businesses are at risk of failure – to me, it looks like Soblemans franchise attempts are in a “start up” mode – no way is there justification to pay the “premier” franchise fee of $45,000 for unproven performance.