Franchise FAQ

How do I become a COBS Bread Franchisee?

Your best first step is to submit an inquiry, and review our franchise brochure.
When you are ready, we encourage you to submit an application to begin discussions with our franchising team. Once you have submit your application, our Franchising team will reach out to you within the next two business days.

Once I apply, how long does it take?

After submitting your application you’ll join our discovery and approval process, which generally takes four to six weeks. After you complete the discovery process and commit to becoming a COBS Bread franchisee, the path to bakery ownership will typically take six to twelve months, and the COBS Bread support team will guide you through each step along the way.

Do I need previous baking experience?

COBS Bread franchisees are hands-on in all aspects of their business, including baking, however you don’t need to have any previous baking experience to own and run a COBS Bread franchise. We’ll give you a full baking education alongside comprehensive sales and business management training.

What’s covered in the training program?

Throughout the program, our training consultants will teach you everything you need to know about managing your COBS Bread bakery franchise. This includes how to monitor and manage operations and finance, the full baking process, production planning, stock control, marketing, managing staff and wages, performance and recruitment management, occupational health and safety, and more.

How long is it?

The COBS Bread training program runs for 16 weeks, but can vary depending on how much time you need to be comfortable and confident in your baking, sales, and business management skills.

Where will my franchisee training take place?

Your training will take place primarily in one of our operating bakeries, so you’ll be right in the middle of the action! We’ll match you up with a suitable training bakery, and that franchisee and their team – along with your Training Consultant and Area Manager – will teach you everything you’ll need to know about operating a successful COBS Bread bakery. In most cases, your training bakery will be close to home, however there may be a need for some travel depending on your area.

What’s the initial purchase cost for a COBS Bread bakery?

The initial investment depends whether you plan to purchase a new or existing bakery. The cost of a new location is approximately $850,000+. The cost of an existing location can be anywhere from $500,000-$1,000,000+. Submit an inquiry to learn more about a specific bakery location. For new bakeries, we have a sweet deal for you – no initial franchise fee!

What is the minimum amount that I need to put towards my franchise purchase?

You will require 30% of the total investment in cash or liquid assets, plus working capital. For a new bakery purchase, this is approximately $250,000. If you don’t quite qualify, we’d still like to hear from you to discuss your passion for freshly baked bread and goals of COBS Bread business ownership, as we may be able to provide some financial assistance in some circumstances.

Will COBS Bread help me with financing?

It’s your responsibility as franchisee to secure financing for your bakery purchase, and we recommend talking to your financial adviser or preferred financial institution. However, COBS Bread has established special packages with several major Canadian banks, and we can help you get in touch with our partners once you’ve been approved as a franchise candidate.

In some circumstances, COBS Bread may offer vendor financing to help bridge the gap. This would be in addition to bank financing, and would be assessed on a case by case basis and require additional approvals.

Can I bring in an investor/business partner?

The COBS Bread model is based on sole ownership and family partnerships. Owning a small business is hands-on, and our success can be attributed to active ownership. COBS Bread is open to other ownership structures where the main franchisee remains active in the management of his bakery or portfolio of bakeries. Ownership structures outside of a family relationship are reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis.

What are the ongoing fees?

COBS Bread charges franchisees an ongoing Royalty Fee of 7% of weekly sales. Franchisees also invest 3% of weekly sales into our Marketing and Advertising fund. Some other franchise fees and charges may apply from time-to-time, and these are all detailed in our disclosure document.

Are franchisees able to have multiple locations?

Absolutely! Across our franchise network (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, USA), 40% of bakeries are owned by multi-site franchisees. If your goal is to own more than one location, our support team can work with you to put a plan in place.

What locations are available at the moment?

COBS Bread is expanding across Canada, and we’re excited about the potential! Click here to see available locations.

Am I able to choose my own location?

COBS Bread will identify the site and conduct the lease negotiation, but we see it as a mutual discussion and decision. If you think a COBS Bread bakery will work in your local area, we would be happy to work with you to investigate possible franchise opportunities, and we value your input in this process.

i’m a realtor/ broker/ landlord and I have a site opportunity to share. who do i contact?

Please fill out this form to provide us with a little more information.

Will I have to be in the bakery every day?

To be successful as a COBS Bread franchisee, you need to be regularly involved in the day-to- day operations of your bakery. You’ll be most active in your first year, and spend more working hours on site. Once your bakery is at a point where it’s being managed effectively, we’ll guide you as you scale back your hours and find your ideal work/life balance.

What hours would my bakery need to be open?

All bakeries are open 7 days a week, including most holidays.  Your daily hours of operation will depend on the flow of foot traffic around your bakery, but a typical bakery’s public operating hours are 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Sunday.

How many times have you received the Franchisees’ Choice Designation?

We’ve received the Franchisees’ Choice designation for thirteen consecutive years (2011 – 2023), and we’ve also been awarded the Silver Award for Excellence in Franchise Achievement.

Is COBS a member of the CFA?

Yes indeed! We are proud members.