What is the range for the estimated total initial investment for a Cicis Buffet Restaurant?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
A CICIS TO GO RESTAURANT**
| Type of Expenditure (Note 1) | Amount | Method of Payment | When Due | To Whom Payment Is To Be Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee (Note | $15,000 | Lump sum | On | Us |
| 2) | Execution | |||
| Leasehold Improvements | $76,600 - | As arranged | As invoiced | Landlord / |
| (Note 3) | $183,725 | Suppliers | ||
| Impact Fees (Note 5) | $0 - $5,000 | As arranged | As assessed | Local Authorities |
| Equipment Furniture and Fixtures (Note 6) | $87,586 - $114,473 | Lump sum or as arranged | As invoiced | JMC / Suppliers |
| Signage and Graphics | $5,000 - | Lump sum | As invoiced | Third-Party |
| (Note 7) | $10,000 | Suppliers | ||
| Insurance (Note 8) | $375 - $2,000 | As arranged | As invoiced | Third-Party Suppliers |
| Business Licenses (Note 9) | $1,000 - $3,000 | As arranged | As invoiced | Third-Party Suppliers |
| Opening Inventory/ | $21,025 - | Lump sum | As incurred | JMC / Suppliers |
| Supplies (Note 10) | $27,034 | |||
| Promotional | $10,000 - | As arranged | As incurred | Third-Party |
| Expenses (Note 11) | $15,000 | Suppliers | ||
| Training Costs (Note 12) | $7,500 - $29,000 | As arranged | As incurred | Third-Party Suppliers / Employees /Us |
| Deposits and other Pre Opening Costs (Note 13) | $8,000 - $19,000 | As arranged | As invoiced | Third-Party Suppliers |
| Additional Funds | $10,000 - | As arranged | As invoiced | Third-Party |
| (3 months) (Note 14) | $15,000 | Suppliers | ||
| TOTALS |
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT YOUR ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT FOR A CICIS BUFFET RESTAURANT (FDD pages 21–25)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated total initial investment for a Cicis Buffet Restaurant ranges from $242,086 to $438,232. This investment covers a variety of expenses, including the initial franchise fee of $15,000, leasehold improvements ranging from $76,600 to $183,725, and impact fees that can range from $0 to $5,000. Additionally, franchisees must account for equipment, furniture, and fixtures, which cost between $87,586 and $114,473. Signage and graphics are estimated to cost between $5,000 and $10,000. Insurance costs range from $375 to $2,000, while business licenses are estimated at $1,000 to $3,000.
Prospective Cicis franchisees should also budget for opening inventory and supplies, which range from $21,025 to $27,034, and promotional expenses, estimated at $10,000 to $15,000. Training costs can vary significantly, ranging from $7,500 to $29,000. Deposits and other pre-opening costs are estimated to be between $8,000 and $19,000. Furthermore, Cicis estimates that franchisees will need an additional $10,000 to $15,000 for the first three months of operation.
It is important to note that these figures are estimates, and actual costs may vary depending on factors such as location, market conditions, and specific arrangements with landlords and suppliers. The FDD advises potential franchisees to carefully calculate their anticipated expenses based on local market conditions and to consider the need for additional cash reserves. Some costs, such as land acquisition and new construction, are not included in these estimates, and purchasing land and constructing a building can significantly increase the initial investment.
The document also specifies that certain payments are made to Cicis's affiliates. For example, a portion of the equipment, furniture, and fixtures costs, ranging from $162,752 to $217,000, is paid to JMC, an affiliate of Cicis. Similarly, a portion of the opening inventory and supplies costs, specifically $16,000 for smallwares and $9,031 to $15,040 for initial inventory, is also payable to JMC. Understanding these relationships and cost breakdowns is crucial for potential franchisees to accurately assess their financial obligations.