We have developed a simple step by step approach to manage the franchise application process. The process involves the sharing of information between parties in order to state expectations clearly, and make sure the fit between the parties is right. We want you to know what you are getting into, and would like to learn more about you. If our expectations are aligned we hope to form a valuable long term relationship.

Becoming a successful franchisee with GFA isn't as daunting as it might seem. Naturally, there will be challenges but the basic requirements you need to overcome to make your franchise work are assets you probably already possess.

Essentially, we at GFA look for highly motivated organizations or entrepreneurs with a sincere commitment to building a retail brand in their territory.

More specifically, we believe that to succeed in the franchise business one needs to have the 3 Cs: Capital, Commitment, and Competence. And the same applies to you as an aspiring franchisee.

1.1 Capital requirements
Capital is a key ingredient to roll out enough stores to create a brand presence in the market. Also, with more stores come more economies of scale and a wider customer reach. All this helps build the brand while the location risks are diversified over a larger portfolio. Without the proper capital, momentum may be lost, and the entire business may be put at risk.

1.2 Commitment
The Commitment to succeed is another vital ingredient. Food and beverage service is a business that requires managerial attention, a mid-term to long-term horizon, and a daily focus on details to make sure customers are satisfied consistently.

1.3 Competence
It is difficult to execute even the best systems without having a capable team. That is why GFA has developed a comprehensive Quality Management System and a world class training curriculum to develop managers for the franchisee. Following the systems is the most reliable formula for ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction and repeat business.

It needs to be remembered that each franchisee is responsible for building their own team as well as an infrastructure for implementation of their business on the ground. However, you can be equally assured that you will receive continuous support from GFA.

If you are still wondering whether you qualify, you might like to know that GFA does not require a franchisee to have any direct previous experience in the food & beverage industry. Above all, we look for evidence that each partner has the 3 Cs it takes to succeed. If so, you are already on your way.

GFA provides an ongoing support all the way from the moment you sign a contract to the time you open your store(s) and continuously thereafter to assure your stores are run efficiently with a relentless focus on the customer experience while maintaining solid financial controls. We also help you promote your business by marketing the brand effectively within your territory. Ultimately our goal is the same as yours - to generate solid returns on investment by running the business professionally and with the full support of GFA's proven systems.

2.1 Market Study
GFA's specially trained International Operating Assistance professionals conduct detailed surveys designed to analyze and assess the potential for each brand in each specific market. We closely study consumer demand, local demographics and purchasing power, local food preferences, real estate costs, availability of good sites, competitive offerings, and supply vs. demand in the food service category. Each market has different particularities with different return potential, so we use our experience to provide you with our analysis.

2.2 Site Evaluation
Our professional team will train you on how to use our proprietary "Site Evaluation Report" so you collect all key information available and forecast as accurately as you can your sales prior to confirming any site. Location is the most critical success factor in the food service business, so GFA will provide you with the tools to best assess each site.

2.3 Store Design
Our highly talented interior design team will work in 3 steps once we receive the floor plan of the site you finalize. They first optimize the space for each location by creating a floor plan that maximizes seating and the positioning of the counters and other kitchen equipment, second they create high quality 3D renderings of the interior that aims at maximizing the esthetic appeal of each site considering all its specific characteristics, and third they complete a full detailed set of construction drawings you can pass on to your local contractor. At each step our team will be coordinating with yours to make sure you get the landlord and local permitting approvals.

2.4 Store Construction
GFA has its own store and furniture construction company called InterBuild (www.interbuild-solutions.com). This division was specifically created to support our Franchise Partners worldwide. We build fully modular counters as well as store signage that take up only 5 hours to assemble on a site. All the components are shipped in a container worldwide at very competitive prices. You get high quality counters, furniture and signage, built to exact brand specifications, gain the ability to relocate the counter at minimal cost if required, and in most cases at great savings compared to options in your local market. All these capabilities are made available to you.

2.5 Supply Chain
Based on the brand you select we will provide you with a list of all the ingredients and equipments required. Our proprietary ingredients will have to be exported to you, and other items will need to be localized to assure the freshness of your product and to lower procurement costs. We will provide you with full specifications of what is required. For all food supplies sourced locally we will send our Product Experts to test and approve the products and suppliers. This is critical to assure you use ingredients that meet our stringent quality requirements and meet the standards customers have come to expect of GFA brands.

2.6 Single Point of Contact
GFA provides its partners with an experienced International Operating Assistant Coordinator that is available 5 days a week to answer any question and handle any request that comes in. GFA has developed a proprietary intranet platform that allows Partners to log onto a Task Management System to submit their requests and then get updates from the system until the task is completed. This assures all parties are held accountable for communications and performance. As all communication is traced and target dates are included in the system, GFA measures the performance of its support functions continuously to assure they are maintained to the highest levels.

2.7 GFA Academy
The GFA Academy offers a broad range of technical and managerial courses offered onsite at our Global Service Center in Thailand. You can send your managers anytime to the Academy to get trained. We also provide course materials that assist you in conducting local training classes with practical on the job training. The courses are designed to provide you with the key skills required to run your stores with a focus on quality and an understanding of what it requires to continuously improve the overall customer experience. GFA also has Certified Support Personnel that can travel to your territory and assist during the opening stages and or conduct local training within your premises.

2.8 Recruitment
Where necessary, GFA can help you recruit key staff from other countries where the operations exist. Plus we provide you with ideal candidate profiles for key positions with clear guidelines. This ensures that you know exactly what to look for and end up with the right staff for you to succeed.

2.9 Information Technology
GFA has developed its own Point of Sale Software called "Thunderbird." The software will provide you with all key information and reports you need to manage your business. The reports include a detailed product sales mix, sales per day and per hour reports, and variance comparisons between ideal and actual food costs. In addition partners are able to access reports through GFA's web reporting tool.

2.10 Manuals and Operating Standards
GFA has proven standard operating manuals (SOPs) that have been compiled from years of experience. Each manual is practical and designed to simplify the delivery of an outstanding and holistic customer experience. We also conduct regular audits of the stores and report the non-conformances back to you with a suggested corrective and preventive action plan. Our Quality Management System is ISO 9001-2000 certified and we also use Lean Six Sigma tools to make continuous improvements to our Operating Systems.

2.11 Marketing
GFA has ready-to-use proven promotions that can be adapted and implemented in your market. GFA also has a professional team of marketers, graphic designers, copywriters and a photo studio that can create specific promotions to meet your local requirements. GFA works with each of its Franchise Partners in developing a yearly marketing plan that is relevant to their market, and suggests promotions that have been proven and tested in other countries. It also provides partners with an arsenal of different promotion types each achieving different objectives ranging from limited time new products offerings to encourage trial, to promoting combination menus to increase the average ticket price. Our partners are assured ongoing practical and efficient marketing support.

2.12 Research & Development
GFA has a team of professionals that is constantly innovating to introduce new products into our menus and continuously figuring how to improve the quality of our food and beverage offerings. GFA believes in localizing its products to the extent required without compromising the integrity of its core offering. It regularly optimizes menus by collecting feedback from Franchise Partners, researching what other products sell well locally, and analyzing the sales mix in each region to determine what is selling well and what isn't. It also collects data on the different promotions it conducts to understand why certain products perform better than others helping it better understand the preferences of its customers regionally.

2.13 Finance Training
GFA offers financial courses to support you with financial knowledge and in collecting key data required to drive financial performance. GFA has developed financial reporting formats that are relevant to the food service industry and it makes them available to you so you can report and control your venture through proven guidelines.

GFA uses a standard international franchise fee structure by charging an upfront franchise fee based on the number of stores a franchisee is considering opening, monthly royalty payments equal to a percentage of net sales, and marketing fees as a percentage of sales that are either managed by the franchisee or by the corporate office for countries where GFA has a corporate presence.

3.1 Franchise fees
The franchise fee is a one time payment made by the franchisee when the franchise is granted. The initial franchise fee covers the cost of approving a location, designing the store(s), supporting with supply chain management and import requirements, and training the management for the franchise.

3.2 Royalty fees
Royalty fees, a percentage of net monthly sales, are paid monthly by the Franchisee during the entire term of the agreement.

3.3 Marketing fees
Marketing/advertising fees are used to market and advertise the franchise system. These fees are based upon a percentage of net sales. Under a Master Franchise agreement the Franchisee is responsible for managing the national advertising fund.

Click here for specific brand fees and royalties

3.4 Master franchisees and area franchisees
For international locations, we are primarily looking for master franchisees or area franchisees of large cities. A master franchise should be capable of opening multiple outlets in the first 5 years. These could be multiple outlets of one brand or a combination of brands.

If you are interested in a Master or Area Franchise, are in agreement with our terms, and believe you qualify please follow the application process.