The Complete Guide to the Great American Cookie Franchise 

 

Great American Cookies, the iconic Atlanta-based cookie franchise, is one of the largest retail cookie chains in the United States and the creator of the original Cookie Cake. Great American Cookies, which began franchising the same year it was founded, has become one of the most appealing cookie franchise opportunities in the United States. The company is a franchised chain of independently owned and operated stores that specialize in gourmet cookies, particularly cookie cakes. 

Throughout the last four decades, the company has maintained the integrity of its first Great American Cookies shop by continuing to bake our cookies fresh in-store every day. The company stayed true to its original principle: fresh-baked cookies taste the best. Because of the brand’s universal appeal, it’s ideal for malls, movie theatres, and other high-traffic locations where a sweet treat is a welcome sight — and smell. The irresistible and distinct aroma of freshly baked, warm gooey treats continues to be the brand’s most effective marketing tactic. So, if you’re interested in such treats, stick with us; all the essential information will be provided in the article.

 

 

What is the Great American Cookie franchise?

The brand’s robust menu now includes its classic chocolate chip cookie in addition to favorites like Snickerdoodle, innovative offerings like Double Doozie icing stuffed cookie sandwiches, freshly baked cookie cakes, and decadent brownies, all made with only the highest-quality ingredients. Great American Cookies produced proprietary cookie dough from their plant, allowing them to control the supply chain and negotiate prices that an independent cookie operator would be unlikely to achieve. 

The Great American Cookies research and development team constantly tests and develops new and unique products. A high percentage of Great American Cookies franchisees own multiple units due to the ease of operation and the real estate team’s ability to secure prime locations. They Share the Cookie Fun, with over 40 years of proven success! This Cookie franchise can be found in shopping malls, shopping centers, strip malls, military bases, college campuses, and various other places. They also provide their franchise with flexible store menu options; without this, the company offers all training and operational support to their franchise to set up and run the store smoothly.

 

Great American Cookie franchise opportunity 

Great American Cookies has grown to become the largest and most recognizable national cookie concept in the United States, with over 249 locations across the country and 50 more set to open. Great American Cookies has maintained the heritage and integrity of its products for over 40 years by producing proprietary Cookie dough exclusively from its Atlanta plant. Great American Cookies is well-known for its signature Cookie Cakes, trademark flavors, and delectable menu of products baked fresh in-store. 

The brand has had enormous success. Great American Cookies currently has locations throughout the United States and in Bahrain, Guam, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Furthermore, Great American Cookies’ co-branded store model with FAT Brand’s sister brand Marble Slab Creamery provides the ideal indulgence for customers of all ages by combining gourmet cookies with premium hand-mixed ice cream.

 

Great American Cookie  Franchise Information
Industry Type	Bakery & Food
Sub Category	Cookies
Year Established	1977
Company Name	Global Franchise Group
Founder/Management Head	Paul Damico, CEO
Franchising Started	1977 (45 years)
Employees at Company H.O	64
Franchise Expansion Plan	United States and Globally
Number of Units	410 (as of 2023)
Number of Franchise Units	377 (as of 2023)
Social Media Handles	Facebook
	Twitter
	Youtube
	Instagram
Company Office location	5555 Glenridge Connector, #850, Atlanta, GA 30342

 

Great American Cookie Franchise  Requirements

1. financially secure, with a net worth of at least $250K and liquidity of at least $100K per store

2. dedicated with a positive attitude

3. self-assured, ambitious, and self-motivated 

3. self-assured, ambitious, and self-motivated 

5. Attend meetings and continuous training

 

 

How much does a Great American Cookie franchise cost

According to various sources, the Great American Cookies franchise costs between $160,500 and $461,135 per location. The price will vary depending on the store. The net worth requirement will be approximately $250,000, with a cash requirement of $100,000. 

The Great American Cookie’s initial franchise fee is $25,000. The royalty fee will be 6% of gross sales, with a 2% ad-marketing fee. Veterans will receive a 25% discount on the initial franchise fee.

 

How much does it cost to franchise a Great American Cookie Company in the United States?

 

Great American Cookie Initial and On-going Franchise Cost
Great American Cookie Franchise Fee	$ 15,000 for Non-Traditional Store$ 25,000 for Traditional Stores $ 35,000 for Co-branded Stores
Great American Cookie Franchise Cost	$160,500 – $461,135
Royalty Fee	6%
Advertising Fee	2%
Term of Agreement	10 years
Is the franchise term renewable?	Yes
Renewable Franchise Fees	50% of Initial Franchise fees

 

Great American Cookie Franchise Training 

FAT Brands, Great American Cookies’ parent company, provides industry-leading training to all franchise owners. Following the signing of the franchise agreement, franchisees will attend training at FAT Brands Training in Atlanta, where they will learn everything they need to know to run their business. In this Training, you will learn how to run a business, keep financial records and bookkeeping, and manage human resources. 

Franchisees can expect to leave FAT Brands Training with a basic understanding of how to run their business.FAT Brands Training is just the beginning. Following the opening of the cookie store, corporate personnel from the company will be present to assist with the opening and to provide additional in-store training. This in-store training is critical in assisting franchise owners in learning how to operate and manage the store once it is open.

 

Great American Cookie Operations & support

Apart from training, FAT Brands provides franchise owners with ongoing support beginning with the signing of the franchise agreement and continuing throughout the term of the franchise agreement. One of the most significant advantages of opening a franchise is that the company invests in a proven business concept as well as a large network of experienced individuals who have streamlined the franchise process. 

Furthermore, franchisees will develop a relationship with corporate personnel from the company, who will be able to assist them in the future with any questions or concerns that may arise. When it comes time to expand your gourmet cookie business, the company’s field consultants will be there to help.

 

 

What is the Great American Cookie  Franchise Term of Agreement and Renewal?

The Great American Cookies franchise’s initial term is ten years. If the franchise is doing well and growing as expected, the agreement can be renewed for ten years at a time with the current version of the franchise agreement.

 

Does Great American Cookie  Franchise provide Financial Assistance?

The company does not provide direct financing or franchise loans. The company franchisor cannot provide any lease or note obligation for franchisee guarantee. As long as the company has a relationship with an investor, it can provide third-party financing to cover start-up costs, inventory, equipment, payroll, and accounts receivable. SBA financing may be available to assist with the purchase of a franchise.

There are several different types of franchise loans that you can review. OnDeck, SmartBiz, and ApplePie Capital all offer different options that you can consider. Credibly also has a number of different franchise loan options that you can look into.

I advise you to buy franchise insurance before owning this. These franchise insurance options for you

• Nationwide, 
• Travelers, 
• Liberty Mutual, 
• Progressive, 
• State Farm, 
• Hiscox, and 
• Hartford.

 

Pros & Cons of Great American Cookie Franchise

Great American Cookie is a well-known and well-loved brand. This means that there is a lot of potential for success with a Great American Cookie franchise. Below are the pros and cons of owning a Great American Cookies franchise.

 

Pros of owning a Great American Cookie franchise 

1. Great American Cookies, the home of Original Cookie Cake, is a dynamic, mature, and growing brand.

2. With over 30 years of experience as a cookie and snack food industry leader, Great American Cookies provides superior brand recognition as well as a tried-and-true business model for franchisees to build on.

3. Because the company recognizes the importance of being where the customers are, customers can now place online orders for Cookie Cakes, a quick and easy option that creates an additional revenue source for the franchisee.

4. A large network of experienced franchise owners and a strong franchise association to provide additional support, guidance, and advice in business development.

5. National press coverage, including Food Network’s Unwrapped, Fox & Friends, and the CBS Early Show, as well as effective social media campaigns led by our marketing team and a top public relations firm.

6. Have a high level of transparency to assist investors in making decisions.

 

Cons of owning a Great American Cookie franchise 

1. The royalty fee is relatively high.

2. Expandable

3. Reduced social media presence

 

 

How much do Great American Cookie franchise owners make?

Great American Cookie franchise owners make an average of over $60,000 per year. This is a very lucrative business opportunity, and many successful franchisees have found that the money is well worth the effort it takes to run a successful GAC franchise.

 

Great American Cookie Franchise Rankings

 

Franchise Deck Analysis and Overview

The Great American Cookie has grown significantly as one of the leaders in the cookie and snack food industry in the United States. They not only sell cookies, but they also have a variety of other options for customers to choose from. For the last four decades, the company has maintained its integrity by providing high-quality food and services. The company is very concerned about the success of its franchises. The parent brand FAT brand ensures all franchisee assistance. From the first day of the agreement, the franchise will receive comprehensive training and support. In addition, the company offers real estate assistance and flexible storage options. 

Even though the company was founded in 1977, it has yet to expand. Although there are no specific requirements for franchisee owners, the company is selective in selecting franchise owners. So, all I can say is that the Great American Cookie is a leading cooking brand in the United States, with plans to expand globally. So, if you use this opportunity wisely, it could be a great opportunity for you.

 

The Franchise Deck rating for the Great American Cookie franchise is 3.5/5.0.

 

 

Conclusion 

Great American Cookies is a subsidiary of the Global Franchise Group, which also owns Pretzelmaker, Marble Slab Creamery, and MaggieMoo’s. Great American Cookies is a well-established business in the United States. With such comprehensive training and support, this is a fantastic opportunity for investors to invest. The company intends to expand in target markets, and the bakery industry has a bright future ahead of it. It is still advised to speak with other franchises as much as possible to understand the business and make a decision.

Synopsis of this article All About Great American Cookie franchise

Entrepreneurs who want to open a franchise in the cookies and cafe  franchise opportunities categories can look at 

1. Crumble Cookies Franchise 
2. Millies Cookie  Franchise
3. Cinnabon Franchise
4. Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise 
5. Dunkin Donuts franchise 
6. Cinnabon Franchise

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

1. Is the Great American Cookie franchise profitable?

Yes,  the Great American Cookie is a profitable franchise 

2. Can you make money owning a Great American Cookie?

Yes, you can make money owning a Great American Cookie 

3. Is a Great American Cookie a franchise?

Yes, it is a franchise.