Our Franchise Offering
What to Expect:
Our Franchise System
We’ve designed our franchise system to support your success as a business owner while creating a space that will become a pillar of your local community.
Your Location
We’ll help guide your location search through parameters we know will support your business’s success. Once you’ve identified and secured your physical space, our national architects help to design your space to align with the Small Town Play Cafè® brand.
We’ll help support your design process and builder selection, then hold your hand through your buildout to get you “ready to open” as quickly as possible.
From café equipment to your custom-designed play space and toy selection, our team is there to guide you every step of the way.
Training
Our training program helps ensure you have the right tools to successfully guide your team to a profitable play café business.
- Small Town Play Café® brand, culture, mission and vision
- Building, developing and managing your team of Community Hosts
- Leveraging marketing the drive your location’s success
- Operating procedures: products and services, guest communication, opening/closing and cleaning procedures, vendor relationships, safety protocols, food and beverage, parties and events playbooks, classes, and more
- Financial management: fiscal responsibility, goals & KPIs, royalties and franchise obligations
Tech, Marketing & Ongoing Support
We’ll handle your initial POS and venue management build, empowering you with tools to deliver a white-glove guest experience. We’ll train you on system functionality, plus our dashboards and analytics, so you can stay dialed into every aspect of your revenue.
With access to our marketing content, images, templates and more, you’ll deliver content to your target audience with ease and efficiency.
Through it all, our team is there to support and guide your franchise journey.
FAQs
What will my day-to-day look like as an owner?
This differs slightly depending on the owner.
- You may see yourself as an owner/operator where you’re also serving as the GM for your business (in addition to operating your business’s accounting, operations, staffing, etc). You’ll spend ample time working in your business — interacting with your community, working closely with your team, planning parties and events, and even jumping behind the counter to sling lattes from time to time. Our owner/operators experience the joy of community building firsthand and spend time working both on and in their businesses.
- Alternatively, you may choose to bring on a GM and/or Events Manager to operate the day-to-day of your business, while you work primarily on the business (instead of in the business). Hiring trusted management staff is crucial to the success of this model, but allows you to spend less time onsite at your business. This is a great option for franchise owners with young families or those looking to maintain other existing ventures.
- In either model, as an owner you are ultimately the driver of your business’s success, but your choice determines your time commitment to your business.
Who is an ideal owner for a small town play café® franchise?
We’re seeking franchisees who are passionate about delivering an enjoyable indoor play destination for families with young children, paired with a desire to create magical moments and connections with their communities.
Prospective franchisees should have a growth mindset, strong business acumen, and a white-glove approach to guest experience.
How large will my location and team be?
Physical locations will be 2,000-3,000 square feet.
Team size will differ slightly depending on your approach to management and whether you choose to hire a GM and/or Events Manager. Franchisees can expect a team of 6-15 people, mainly comprised of part-time staff.
How quickly can I open?
We estimate approximately 9-12 months between the time you sign the Franchise Agreement until Opening Day. This time may be significantly shorter or longer depending on the time necessary to obtain a site, to obtain financing, and to obtain the permits, licenses, etc needed to operate your Franchised Business.
Sample Timeline (some timelines may overlap):
- Sign Franchise Agreement
- Find a Location & Sign your Lease
- Design
- Permit Approvals
- Buildout
- Training & Grand Opening Marketing (occurs during buildout)
- Opening Day!
What is the initial investment, franchise fee, royalty, etc?
Explore more information on anticipated investment, fees, royalties etc. on our “your investment” page. You can also learn more about our financial requirements and financing options.
Can I finance my initial investment?
Our “your investment” page outlines our financial requirements and potential funding options. If you’re interested in exploring funding options, we’ll connect you with Benetrends Financial for a consultation to discuss your funding options and strategy. Their funding tool is a great starting point to help determine how much and what sources of funding may be available to you.
