Please Ask. We're Happy To Answer. Here are some common questions that prospective franchisees have asked. Is owning a Chillers® franchise right for me? Do I have to work in the restaurant ? What markets are currently available? What is the Initial franchise fee? How much money can I make? How much money will I need to invest? What are the minimum personal capital requirements to qualify? Does Chillers® provide financing? Does Chillers® help in site selection? What help does Chillers® provide in opening a new store? What is the typical size of a Chillers® Ice Cream? Once I open a store, what kind of support can I expect? What are Steps to Owning a Franchise? Still have questions? Click here to contact us. NOTE: The Chillers® Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) answers all questions regarding our Owner/Operators' opportunities. The FDD is available in electronic format or as a paper copy. The following list of questions is a brief response to typical inquiries. If there is any inconsistency or conflict between these questions and the FDD, the FDD will control. Is owning a Chillers® franchise right for me? If you are a friendly, energetic, hard working individual who’s passionate about owning and growing your business, then Chillers franchise is right for you.  We look for people who love to serve the public with a smile, while taking a hands-on approach to running their own business. Finally, you must meet the minimum financial requirements in order to qualify for a Chillers® Franchise. If this describes you, then complete this Franchise Application Form. Do I have to work in the restaurant? We are an owner/operator franchise system. An Owner/operator must be an integral part of the business by being involved full-time in day-to-day operations. Absentee management is not allowed. If you are an investor, you will need to have an operator who is also invested in the business. What markets are currently available? Chillers Ice Cream is currently offering franchise opportunities to qualified new franchisees in select markets as follows: Kentucky & Indiana. Please submit a Franchise Application Form to acquire about franchising in these markets. What is the initial franchise fee and royalties?   Each new franchisee currently pays an individual franchise fee of $22,500 to acquire a Chillers® franchise for the basic 10-year term of the franchise agreement. Ongoing royalties are 4% of gross sales with an advertising fund of 1% of gross sales. How much money can I earn each year? Unfortunately, federal and state laws prevent us from suggesting how much money you can earn from a Chillers®.  Profitability depends on many factors including location of the restaurant, initial investment, operating costs, financing terms, and most importantly, your ability to operate the business effectively. How much money will I need to invest? The initial investment varies depending on a variety of factors, the biggest being leasehold improvements. You should plan to invest between $250,000 to $450,000.  We require franchisees to invest 20% of liquid assets into the total project cost.  Figures do not reflect buying real estate.   What do I need to qualify financially? Chillers® requires a minimum of $50,000 in liquid assets and a net worth of $250,000. Liquid assets will be used to invest in your franchised restaurant opportunity. Liquid assets must come from non-borrowed personal resources, which include cash-on-hand and securities (such as notes, bonds, mutual funds, and stocks). Retirement and 401(k) plans cannot be considered. Does Chillers® provide financing? No.   Although we do not provide financing, Chillers® has developed relationships with several approved lenders who offer competitive financing options. Once you have meet Chillers® minimum financial requirements, we will assist you in securing financing. Does Chillers® help in site selection? Yes.  The location of your restaurant is a big factor in the success of your franchise, so we are ready to help. Chillers® will assist you with the many challenges of site selection and development.  What help does Chillers® give in opening a new store? Chillers® will assist you through every phase of the opening process, including, site selection, lease review, construction, purchasing equipment, owner/operator training, employee hiring, employee training, grand opening assistance, and on-site help when you go live. What is the typical size of a Chillers Ice Cream? Our building prototypes range in size from approximately 1,000 to 1,500 square feet. In addition, our buildings feature a drive-thru and patio seating. Once I open a store what kind of support can I expect? Once your store opens you won’t be on your own. Every Chillers® franchise receives our continued support system to assist your operational and advertising needs. Since your apart of our Chillers® family, you will stay well informed with face to face communications, franchisee bulletins, meetings, and store evaluations. What are the steps I must complete to own a franchise? There are 10 main steps to owning a franchise: Apply for a Franchise Application Review and Phone Interview First Personal Meeting In Restaurant Experience Enter into a Franchise Agreement Site selection, secure financing, lease review, Training Construction of your Chillers Ice Cream Store. Grand Opening Hard Work Read the details by visiting our Steps to Becoming a Franchisee page. Still have questions? Click here to contact us.