Process
What to Expect When Applying:
We ask that you complete and submit the request for consideration form. This form gives us a general idea of
what your interests are in acquiring one of our outlets. Once we receive this information, you will be contacted
and sent an information package including our franchise application, to be completed as part of the approval
process.
You've Been Approved! Now What?
If approved, you will receive a Federal Disclosure Document (FDD), and a member of our Franchise Development
Team will follow up with you to answer any questions you may have. If possible, we would like to set up a
Discovery Day for you at our corporate offices, where we can answer any remaining questions and show you how the
entire process works.
We will assist you with site selection for approval. Management will review your desired location and travel to
the site for evaluation - you will be notified of approval after the visit. We will also assist you, if needed,
in either the property purchase or lease negotiation process to secure your site.
You and your operating managers will be scheduled for 21 days of training at our corporate offices once the
projected opening date has been established. You will receive a CD containing all the information you will need
in order to help you understand some of our terminology. Training MUST be completed in its entirety in order to
obtain operator certification prior to opening your outlet.
A member of our Operations Team will be there to support you throughout the opening process, as well as assist
with any additional staff training you may need. We will continue to assist and support you in the areas of
purchasing, marketing, business development, and information technologies throughout the life of your franchise.
We will do this through direct and individualized training efforts, regular conference meetings, outlet visits,
and in many other ways that have proven to be successful in making The Taco Maker
®
/ Jake’s
®
one of the best
franchise operations in existence today.
F.A.Q.
Q: What does the Franchise Fee include?
A: By far our most profitable outlets are those that offer our winning combination of multiple food concepts.
The Franchise Fee includes the opportunity to have both of our brand names per location: “ The Taco Maker®
Mexican food; Jake's
®
classic burgers, fries, and ice cream treats. Single concept outlets are possible where
restrictive covenants may already exist.
Q: What is my total investment?
A: Investments vary depending on the type of outlet, total concepts being utilized and the equipment involved,
local construction costs, etc. Other factors such as property purchase vs. lease also impact the answer to this
question. Our FDD contains additional information on this subject.
Q: What
are your royalty fees?
A: Royalties are 6% of gross sales. See our FDD for details.
Q: Are
there any other fees?
A: Yes. An Initial Advertising Fee of $3,500, an ongoing Advertising Fee of 3% (4% for Puerto Rico Market), and
a New Store Development fee of $5,000 on your first outlet and $3,000 on each subsequent outlet you open.
Q: What is the New Store Development Fee?
A: This is charged for the design layout of your outlet and also to assist you in coordinating the purchase of
equipment for your outlet. Our designers will provide you with a detailed layout of your facility showing
equipment placement, work areas, seating area, etc. Appropriate signage and marketing materials are also shown.
Completed designs are ready for your local architect to use to prepare final blueprints for submission to your
local building department. This will allow you to proceed with any financing work you may need to do.
Q: What is the Initial Advertising Fund (IAF) and what is it used for?
A: These funds are placed into a trust account to be used specifically for the initial promotion of each
individual outlet. This will include your initial and Grand Opening. Specifying the amount as a fee will allow
you to incorporate that figure into your financing package.
Q: How is the Advertising Fund used?
A: This advertising fund is utilized to promote the sales, development efforts and community relationships of the
brand in the markets. Local efforts as well as National efforts are included in these funds,
simultaneously.
Q: Once I have been accepted as a Franchisee how long will
the process take?
A: With your signed Agreement a full timeline covering from start to finish is prepared for you. Many things will
need to get done simultaneously, site approval, lease negotiations, training, financing, and construction are
often the primary time consuming factors. Once your site has been approved and any lease negotiations concluded,
the construction / remodeling time typically takes between 120-180 days. Our operational training (21 days) is
usually scheduled approximately one month prior to the opening of your outlet to allow you to move right into
pre-opening preparations, including the hiring and training of additional team members to staff your outlet.
Q: Do you help with site
selection?
A: We will assist you in this process by providing current information on sites available in your area. All sites
must be approved by us prior to the development of any site. We also provide a New Site Selection Kit designed
to assist you with your selection process. We will also assist you with any lease negotiations.
Q: How big of a space will I
need?
A: This will depend upon the type of outlet being pursued—freestanding, in-line, food court, or C-store. Food
court spaces that have common eating areas require less space than freestanding units with drive-up windows. In
many cases, our franchisees lease existing facilities that are remodeled to meet our specification. A member of
our Franchise Development Team will assist you in such efforts.
Q: Am I given a protected territory?
A: As part of the site approval process we take into account any special market conditions, population density
and growth patterns surrounding each location individually, including what effect any new location might have on
any existing locations. We want to insure that each outlet will have a sufficient balance of business needed to
be successful, and we will not jeopardize any existing outlets.
Q: What about alcohol sales and licensing?
A: As a general rule, alcoholic beverages are not allowed in our outlets, but exceptions can be made depending on
numerous factors, including but not limited to the country and place to be established.
Q: Do I receive guidance on purchasing food and supplies?
A: Yes. Top quality products are crucial to our concept. Many products are proprietary to us and have been so
specified with our distributor. Using our collective buying power, our Purchasing Coordinator will provide you
with a full purchasing and distribution program that will enable you to order top quality products at
competitive prices.
Q: What sort of training and
support can I expect?
A: Franchisees and their designated operational managers must attend and successfully complete all of our
training programs. Operational training course will be held our corporate offices. It is a 21-day course full of
hands-on and practical everyday experiences that will help you become a successful franchisee. We do not charge
for the training, and all materials are provided. Travel expenses, hotel accommodations, and employee
compensation are your responsibility. As many people as you want may attend the training with you, and it is
available to be repeated at any time.
Q: Do I receive assistance
in opening my restaurant?
A: Yes. In addition to our initial headquarter training we also assist you with the initial opening of your
outlet. You will have an experienced member of our Operations Team who will work with you and your staff before,
during, and after your unit opens. On going training and support is also provided for your continued success. We
have attempted to answer the most commonly asked questions about The Taco Maker
®
/ Jake's
®
franchise program,
but you may have questions we have not addressed above. If so, please contact us at
1-787-273-3160 for further
details. Please remember the information contained above is of a general nature; the FDD is the only official
offering document for the acquisition of a Taco Maker
®
/ Jake's
®
Franchise.