FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Q. What does the franchise include?
It entitles you to own and operate a la prep restaurant, use the trade name, trademarks, recipes, business methods and our characteristic decor. There are some specific areas of support you will receive:

1. Facilities planning, specifications for fixtures, equipment and leasehold improvements and the option to take advantage of a full turnkey package.
2. Assistance in site selection and lease negotiations.
3. In-store training.
4. Store opening assistance.
5. Advertising and marketing support.
6. Continued field support.
7. Unique promotions and public relations programs.
8. A complete product line of gourmet food and beverage products.

Q. How much do I need to invest?
The total investment required varies from location to location based on a number of different factors such as the size of the premises and its condition. Generally, total startup costs range from $300,000 to $425,000.

Q. Who designs and builds my restaurant?
la prep has programs available with national turnkey contractors, designers, and equipment suppliers which enable you to have your store planned, equipped and built cost effectively and in the shortest possible time.

Q. After I'm approved, how soon can I expect to open my restaurant?
That primarily depends on the availability of locations in the area you have selected for your store. In some areas, sites have already been chosen, which substantially reduces the time involved.

Q. How much is the la prep franchise fee?
A franchise fee of $35,000 grants a license and franchise to operate a la prep restaurant and to sell and serve the food and beverage products and services offered at such la prep restaurants. It also permits the utilization of the la prep system at and only at the location in question, consisting of trademarks, merchandising, signage, operational techniques and procedures, training formats, supplier agreements, accounting and reporting forms, etc.

Q. Is it possible to own more than one la prep location?
Yes, provided that you have demonstrated to the satisfaction of la prep that you are financially capable and can properly manage more than one store.

Q. How much are the ongoing royalties?
Six percent of gross store sales.

Q. How is the site selected for my location?
la prep uses its national network of site-selection professionals.

Q. I have never negotiated a commercial lease. What assistance is available?
After your site is selected, la prep will provide the same professional assistance in negotiating your lease as it does in selecting your site.

Q. Is any experience necessary to own a la prep franchise?
No related experience is necessary, just your desire to learn. We provide all the training and assistance you will need to operate your franchise.

Q. Is owning a la prep franchise like owning a traditional restaurant?
No. Our system is based on simplicity and does not require the need for short order cooks and chefs. We only have baking ovens. No deep fryers, no grills, no mess.

Q. How much training will I need?
The comprehensive 3-week training program provides hands-on experience covering all phases of operating your la prep franchise. You will receive Operations Manuals that cover everything from employee hiring and training to product preparation, management, advertising and business systems. The training continues with special on-site support by one of our training managers for 1 week for your restaurant opening.

Q. Do I need to be involved with the day-to-day management of my franchise?
At least one owner or designated manager must be involved on a full-time basis and be responsible for day-to-day store operations and management.

Q. How will I know if I have the necessary finances?
Your completed application form will be evaluated by our finance department. They will let you know how your financial status fits within our profile and what your financing options might be.

Q. Does la prep offer financing?
We do not offer financing in-house. We do however assist qualified applicants in locating and obtaining financial assistance through a number of existing sources.

Q. How long is the term of the la prep franchise agreement?
The term of the Franchise Agreement always coincides with the term of the Lease. Typically, la prep leases are ten years and in some cases includes an additional five-year option.

Q. May I sell my restaurant and franchise rights?
Yes, subject to la prep’s right of first refusal and our accepting the prospective franchisee.

Q. I'm interested in a la prep franchise. What do I do next?
Fill out and mail the Application Form. Upon qualification and entering into our franchise agreement, our real estate department will find you a suitable location and will begin and conclude the lease negotiation process. Once your lease is signed, you will join our training program to learn how to operate your la prep franchise.