What will I receive as part of The Distillery franchise system?
We will provide you with site criteria and build-out advice, approved supplier lists and more as you get started. You and your key management staff will attend an Initial Training Program of up to 10 weeks for General Managers and up to 5 weeks for Kitchen Managers. Plus, we will provide a minimum of 10 days of pre-opening and post-opening employee training at your restaurant. As a franchise owner, you will have access to all The Distillery trademarks, operational tools, recipes and procedures. We'll also present you with a copy of our confidential operations manual to help you run your restaurant properly on a day-to-day basis.
What type of prior experience do I need to have?
We require franchisees or their operating partners to have ample foodservice or hospitality industry experience. We also look for franchise owners who will be dedicated to the ongoing operations and growth of The Distillery locations. In turn, we'll provide the support you need to operate The Distillery franchise in your community. We do, of course, also expect that you have the right amount of capital to invest in the franchise.
How much will The Distillery franchise investment cost me?
The estimated required investment for a single franchise location could range between $750k and $1.5m including a franchise fee of $30,000. As with any new business venture, it's important that you have the capital needed to adequately fund your new business.
What type and size location will I operate?
The Distillery Restaurant square footage will range from 5500 to 7000+ square feet, plus outdoor patio seating. Standalone sites are preferred but with our flexible model, strip center end cap and converting an existing freestanding former restaurant building may also be a viable option. We look for approximately 200 dining room and bar area seating plus additional patio seating and enough parking for 125 spaces. The Distillery locations will typically be located in lifestyle centers near urban or suburban businesses, shopping and/or residential areas with maximum visibility, traffic and access. Our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) provides additional information about site specifications. Complete our online form to get in touch with us and request a copy of our FDD.
What is the term of the agreement?
Our Franchise Partners actually enter into two types of agreements with us. They sign an Area Development Agreement which obligates them to develop a specific number of stores over a specific period of time. The number of stores and the term of the agreement vary. They also sign a Franchise Agreement for each store developed within their territory. That agreement has a ten year term with renewal options.
Will I have a territory?
You will be granted a territory within which we will not open, operate or franchise anyone else to open or operate a The Distillery Restaurant. This territory will be based on the number of people living within a defined geographical area; currently, these areas of population require a minimum of 40,000 people.
Is financing available?
The Distillery Restaurant Franchising Corporation does not offer direct or indirect financing, nor do we guarantee any notes, leases or other obligations. We may be able to provide references to qualified financing or lending agencies, on a case-by-case basis.
Will The Distillery provide assistance with real estate selection?
While we do not select a site for you, we provide guidelines to assist you in finding a location and our experienced development team will help you evaluate the chosen market.
Are there ongoing fees paid to the franchisor?
Franchisees will be required to pay royalties of 3% of gross sales. These fees allow us to fund our ongoing support services and the continued development of procedures, marketing tools, training programs and equipment and systems upgrades.
Are there any advertising fees?
Advertising and promotion to attract customers and to build loyalty to your restaurant is essential. Franchisees must spend a minimum of 1% of Gross Sales on local advertising and promotion. Franchisees also must contribute 1% (may be up to 2%, with advance notice) of Gross Sales each week to our Brand Development Fund. Collected funds are used to develop marketing strategies to promote The Distillery brand and fund the creative costs to develop any local franchise marketing materials and campaigns.
How much money will I make?
The amount you could make is based on many variables such as: retail sales mix, sales margins, location, operating costs and many other factors. While The Distillery will provide tools and support to assist you with starting up and operating your franchised restaurant, the financial results are ultimately up to you.
After I am approved as a Franchisee, what is required prior to opening a The Distillery restaurant?
The following is a partial list of the steps you must complete prior to opening a store:
- Select the restaurant site.
- Design a conceptual site and building plan.
- Negotiate and obtain approval of the lease or purchase of the site.
- Submit building plans for approval to The Distillery Restaurant Franchising Corp.
- Turn conceptual plans into construction documents.
- Complete the local government approval process.
- Complete restaurant construction.
- Apply and get approval for a liquor license.
- Train staff and management.
- Complete other pre-opening activities including promotion planning and marketing.
How do I get started?
If you're interested finding out more about The Distillery franchise program, fill out the confidential evaluation form and submit it to us. After we review the information, will contact you to discuss the possibility of setting up a visit to our corporate office to view our operations, meet with key franchise management staff and receive our FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document) which contains all the important details you'll need to make an informed decision.
