Under what circumstances does Cicis charge an initial franchise fee of $15,000?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
uested information and materials. If we accept a proposed Site, you or your approved Affiliate must sign a separate Franchise Agreement for the Site within 15 days after we provide you with an execution copy of the Franchise Agreement, failing which, we may withdraw our acceptance.
E. EXECUTION OF FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS.
Simultaneously with signing this Agreement, you or an Affiliate we approve must sign and deliver to us a Franchise Agreement and related documents representing the first Franchise you are obligated to acquire under this Agreement. You or your approved Affiliate must thereafter open and operate a Restaurant according
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 65–263)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial franchise fee is $15,000 for a Cicis To Go Restaurant. Cicis To Go Restaurants are defined as take-out/delivery only restaurants. This is in contrast to the $30,000 initial franchise fee for a Cicis Buffet Restaurant, which is a dine-in buffet restaurant.
This difference in initial franchise fees reflects the different business models and investment levels associated with each type of restaurant. A Cicis To Go Restaurant, focusing on take-out and delivery, may require less space and equipment compared to a Cicis Buffet Restaurant, which needs ample seating and buffet infrastructure. Consequently, the lower franchise fee could make the Cicis To Go model more accessible to some franchisees.
Prospective franchisees should carefully consider which restaurant model aligns best with their investment capacity, operational preferences, and target market. The lower initial franchise fee for a Cicis To Go Restaurant is a significant factor to weigh, but franchisees should also evaluate the ongoing costs, revenue potential, and market demand for each model before making a decision.