What is the initial franchise fee for a Non-Traditional Marble Slab Creamery Restaurant?
Marble_Slab_Creamery Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Initial Franchise Fees.
If we grant you a franchise for a Traditional Restaurant, then when you sign the Franchise Agreement, you must pay us an initial franchise fee ("Initial Fee") of $25,000. The Initial Fee for a Non-Traditional Restaurant is $25,000.
Adjustments. Under certain circumstances, we will agree to waive or reduce some or all of the Initial Fee and may accept payment in installments, interest free, over a period of from one to 18 months. Also, as described below, if you are signing the Franchise Agreement pursuant to a Multi-Unit Restaurant Agreement, you may be entitled to a credit against the Initial Fee. The Initial Fee is fully earned by us when paid and is not refun
Source: Item 5 — INITIAL FEES (FDD pages 21–23)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Marble Slab Creamery's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial franchise fee for a Non-Traditional Restaurant is $25,000. This fee is payable when the Franchise Agreement is signed. However, the FDD notes that under certain circumstances, Marble Slab Creamery may agree to waive or reduce some or all of the initial fee and may accept payment in installments, interest-free, over a period of one to 18 months.
It is important to note that the initial fee is fully earned by Marble Slab Creamery upon payment and is non-refundable under any circumstances. This is a common practice in franchising, as the initial fee compensates the franchisor for the costs associated with granting the franchise, including training, site selection assistance, and other support services.
Furthermore, Marble Slab Creamery does not offer financing for the franchise fee. The FDD states that the initial fee is generally uniform for all franchisees, except for any special programs or periodic discounts that may be offered. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, Marble Slab Creamery collected initial fees ranging from $0 to $25,000 for a single restaurant, indicating that some franchisees may have received a discount or waiver of the initial fee.