Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where are franchising opportunities?
The interactive map below shows areas where we are currently seeking expansion, as well as areas that are protected/unavailable for new franchise development.
A text version of available markets is available here.
Our FDD is not registered in all required states, but we are prepared to file if there is a viable candidate interested in such state.
2. What is the minimum Store development commitment, and how much funding is needed to get started?
We offer market-level development with exclusivity, beginning at a 3-5 Store commitment, and not currently pursuing single-store franchised opportunities. Requests to develop larger geographic or more densely populated markets may require a larger minimum store development commitment. Given this size of development commitment, a candidate’s financial position should be in excess of $3M of liquid assets, such as cash, money markets, mutual funds, marketable stocks, bonds, unlike real estate holdings which are generally not considered liquid.
3. How much money can I make?
Federal and state laws prevent us from suggesting how much money you can make from operating an Andy’s store. Profitability depends on many factors, including the location of your store and how well it’s managed. The cost of your investment, traffic flow, local marketing, controlled variable costs, and executing operations will affect how much money you can make.
We publish a Financial Performance Representation in our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). The Financial Performance Representation contains certain historical gross sales information for existing Andy’s stores.
4. Do I need restaurant ownership/operations experience?
Yes, to be considered a well qualified candidate, we are looking for franchisees that are experienced restauranteurs with multi-unit operations and market development/growth experience.
At Andy’s, we are passionate and committed to the success of our franchise community. We want partners who are experienced in delivering outstanding customer service with a track record of success in one space. If the franchisee, partner, or ownership group does not have this level of experience, then an in-market operations manager with experience growing a multi-unit restaurant operation must be part of the ownership team.
5. What is the initial franchise fee?
There is a fee of $32,000 for a new Franchisee’s first store location. The fee is reduced to $28,000 per additional store location thereafter. A $14,000 non-refundable deposit when signing an additional Development Addendum, the balance payable 60 days prior to each store’s opening.
6. What is the current royalty fee?
The royalty fees range starts at 6%, with tiered levels down to 4%. Tier levels are tied to the number of store locations opened.
7. Am I given territorial protection?
Yes, within a defined /exclusive territory.
8. Do I have to buy equipment & systems from Andy’s?
Yes. We utilize frozen custard machines with design features that produce what we believe to be the best frozen custard treats in the world. Custard machines are procured directly through Andy’s Frozen Custard.
9. Who is responsible for advertising?
Franchisees may be required to contribute up to two-percent of store sales to Andy’s National Advertising Fund used for brand marketing activities. As of Q3 2023, one-percent is being collected. These funds are used for activities to support awareness of the premium products and customer experiences Andy’s provides. Marketing is an essential, ongoing effort, that benefits everyone across the Andy’s brand family.
Additionally, franchisees engage in advertising activities in their local markets, at a minimum rate of 3% of sales.
10. Do I receive training from Andy’s
Yes. All owner-operators are required to complete a training program. It covers each position in the store, as well as opening and closing best practices. The cost of this training is included in the franchise fee. Franchisees pay their own costs for transportation, lodging, and meals. Training takes place at a regional company-owned certified training store.
11. Do I get help in opening my Andy’s store?
Yes. In addition to the training program, an Andy’s team member will travel to your store and provide guidance during your store opening period. As a new franchise owner/operator, you will receive a high level of focused attention from the Andy’s support team. We will assist you in opening as seamlessly as possible. We want every customer to be delighted when experiencing the industry’s best premium frozen treats!
12. How do I get started?
Complete the online application form. Your application will be reviewed for alignment with our requirements. Someone from our franchise development team will notify you of the status of your application. More information may be requested, or a meeting may be scheduled.
