 |
 |
We are currently offering Master Franchise Agreements in the following Markets:
    
United Kingdom Canada Australia Ireland UAE
For Information about our International Program please enroll in our sales prospect database.
Wine Loft Advantages
The Wine Loft’s Competitive Advantages:
No Retail- we believe the idea of combining retail with a wine bar experience is as bad as drinking wine from a box. Enjoying wine in a wine bar encompasses all senses, and as much thought has gone into our music selection, our ambience, appearance of our team, style of wine glasses, our furniture, as has in the construction of our Wine List and Food Menu. This can’t be done in a retail experience. Additionally, having drilled deep into wine retailing, lower inventory turnover rates combined with lower margins just do not make sense financially.
Efficient Operation – A Traditional Wine Loft Wine Bar operates with 1 Operator (manager or Franchisee), 1 Chef, and a Service Staff of less than 20 persons. We encourage most of our Service Staff to work part-time, as this keeps them more motivated about their jobs. We are also closed on Sunday in most markets, which is a huge incentive.
Low Start Up Costs – Unlike a traditional restaurant, most states do not require The Wine Loft kitchens to include exhaust hoods and below ground grease traps. Additionally, our desired locations include not only the new "lifestyle centers" that are being built across the country, but also the down-town urban settings, which we can implement with a unique so-sheik design, capitalizing on the natural architectural aesthetics.
Advantages of our Franchise Program:
Proven Business Model – It works. Ask a Franchisee!
Beverage and Culinary Program – We have developed a categorical approach to building our wine list. While we have the utmost respect for critics, we believe that wine attractiveness is arbitrary, and we choose not to promote brands. We provide Franchisees with 60 selections that have to be offered by the glass, and allow them to carry up to 80. We provide 200 selections that have to be offered by the bottle, and allow them to carry as many as they can manage. We also have developed a Culinary driven menu of 18 items with less than 120 ingredients. Of these 18 items the Franchisee must carry 12, but may carry all if they desire.
Royalties are covered – Like every franchise we charge a Royalty; however, through our unified purchasing program the Franchisee more than saves twice the Royalty Contribution.
Promotion – We offer several promotions including three Major Marketing Events and a serious of In-house Promotional Events. We don’t believe in live music poetry nights, etc. Our patrons love the Wine Loft, because we create a relaxed atmosphere for them to socialize and enjoy our offerings. Additionally, The Wine Loft Wine Bar is the perfect destination for private events, and we provide all the necessary sales collateral to successfully execute such events.
Wine Training and Support – We work closely with the local purveyors to make sure that the Service Staff understands the products we sell. This training is backed by Sales Contests and Incentive Programs to encourage the Staff to learn about wine. We do not use color coding or any other gimmicks to train our Staff or educate our customers.
Continuing Education – The Wine Loft University Program provides an on-line certification program for your Staff. From the day we begin our training we benchmark their knowledge and provide advanced training opportunities including visits to wineries in the US and abroad.
We believe we have the best program in the market place and want to work with the best Franchisees in the market place!!!!
For a FUN slideshow prestentation and introduction to our Franchise program, please visit "Uncorked"!!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has The Wine Loft been in business?
Since 2003
How long has The Wine Loft been franchising?
Since June, 2005
Why is your Franchise Fee higher than many other franchises?
First of all, we are a “lifestyle franchise”. You are not buying a job, you are buying a lifestyle! We want to attract the upscale, classy Franchisee that we feel would best represent The Wine Loft. After working with consultants to put the franchise program together, this turned out to be a very important factor! We want to separate ourselves from the pizza and hamburger places.
A second factor is the Royalties. Our Royalties are substantially lower than most traditional franchises. Many franchises range from 6-10% as opposed to The Wine Loft's 4%!
Thirdly, many franchises have lower Franchise Fees and then add a “Start-up Cost”, which can sometimes add an additional $15-25K! Our research shows that a “happy” Franchisee usually has no problem with the additional $15-25K for their franchise, because it is booked as “Start-up Costs”. As long as the investment is cash-flowing, the additional expenditure is meaningless in the long run.
Additionally, our program contains more value than a traditional franchise. This includes many aspects during the start-up phase as well as after opening.
Why would I want to by a franchise?
Statistics now prove that franchises have THE highest success rates and THE lowest failure rates of ANY business the the U.S. today!! Over 95% of all franchises are still in business after five years – why? They all come with a built-in proven “system”, available to all Franchisees nationwide. By purchasing a franchise, you receive on-going marketing, training, management and support for the life of the franchise!
Why should I pay Royalties?
Royalties are what make franchising work! A typical owner would spend a great deal of money hiring a management, advertising, marketing and support team – much more than you would spend paying 4% Royalties to The Wine Loft! Instead of an individual owner footing this entire bill to run his or her franchise, this expense is shared with all of the franchises within the organization.
Are all Wine Lofts non-smoking?
Yes, although smoking is permitted in patio areas in those Wine Lofts that have patios.
What is the average capacity?
Usually 125-150 people, often more than 200 people, depending of course upon the size of the location.
What is the average square footage of a typical Wine Loft?
2500 square feet, which does not include an adjacent patio, terrace or loft level. Adjacent spaces are averaging an additional 1000-1500 square feet. We will consider spaces from 1500 square feet on up, however.
Does my Total Investment cost include a Liquor License?
No. This is a separate expense that the Franchisee is responsible for. Each state has different regulations and pricing, and it is up to the Franchisee to research and obtain this license. We do however, have a relationship with a company that has attorneys in each state, who can help you with this search. Liquor Licensing is their specialty, and they can help you get the job done.
Is The Wine Loft “wine” only?
No, we are a “full-service” bar - beer, martinis, spirits, etc.
Can I decide which wines I would like to carry?
We offer 80 wines “by the glass”, with Corporate choosing 60 of those wines. You will be able to choose 20 of your favorites. We also offer more than 250 wines “by the bottle”. Corporate will choose 200, leaving the remaining choices up to you!
What is the average cost of a glass of wine? A bottle of wine?
The average glass of wine can range from $5-45. A bottle of wine will range from $25-300.
How do you preserve the wine and prevent spoilage?
We have a Wine-Keeper System that we use to “gas” all the wines at the end of the shift. All leftover sparkling wines from the weekend are poured off on “Sunday Bubbles” (a promotional program that offers free champagne for ladies on Sundays).
Can I add my own menu items?
Some menu items may be changed, but all items must be tested and approved by Corporate Home Offices. An ingredient list and recipe would need to be provided. We would format it, photograph it, and test it in The Wine Loft Kitchen. If the menu item passes qualification, you can then add this item to your menu. We encourage regionalization of our menus.
Do you have sample menus?
Yes. Click on the "Menu" button on the left side of this screen (2nd one down) to view some of our menu selections.
Does The Wine Loft allow live music?
No, our UFOC does not permit live music in The Wine Loft. We have a music system in each location and provide playlists that you may choose from, for each day of the week, through our intranet. You will hear a variety of down-temo lounge style music in each Wine Loft location, by design. This allows a relaxed and classy atmosphere, whereby our patrons can enjoy conversation over delicious food, fine wines and spirits.
Will I need a business plan, and does The Wine Loft provide one?
Yes, you will need a business plan to approach banks and lenders when you are ready to obtain capital for purchase of The Wine Loft. It is up to you to come up with your own business plan. We are happy to provide assistance, but it is ultimately up to you.
What kind of credit score do I need to have?
We prefer that you have a credit score of at least 650.
What is the UFOC, and when do I receive a copy?
The UFOC is a lengthy legal document, containing everything you will want to know about The Wine Loft. Every franchise has a UFOC. You will read about our company, its policys, procedures, rules, regulations, Franchise Agreement, Development Agreement and so forth. You will receive it electronically, after we have reviewed and accepted your completed applications and feel that we are ready for that next step.
What is the Receipt Document, and why do I need to sign it?
The Receipt Document is contained within the UFOC. Youll need to print it out, sign it and fax it back to us. This is a legal document simply stating that you have “received” the UFOC. This is an important document that puts you under NO obligation whatsoever. It actually protects you by giving you a 10-day waiting period (10 business days), during which no contracts can be signed nor monies exchanged. After the 10 business days have passed, we can then move at any pace you are comfortable with. We must have this document signed and in our possession however, to proceed with any Purchase Agreements.
Are the Franchise Agreements and Development Agreements within the UFOC the exact same ones that I will use, if I decide to buy The Wine Loft?
Yes.
Can you tell me what my earning potential is with The Wine Loft? Can you forecast revenue projections in any way?
NO! It is strictly prohibited by the Federal Government to give ANY projections or earnings claims! You CAN however, at the appropriate time in your due diligence, contact current Franchisees, many of whom will be happy to share financial information with you. Existing Franchisees will be your source for gaining a tremendous amount of information - revenues and earnings being a huge part of this!
What % of income comes from food? Single-glass wine sales?
15% of sales come from food sales, and 60% comes from single-glass wine sales.
What are your average cost of goods, labor and operations?
The average cost of goods sold is between 28-32% of Total Revenue. The average cost of labor is 17% of Total Revenue, and the average cost of operations expenses is 12% of Total Revenue. These cost percentages are based on averages from a Corporate Store.
How many employees does a typical Wine Loft have?
1 Operator (manager or Franchisee), 1 Chef, and a Staff of less than 20, mostly part-time.
What are the typical shifts for employees?
Friday and Saturday nights usually have 4 bartenders and 4 cocktail servers. All other shifts are typically 2 bartenders and 2 cocktail servers.
What controls the pricing of the wine, spirits and food?
The local costs control the pricing. We have costing formulas that contain multipliers and constants that are applied to base costs for food and beverages. This allows for increases in costs.
Do I have to purchase my products from Corporate?
Nothing is purchased through The Wine Loft! We help you establish relationships with local/national vendors for everything!
I live in a Registration State. When will The Wine Loft be ready for franchising in my state?
We have put all necessary paperwork through the proper channels and are just awaiting the green light to move forward. This can be a lengthy process and can take some time. We anticipate being legally registered in these states at some point in 2009. Here is a current list of Registration States: CA, HI, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, VA, WA and WI. We are now registered in MI and OR!
What kind of training can I expect if I become a Franchisee?
We start with one day of Orientation. We get you started by setting up phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and introduce you to the Intranet, our internal program for all our people. Youll see how we pull all aspects of our Franchise Program together, and give you an overview of what youll be learning over the next few weeks.
At the appropriate time, you will have two weeks at either a Corporate training location or a designated training store, and yet another week on site, at YOUR location. This consists of General Training, Wine Training, Position Specific Training (each position will have separate training to cover their areas of expertise - bar, back of the house, kitchen, servers, etc). The last day is a big review with exams and continued on-line training.
During this time, the new Franchisee will also be busy monitoring their construction progress for their new location, working towards completion dates, licensing requirements, and in general will be busy with many different aspects of The Wine Loft at this point.
What is the Reservation Agreement and how does it work?
The Reservation Agreement is a new tool we devised to help secure locations for serious candidates while they finish with their due diligence process. A serious candidate, after having been to The Wine Loft, can then put down a 10% deposit ($5500 for a single Franchise Agreement, and $10K for a Development Agreement), thus reserving their location, city or territory for 30 days. During this 30 days, that location, city or territory is taken off of the market, giving the candidate time to finish the due diligence process – meet with attorneys, access the necessary funding etc. At the end of 30 days, we expect the candidate to be ready to close the deal, and sign a Franchise Agreement or a Development Agreement. When the candidate does sign one of our Agreements, the Reservation deposit is put toward the total amount owed. If the candidate changes his/her mind for whatever reason, this deposit is FULLY refundable, allowing a perfect tool to secure your location before someone else reserves it without penalty in case you change your mind! This has been an invaluable tool and has been used by many of our candidates to date.
If you would like to have more detailed information emailed to you about our franchise program please enroll into our sales prospect database.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
