Franchise open?
The profile
As a franchisee, you will be the face of the BUNS branch in your city. You will work with us to build the concept of making BUNS the number one luxury sandwich restaurant in the Netherlands, and you know how to create a place where quality, service and experience come together. It is also important that you know how to form your own BUNS team in order to get the best out of your establishment.
- Managerial experience in hospitality or a related sector is a requirement.
- You are independent, responsible and have the drive to get the most out of your branch, keeping an eye on the entire concept.
Glory in every bite
What we look for in our franchisees:
- You love good food and like our sandwiches as much as we do
- You have a passion for hospitality and always serve people with a smile
- You are ambitious, driven and entrepreneurial. You have the drive to successfully run your own business.
- You have strong communication skills and leadership experience.
- You have an eye for detail, are meticulous and know what quality is.
Personal qualities:
- You are hospitable and make every guest feel immediately welcome.
- You stay calm and uncluttered even during busy times.
- You enjoy working together and strengthen the team with a positive attitude.
- You have a passion for good food and can share our enthusiasm for burgers and comfort food.
Practical requirements:
- Available time and commitment: Willing to fully commit to running your own BUNS branch.
- Financial stability Sufficient equity or financing options for initial investment and operational costs.
- Local market knowledge Good understanding of the local market, potential customers and a local network.
- On start in possession of Social Hygiene, Allergen, HACCP and BHV diplomas.
FAQ Franchise
General
What makes BUNS so special?
When you say BUNS, you say glorious food. BUNS was born out of love and passion for food, and you can taste it in every sandwich. A unique concept of which you can be one of the first to take part.
The combination of product and atmosphere makes our concept special. Many sandwich shops sell tasty sandwiches but do not offer a nice seating area. In contrast, many lunchrooms have a good atmosphere but a limited menu. BUNS brings the best of both worlds together. You'll find the most unusual sandwiches that you won't see anywhere else, but that still feel familiar.
What is my input as a franchisee on the concept?
As an entrepreneur, you are responsible for guarding the BUNS concept in your branch. You do this through local involvement and entrepreneurship. You can do this by partnering with other entrepreneurs in the area, responding to your guests' needs and building a welcoming team to make your guests feel at home.
What does Full Franchise mean
In Full Franchise, the franchise formula, operations and business format are subject to conditions and rules in all areas.
Is there a franchise council or association?
Not yet, from 5 branches onwards, a franchise board will be installed.
Is there a period consultation structure with franchisees?
There is a quarterly contact moment with all franchisees.
Where do I buy in?
For the entire assortment of BUNS products, agreements have been made with regular suppliers to achieve economies of scale and consistent quality for all franchisees.
Can I deviate from the menu?
The menu is fixed for all BUNS establishments. However, it is possible to add products, such as regional products or local beer. The products must meet the BUNS quality requirements and vision. There is a total of 5% space for local sourcing.
Startup
Am I being trained?
Yes, once the franchise agreement has been signed and the location found, the induction process will start. This will take place at BUNS Haarlem and will take you through the various facets of running your own BUNS branch.
How many employees do you need in your establishment?
Your new team will need to consist of about 10 to 16 people. Depending on location and opening hours. This is a mix of full- and part-timers.
How do I form the leadership team?
Within the BUNS formula, we work with a Head of Kitchen and Head of Bar, who work directly under the franchisee and together ensure quality. This team is put together by the franchisee.
Will my team be trained?
As a franchisee, you are responsible for training your own team. From BUNS, we can help you with this by providing training through our partners. For the managerial team, this can also include an internship at BUNS Haarlem.
Will I be guided with permit applications?
As an entrepreneur, you are responsible for arranging the licence application yourself. However, from BUNS HQ, we support the franchisee where necessary.
Will I be coached in complying with (catering) laws and regulations?
Yes, including in HACCP, Construction, Environmental and Advertising legislation.
How much time is there between signing up as a franchisee and opening the branch?
The average lead time is around 6 months. Depending on location, permits and remodelling.
Do I decide what my branch will look like?
Your new BUNS branches will be designed using BUNS's style guide and matching the premises. The concept drawings are shared with the franchisee for feedback at various stages.
Do I decide my own opening hours?
All BUNS branches are open at least six days a week. Opening hours are determined in consultation with the franchisor, at least between 11:00 and 21:00.
Finance
How much equity do you need to start as a franchise entrepreneur?
To set up your BUNS branch, you, as a franchisee, must contribute at least 20% in equity capital. Equity capital of €40,000 or more provides a solid foundation, but the final investment will depend on various factors, such as the size and location of the premises.
What can my equity consist of?
Equity can include subordinated loans, savings, inheritance. If necessary, you can also further supplement equity through family and friends, etc. Here, we can advise you further or put you in touch with franchise entrepreneurs who have (had) a similar situation.
Will I be guided through a funding process?
Yes, BUNS’s head office will support you through the initial stages. You can also work with an external adviser whilst applying to the bank.
Is financing going through a bank of your choice?
Financing can be taken from a bank of your choice. There is also a BUNS Contingency Fund. Financing can also be applied for here if required.
How much is the entry fee?
The start-up fee per branch is a one-off €17,500
What do I get for the entry fee?
By paying the entry fee, you get access to the use of the BUNS name. You will also get access to the entire franchise formula, including manuals, contacts, products and recipes. You will also receive the necessary support in starting up your own BUNS.
How much is the franchise fee?
The franchise fee is 7.5% of sales per month, per branch.
What is the franchise fee used for?
The franchise fee is used to maintain and develop the BUNS concept and provide guidance to franchisees.
Which legal form should I choose?
This varies from one situation to another; the choice is up to the franchisee(s) themselves. An accountant or notary can advise on this.
Am I free to choose my accountants?
At BUNS, we work with a permanent accounting firm to ensure that all procedures are the same. This office is also connected to the management output system and the cash register, so that, among other things, benchmarking can also be used and insights are available for the franchise supervisors in order to work together for the optimal result.
Am I free in my choice of insurance company?
You are free to choose your own company in this. From BUNSthere is an insurance company that we work with.
Marketing
Can I decide what communication material I have in my branch?
From BUNS headquarters, there is an ongoing marketing & communications strategy that is overarching for all branches. This includes various communication materials. Together with the graphic designer, local communication materials can also be created so that everything is always in the style of BUNS. These are at your own expense.
Who manages social media?
The social media pages are managed by BUNS's head office. To exude uniformity and build a big brand, individual social media accounts for each location are not used. However, posts about individual branches are shared on the social media channels.
Contract
What is the term of the franchise agreement?
The franchise agreement consists of two 5-year contracts.
What things are included in the franchise agreement?
Granting Franchise/ Provision of information/ Rayon and exclusivity/ Licences, quality seals/ Renovations and Fixtures/ Manual and guidelines/ Development of formula/ Instruction, education, training and staffing/ Sales support, advertising and website/ Management and administration/ Automation/ Core assortment/ Reimbursement/ Insurance/ Payment/ Term/ Operating regulations.
What if things go wrong?
You are responsible for the final results of your BUNS. From headquarters, we will do everything we can to advise and guide you to achieve the best results.
What happens when the contract expires?
After four years, a discussion is held on the cooperation and the results achieved. In it, we discuss whether and how to continue the cooperation.
