With over 200 locations across the United States, Village Inn has grown into one of the nation’s largest breakfast restaurant franchises.
The brand specializes in traditional American comfort foods like omelets, breakfast platters, sandwiches, salads, and of course, their famous pancakes. Village Inn restaurants have a retro 1950s diner aesthetic with bold red neon signage and welcoming interiors.
For entrepreneurs interested in getting into the world of franchise business and restaurant investment, a Village Inn franchise presents a profitable and time-tested opportunity.
Village Inn is actively seeking new franchise partners to help expand the brand, especially in markets across the Midwest, South, and West Coast.
As a Village Inn franchisee, you’ll benefit from the brand power and operational systems of an established restaurant chain, while still enjoying the perks of small business ownership. Keep reading to learn all about the Village Inn franchise opportunity!
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Benefits and Advantages of Owning a Village Inn Franchise
There are many advantages to owning a Village Inn franchise restaurant rather than an independent breakfast diner or pancake house. Village Inn offers franchisees a recognized brand name, proprietary menu items, effective marketing strategies, and comprehensive training programs.
Some key benefits of Village Inn franchise ownership include:
- Strong brand recognition – Village Inn has developed powerful brand awareness over its 60+ years in business. Customers know and love the Village Inn name across the United States.
- Proven business model – Village Inn has a track record of success. The franchise system and restaurant operating procedures are designed for profitability.
- Operational support – Franchisees gain access to Village Inn’s established supply chain and benefits of economies of scale. The corporate team provides ongoing advice and assistance.
- Marketing power – Village Inn conducts national and regional marketing campaigns and local store marketing support. Individual franchises benefit from multimillion-dollar ad budgets.
- Real estate expertise – The Village Inn corporate real estate team helps identify and secure optimal restaurant locations to maximize visibility and sales.
- Extensive training – Franchisees and staff complete 7 weeks of hands-on instruction before restaurant opening to ensure success.
- Group purchasing power – Village Inn franchises get discounts on equipment, supplies, and inventory through national and local distributor partnerships.
- Franchisee support system – There are many opportunities to network and learn from fellow Village Inn franchise owners. Annual conferences also bring franchisees together.
- Ongoing research and development – Village Inn continually evolves its menus, decor, and branding to keep up with customer preferences and food trends.
By leveraging the strength of an established brand like Village Inn, franchisees can hit the ground running with their new breakfast restaurant. Customers already know and love the Village Inn dining experience.
Requirements and Qualifications to Own a Village Inn Franchise
Village Inn welcomes franchising inquiries from qualified candidates who align with the company’s values and have a passion for the restaurant industry. Here are some key requirements:
- Minimum net worth – Franchisees must have at least $1.2 million in net worth to invest in a new Village Inn location.
- Liquid assets – A minimum of $400,000 in liquid capital is required. These funds go towards the franchise fee, equipment, inventory, payroll, etc.
- Franchise experience – Previous multi-unit franchise or restaurant management experience is preferred. Fast food experience is considered relevant.
- Full-time commitment – Village Inn requires owners take a hands-on, full-time role in running their location. Absentee ownership is prohibited.
- Operational skills – Experience with restaurant operations, inventory management, quality control, staffing, and financial planning is strongly preferred.
- Local market knowledge – Understanding your targeted local area and site demographics is key when selecting the right franchise location.
- Leadership abilities – Franchisees must have strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication abilities to manage a team.
- Alignment with brand – Village Inn seeks franchisees who connect with the brand’s values and culture. Previous experience as a satisfied customer is a plus.
The ideal Village Inn franchisee is passionate about food, hospitality, and people. They have business acumen as well as operational restaurant experience. Village Inn wants franchise partners for the long-haul and provides ample training and support.
Costs, Fees, and Expenses Associated with Village Inn Franchise Ownership
The initial investment to open a new Village Inn franchise ranges from $1,703,000 to $2,623,000 according to the latest Franchise Disclosure Document. This encompasses all costs and fees associated with building out and equipping a new restaurant site.
Here’s a closer look at the key costs to factor in:
- Initial franchise fee – $40,000 to $50,000
- Real estate/site selection – $650,000 to $1,300,000
- Leasehold improvements/construction – $450,000 to $700,000
- Equipment and fixtures – $150,000 to $200,000
- Signage/decor – $30,000 to $50,000
- Initial inventory – $7,000 to $10,000
- Training expenses – $15,000 to $20,000
- Opening marketing – $15,000 to $20,000
- Licenses, permits, other – $15,000 to $30,000
- Additional working capital – $100,000 to $150,000
- Opening payroll – $20,000 to $30,000
As a franchise business, Village Inn collects royalties on sales along with advertising fees. The royalty rate is 4% of weekly gross sales. Advertising contributions are 3% of gross sales.
For those exploring Village Inn franchise opportunities, having sufficient capital to invest is crucial. The company and bank partners can provide financing guidance. Ongoing expenses like payroll, food costs, supplies, royalties, and rent will also factor into operating budgets.
Training, Support, and Ongoing Assistance Provided by Village Inn Corporate
Village Inn offers franchisees and their management teams extensive training to prepare for restaurant operations and success. Here are some highlights of Village Inn’s training programs:
- 7 weeks of hands-on training – Franchisees complete immersive instruction at a certified training restaurant. Programs cover all aspects of restaurant operations, management, and service.
- Operational guidance – The corporate team provides detailed guidelines on proven systems for everything from inventory and quality control to staff training and cost management.
- Opening support – Corporate and training representatives will provide on-site support leading up to and during the opening weeks of your new Village Inn.
- Ongoing field visits – You’ll receive regularly scheduled visits from franchise leadership who can audit your store and provide coaching.
- Annual conferences – These national conferences allow for networking, shared best practices, guest speakers, and more.
- Promotional guidance – Village Inn provides franchisees with tools, templates, and guidance on local store marketing, social media, PR, and community events.
- New product rollouts – Stay up to date on introducing new menu items, limited-time offers, decor packages, and branding.
- Online knowledge portal – The extranet franchisee portal offers training videos, field reports, best practice guides, corporate announcements, and key contacts.
- Toll-free support line – The corporate office offers phone and email support across departments like IT, legal, marketing, purchasing, construction, and training.
Village Inn is invested in each franchisee’s success. The corporate support team is readily available to help new owners get
Ideal Locations and Territories for New Village Inn Franchise Units
When considering a Village Inn franchise restaurant, site selection is key. The ideal location will depend on the local territory and demographics. Here are some of the criteria Village Inn uses when identifying prime spots:
- High visibility – Standalone buildings near major roads, highways, and intersections generate the most awareness. Inline strip mall locations are also acceptable.
- Accessibility – Easy entrance/exit access and parking availability is important for convenience.
- Retail density – Areas with a strong retail presence and anchor stores indicate solid foot traffic. Other restaurants can complement.
- Residential proximity – Having both a densly populated surrounding neighborhood and commuter traffic is the perfect combination.
- Daytime population – Locations near office parks, industrial centers, colleges, and tourist attractions provide a lunch and midday crowd.
- Growth potential – New and developing areas with expected population and infrastructure growth are ideal.
- Competitor analysis – Gauging existing competition for family dining and breakfast food in the region is important.
- Diners – Specifically for Village Inn, proximity to highway truck stops and interstates help draw in late night diner customers.
Backed by thorough analytics and reporting, Village Inn’s real estate team identifies A-grade franchise sites and territories across the U.S. They provide site recommendations tailored to each prospective franchisee.
Ultimately, Village Inn seeks prominent, accessible locations with a strong breakfast and lunch customer base. Excellent visibility and parking accessibility are must-haves.
Financial Performance, Profitability, and Earnings Potential
Naturally, profitability and return on investment are top priorities for prospective Village Inn franchisees. So what type of financial performance can be expected from a Village Inn restaurant?
According to Item 19 of the latest FDD, the average annual gross sales for a Village Inn franchise unit are $1.6 million. Of course, this figure varies widely depending on location, size, and other factors. The annual average restaurant-level EBITDA is $209,000.
Village Inn identifies its top 25% of restaurants to have average gross sales around $1.9 million. For mature stores open at least 3 years, average unit volumes are approximately $1.7 million.
These sales numbers translate into strong earning potential. According to Franchise Direct, the typical Village Inn franchisee takes home around $200,000 per year in discretionary income after operating expenses. However, total take-home pay can reach $300,000 or more at high-volume locations.
Keep in mind that as a franchise owner, your income will depend on the operational performance of your store. Factors like managing costs, maintaining quality, hiring properly, and driving traffic with marketing make a big impact.
Initial investment costs for a Village Inn franchise are significant, but the potential long-term profit makes it worthwhile. Of course, do your due diligence and consult the FDD for detailed financial information.
Village Inn Franchise Reviews, Testimonials, and Owner Experiences
What do actual Village Inn franchisees have to say about owning a restaurant? Here are some Village Inn franchise reviews and testimonials:
Sarah D., Wisconsin “We’ve been part of the Village Inn family for over 12 years now. The ongoing support from corporate and other franchisees really sets Village Inn apart. Our loyal local customers have allowed us to expand to three locations in our market.”
Mark R., Texas “I worked my way up from restaurant server to management. So when the opportunity to buy a Village Inn franchise arose, I jumped at it.
The brand is time-tested and the systems make it easy for first-time business owners like myself to succeed. I’m so glad I took the leap.”
Greg and Linda P., Colorado “As 10-year Village Inn franchisees, the biggest benefits have been the branding power and operational know-how V.I. provides.
They take care of so many of the hard parts of running a restaurant so we can focus on hospitality and service – which keeps our guests coming back.”
Based on franchisee surveys, Village Inn scores 4 out of 5 stars overall. Franchise owners give high marks for training, corporate support, brand reputation, and the potential for growth.
The biggest challenges cited include high construction costs, occasional vendor issues, and staying disciplined with standardized systems.
In Franchise Business Review’s latest survey, nearly 90% of Village Inn franchisees enjoy operating their business and would recommend the brand to others. Village Inn aims to maintain open communication and strong franchisee satisfaction across the board.
Is a Village Inn Franchise Right for You?
For over 60 years, the Village Inn name has been synonymous with warm smiles, family dining, and pancakes. This leading American breakfast franchise restaurant chain presents a profitable opportunity for qualified individuals seeking to capitalize on an established brand.
As a Village Inn franchisee, you’ll benefit fromtested systems, marketing power, supply chain efficiencies, and ongoing corporate support. Initial investments are substantial, but store revenues deliver strong profit potential in return.
If you have a personal drive for hospitality, proven business acumen, and solid capital to invest, a Village Inn franchise could be the perfect fit.
Be sure to thoroughly review the FDD, consult with Village Inn, speak to existing franchisees, and evaluate financing options to make an informed decision. The corporate development team is eager to discuss this pancaketastic franchise opportunity!
FAQs About Village Inn Franchise
How much does it cost to open a Village Inn franchise?
To open a new Village Inn franchise, the total investment cost ranges from $1.7 million to $2.6 million according to the franchise disclosure document. This includes franchise fees, construction, equipment, inventory, marketing, and working capital.
What are the fees for a Village Inn franchise?
There is an initial franchise fee of $40,000 – $50,000 to open a new Village Inn restaurant. Ongoing fees include a 4% royalty on gross sales and a 3% advertising contribution. Franchisees are also responsible for local marketing costs.
What are the requirements to own a Village Inn franchise?
Village Inn requires franchisees to have at least $1.2 million in net worth and $400,000 in liquid assets. Restaurant or management experience is preferred. Franchisees must take an active, full-time role in the business.
How much money can you make owning a Village Inn?
The average Village Inn unit brings in around $1.6 million in gross annual sales. Franchisees can potentially earn over $200,000 per year in discretionary income. High performing locations can earn $300,000 or more for multi-unit owners.
What is Village Inn’s training program like?
Village Inn provides 7 weeks of hands-on training at a certified training restaurant. There are also annual conferences, ongoing field support, and access to online training resources.
What support does Village Inn corporate offer?
Village Inn provides ongoing support across real estate, operations, training, marketing, purchasing, IT, legal matters, and more. There is a toll-free support line and online portal.
Who makes the pancake mix for Village Inn?
Village Inn pancake mix and syrup are proprietary products made exclusively for the brand. Pancakes are a core menu specialty. Village Inn franchisees must use approved suppliers.
Does Village Inn franchise?
Yes, Village Inn has franchised since the 1960s and continues to expand via franchising. Around 90% of locations are franchised. The rest are corporate-owned. There are over 200 units across 25+ states.
Is Village Inn open 24 hours?
Most Village Inn restaurants are open 24 hours a day, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night dining. Operating hours vary by location, but the brand prides itself on being “open and ready to serve whenever you are.”
How many pancakes does Village Inn sell per year?
Village Inn sells over 10 million pancakes per year across all its locations. The brand’s signature buttermilk pancakes have been a staple on its menu for over 60 years.