Franchising Information Archives - COBS Bread https://www.cobsbread.com/blog/category/franchising-information/ Wed, 15 Feb 2023 19:36:48 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://www.cobsbread.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/cropped-favicon-1-32x32.png Franchising Information Archives - COBS Bread https://www.cobsbread.com/blog/category/franchising-information/ 32 32 Meet Kate, Your New Local Bakery Owner in Scarborough, Ontario https://www.cobsbread.com/blog/meet-kate-your-new-local-bakery-owner-in-scarborough-ontario/ Tue, 07 Sep 2021 18:43:46 +0000 https://www.cobsbread.com/?p=13081 Opening September 8 for Community Day, where 100% of sales will be donated to Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough. We’re so happy to introduce Kate, the proud owner of our newest bakery located in Scarborough, Ontario. Kate is passionate, community focused and a real go-getter. She is the perfect addition to our COBS […]

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Opening September 8 for Community Day, where 100% of sales will be donated to Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough.

We’re so happy to introduce Kate, the proud owner of our newest bakery located in Scarborough, Ontario. Kate is passionate, community focused and a real go-getter. She is the perfect addition to our COBS Bread family and we’re so excited to have her on our team. Keep reading to learn a little more about Kate, what led her to this journey and how she plans on giving back to her community.

What did you do before becoming a COBS Bread bakery owner?

Very interesting question indeed! I did a lot of different things. My initial education was in Property or Estate Management but my first real job was in Corporate Banking – this was in my country of birth, Nigeria. I immigrated to Canada in 2003 and started in career in health care, first as a registered nurse and then as a nurse practitioner. I decided in 2019 that I wanted to give entrepreneurship a go and I couldn’t think of a better partner than COBS Bread and here we are!!! I am about to open my first bakery and the first COBS in the Scarborough area!

When did you join the COBS Bread family? Why did you decide to go with COBS?

I officially joined the COBS Bread family as a trainee franchisee in March 2021.

I decided to open a COBS Bread Bakery for a number of reasons. First, I love COBS Bread!!! Second, I share all the values and ideals that has distinguished COBS Bread from others – freshness, passion, quality, and community. Third, who does not like fresh baked goods? I saw the COBS Bread business model as one that filled a real gap in the community and therefore, will be less vulnerable to economic uncertainty.

What are you looking forward to about your new bakery?

I am looking forward to baking wonderful loaves, and treats every day for our community. I am also looking forward to creating jobs and opportunity in the community but most importantly, I am looking forward to engaging with the community and giving back.

Before joining COBS, were you much of a baker?

No!!! I was not much of a baker at all!!! Let’s say I cooked much more than I baked.

How are you planning on getting involved in the community?

I am planning on being very actively involved with the community not just through our End of Day Giving program, but being visible at other community events and in local schools. We will be supporting appropriate local events by providing some of our delicious baked treats!  As the bakery operator, I have also adopted a strategy of hiring really local, with a goal of 60% of our staff being from within a 5 to 8km radius of the bakery and we are working closely with community agencies to support that effort!!!

What charity are you partnering with for Community Day?

We are partnering with Boys and Girls Club (BGC) of East Scarborough. BGC East Scarborough seeks to provide a holistic approach as it supports children, youth and families to pursue healthy lifestyles, personal competency, self-esteem, social and cultural integration and a sense of belonging.

I chose BGC East Scarborough because I know the important role played by community organizations in supporting families. As a new immigrant to Canada in 2003, I certainly benefited from programs and services offered in the community. In addition, as a nurse practitioner, I can attest to the benefits of organizations such as BGC East Scarborough in supporting families, youth and vulnerable populations in our city. They are an important part of what it takes to build healthy, diverse, and vibrant communities!!!

And a couple of questions, just for fun!

If you were a treat or loaf from COBS, which one would you be and why?

Sourdough loaf! Tough and crusty on the outside but full of flavor on the inside!

What’s in your favourite sandwich?

My favorite sandwich is an avocado and egg sandwich made with COBS Higher Fibre Loaf!

What’s your favourite baking pun or joke?

Bake it till you make it.

 

Join Kate and her team on September 8 for Community Day at COBS Bread Morningside Crossing! If you’re interested in opening your own COBS Bread bakery, inquire today.

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New Franchisee Mark Was a Paramedic and a Baker at Heart https://www.cobsbread.com/blog/new-franchisee-mark-was-a-paramedic-and-a-baker-at-heart/ Fri, 06 Aug 2021 12:56:32 +0000 https://www.cobsbread.com/?p=12833 Now Open! We are so excited to welcome Mark to the COBS Bread family! Mark is the proud owner of our newest bakery located in Toronto, Ontario. He is a happy-go-lucky guy who is passionate about baking and people– the perfect combo.  Keep reading to learn a little more about what led and prepared him […]

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Now Open!

We are so excited to welcome Mark to the COBS Bread family! Mark is the proud owner of our newest bakery located in Toronto, Ontario. He is a happy-go-lucky guy who is passionate about baking and people– the perfect combo.  Keep reading to learn a little more about what led and prepared him for his new journey.

What did you do before becoming a COBS Bread bakery owner?

I have been a paramedic since 1997 and was with the Toronto Paramedic Services since June 1999.

When did you join the COBS Bread family? Why did you decide to go with COBS?

I guess the official date that I joined the COBS family was on July 14, 2021, when I took possession of my brand-new bakery!  However, my journey to COBS started in 2020.  I was on leave after being diagnosed with PTSD.  I realized that as much as I love being a paramedic, it was time to turn to my other passion: baking and cooking.  It was always a dream to open a small café or bakery after retirement.  After researching COBS Bread, I knew this company was the one for me.  What sealed the deal was the End of Day Giving program.

What are you looking forward to about your new bakery?

I am very excited to continue developing a close-knit, friendly team.  I want to create an environment where everyone enjoys being at work.  I look forward to being able to interact with our customers and surrounding communities.  What I am most looking forward to is being able to donate high quality products to help feed those who are in need.  I have seen firsthand how far a little help can go.  I am happy that I am still able to help those in a time of need; no longer as a paramedic, but as a baker and small business owner.

Before joining COBS, were you much of a baker?

I started baking and cooking as a child at my mother’s side, and never stopped.  I truly love to create new recipes– and feed as many people as possible!  It is hard to describe how great the feeling is when people compliment my creations.

How are you planning on getting involved in the community?

I plan to continue working with my friends and medical colleagues supporting front line mental health, cancer research, women and family shelters, and the LGBTQ2 community.  I plan to work closely with my Area Manager and COBS to create and support as many public initiatives as possible. I will continue my connections with Paramedics for a Cure, CUPE Local 416, I’ve Got your Back 911.

And a couple of questions, just for fun!

If you were a treat or loaf from COBS, which one would you be and why?

Definitely a Challah loaf.  On the outside it looks big and imposing; but on the inside it’s soft and sweet.

What’s in your favourite sandwich?

Ooooh…thick slice whole wheat, lightly toasted, herb/garlic aioli, crisp lettuce & tomato, paper thin sweet onions; slow smoked turkey breast and ham, deli pickle on the side!!

Now I’m craving that sandwich…. gotta go!

Visit Mark and his team at COBS Bread The Queensway!

If you’re interested in opening your own COBS Bread bakery, inquire today!

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Meet Michel, Owner of COBS Bread Orléans https://www.cobsbread.com/blog/meet-michel-owner-of-cobs-bread-orleans/ Fri, 25 Jun 2021 21:47:45 +0000 https://www.cobsbread.com/?p=12553 Opening June 29th! We are so excited to welcome Michel and his family to the COBS Bread family! Originally from the Ottawa area, Michel, his wife Julie, and their son Jacob will all be playing a part in opening the first COBS Bread bakery in Orléans. Keep reading to learn a little more about what […]

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Opening June 29th!

We are so excited to welcome Michel and his family to the COBS Bread family! Originally from the Ottawa area, Michel, his wife Julie, and their son Jacob will all be playing a part in opening the first COBS Bread bakery in Orléans. Keep reading to learn a little more about what prepared them for this new adventure.

What did you do before becoming a COBS Bread bakery owner?

I started in grocery many years ago- and my first role in grocery was as a bakery manager! In the time leading up to COBS Bread, I owned and operated a franchised grocery store for 16 years. A few years ago, we decided it was time for a change, so we started looking at other franchise opportunities.

Why did you decide to go with COBS?

I had actually never heard of COBS Bread before, but when I started searching for franchise opportunities,  an ad showed up on my Facebook feed! At first, I was not sure about opening a bakery, as I know carbs can be susceptible to dietary trends, but I wanted to check it out. I went to the Barrhaven bakery, bought some stuff and brought it home. We devoured it and were sold. In addition to that, the staff was very friendly and we really enjoyed the experience. The next day, I applied to become a COBS Bread franchisee.

What are you looking forward to about your new bakery?

I’m looking forward to being very hands-on. I’m a hands-on person! I love making bread and I love to cook. I really enjoy baking from scratch, and seeing the finished product. People love the product and I enjoy serving the community. I also love leading a team and developing staff.

Before joining COBS, were you much of a baker?

Other than my experience as a bakery manager, not really!

My favourite things to make are Cinnamon Buns. I like when they come out and to see the perfect swirls! I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and my son and I compete with each other to see who can create a more perfect Cinnamon Bun swirl.

I actually really love cooking. My favourite dish to cook is Beef Wellington. While it’s time consuming and takes practice to get it right, it’s worth it.

How are you planning on getting involved in the community?

My previous business I always liked to support kids- soccer, hockey, schools, breakfast programs. I enjoy supporting the youth of the community.

What else do you do for fun?

Before I moved here I was a minor hockey coach! It’s one of my passions. I look forward to getting back into it after the initial activity and excitement of the bakery.

 

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What has the pandemic done to local marketing for franchisees? https://www.cobsbread.com/blog/franchisee-social-media/ Mon, 14 Jun 2021 22:29:09 +0000 https://www.cobsbread.com/?p=12491 Knowing how to be a social media influencer isn’t a requirement of becoming a franchisee with COBS Bread. And thank GOODNESS- being an influencer is a full-time job in and of itself! That said, being engaged on social media for a community-focused small businesses is a great way to share the bakery’s unique personality while […]

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Knowing how to be a social media influencer isn’t a requirement of becoming a franchisee with COBS Bread. And thank GOODNESS- being an influencer is a full-time job in and of itself!

That said, being engaged on social media for a community-focused small businesses is a great way to share the bakery’s unique personality while interacting with customers.

Recent studies have shown that the pandemic effect on technology is that it has accelerated consumer’s digital adoption by three years. (Source: McKinsey, Media Metrics, MobileStat.) This means it is more important than ever for our franchisees to get on to the applicable social channels.

There is something to be said for sharing inspiring, organic content to your local community, from your local community bakery. Community is a part of COBS Bread’s DNA. Recently, our Area Manager Ronen in Ontario developed a plan to help his bakeries “get savvy” on social. Thanks to his plan and the help of COBS Bread’s marketing team (not to mention franchisee buy-in!), many bakeries in his region have seen the benefits of having an active social presence.

If you’re considering opening a small business franchise, it’s definitely a piece of local marketing that you can get going right away. It serves as an efficient advertising ecosystem. As you create posts and fun ideas, the more followers you get, giving you a bigger audience each time you communicate.

Hot tip! Many of our franchisees empower team members to manage their social channels, which is a great way to boost employee engagement.

Here are some ways COBS Bread supports your bakery with getting on board with social, and some bakery accounts for inspiration.

Social Media Support from COBS Bread

  • During your opening, you are provided with a template to help guide you with your first posts, recommendations for captions, images, and more.
  • Franchisee can use resources on COBS Bread’s internal extranet.  We provide How-Tos for each social channel, a guide on partnering with influencers, and a monthly content calendar so franchisees can see what’s coming up.
  • Branded social images are available for our franchisees to download with every marketing campaign, in addition to editable images for recruitment, bakery hours and fundraisers.
  • Monthly content suggestions from our marketing team,  which we share in our internal weekly newsletter.

Some Social Superstar Bakery Accounts

  • Lakeshore (Oakville) – Kevin and the team at Lakeshore are very active on Instragram. They share content around their End of Day Giving program, fundraising, team photos, and more. They have over 2,600 followers!
  • Bloor St West (Toronto) – This team started with zero social presence to becoming little Insta stars! There is a lot of personality in all of their posts, and it’s a great example of a team engaged with the vibe of their neighborhood.
  • Spall Road (Kelowna) – With over 3,000 followers, they’ve really engaged with their community! They share great product shots, as well as all the ways they give back.
  • St Vital (Winnipeg) – We love the way franchisee Randi communicates with the community in her posts. She’s coined a “BFF” as Bread Friends Forever, and she puts a lot of work into planning her content.

We hope what you’ve seen in these accounts will:

  1. Make you a little bit hungry.
  2. Give you a sense of what it means to your community to be the owner of a local bakery.
  3. Feel inspired!
  4. Encourage you to apply to become a COBS Bread franchisee.

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INFOGRAPHIC: Why Our Franchisees Would Recommend COBS Bread https://www.cobsbread.com/blog/infographic-why-our-franchisees-would-recommend-cobs-bread/ Mon, 17 May 2021 21:49:55 +0000 https://www.cobsbread.com/?p=12436 It’s an honour we don’t take for granted- receiving the Canadian Franchise Association‘s Franchisees’ Choice designation for the 11th consecutive year! Below are some of the reasons why our franchisees would recommend COBS Bread as a franchisor. COBS Bread has experienced a year like no other. We are in an exciting stage of growth and are […]

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It’s an honour we don’t take for granted- receiving the Canadian Franchise Association‘s Franchisees’ Choice designation for the 11th consecutive year! Below are some of the reasons why our franchisees would recommend COBS Bread as a franchisor.

COBS Bread has experienced a year like no other. We are in an exciting stage of growth and are looking for franchisees to join our passionate network. Inquire now for more information.

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The 40th Birthday of Bakers Delight https://www.cobsbread.com/blog/the-40th-birthday-of-bakers-delight/ Fri, 11 Sep 2020 17:13:51 +0000 https://www.cobsbread.com/?p=10704 We’ve had some customers tell us that while visiting Australia they stumbled across a bakery that looked suspiciously like COBS Bread. Similar products, similar bakery layout… only to find in a follow-up Google search  that those Bakers Delight bakeries are a part of COBS Bread’s parent company. As of this year, Bakers Delight has been […]

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We’ve had some customers tell us that while visiting Australia they stumbled across a bakery that looked suspiciously like COBS Bread. Similar products, similar bakery layout… only to find in a follow-up Google search  that those Bakers Delight bakeries are a part of COBS Bread’s parent company.

As of this year, Bakers Delight has been around for 40 years and are currently in the midst of their 40th Birthday Celebrations. Being a part of this bakery network is something that we at COBS Bread are very, very proud of. You might wonder what makes us the same- yet different- from Bakers Delight. Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:

SAME

  • CEOs and Founders: Bakers Delight and COBS Bread were founded by Roger and Lesley Gillespie. The company is still family-owned: daughter and son-in-law team Elise Gillespie and Dave Christie are CEOs of Bakers Delight and COBS Bread; son Aaron Gillespie is the President of COBS Bread. Roger and Lesley now hold positions on the Board of Bakers Delight.
  • Products: A high number of products at Bakers Delight and COBS Bread are the same. The Gillespie family has five generations of bakers to boast, and a recipe book to go along with it. Many recipes were developed by Bakers Delight employees, and are customer favourites in both Oceania and North America, such as our Cape Seed loaf and many of our scone varieties!
  • Franchising Expertise: There’s a reason Bakers Delight has over 600 locations in Australia and New Zealand,  and COBS Bread has over 130 in Canada and the US. While Bakers Delight’s and COBS Bread’s franchising strategies are adopted to each market, the structure, support, and system of the network is proven and a benefit to franchisees and customers. In fact, in 2019, Bakers Delight was named Franchise Group of the Year by the Australian Retailers Association, and COBS Bread has been received the Franchisee’s Choice Designation by the Canadian Franchise Association for 10 consecutive years.
  • Commitment to Community: Both COBS Bread and Bakers Delight bakery operators are a big part of their communities. With the End of Day Giving programs and charitable partnerships, each bakery in every neighbourhood is there to be an active member.

DIFFERENT:

  • Head Offices: Bakers Delight’s support office is in Melbourne, Victoria in Australia and the COBS Bread support office is located in Vancouver, BC Canada. While each organization has its own Operations, HR, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain, Information Services, Real Estate, Franchising and Product departments, there’s ongoing contact and collaboration between all the “sister” departments across the pond.
  • Products: Wait a minute… yes, this was also in the “Same” list above. That’s because while we do have a lot of the same products, each company develops their own product line based on customer demands and national product trends. That’s not to say that a successful product that launches at COBS Bread doesn’t end up in the Bakers Delight recipe book- after testing and trials, often times they do. However, its recognized that what may please one customer base may not work for the other. Sometimes, there are simply variations or alterations that need to be made- for example, the shape and toppings of our pizza products.
  • Brand look and feel: Both Bakers Delight and COBS Bread developed new branding in the last three years to support brand identity and evolution.

Congratulations once again to Bakers Delight- check out what they’re doing this month to celebrate.

If you’re interested in franchising, click to submit an inquiry or apply to become a COBS Bread franchisee today.

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They Came to Canada and They Opened Their Own COBS https://www.cobsbread.com/blog/they-came-to-canada-and-they-opened-their-own-cobs/ Mon, 06 Jan 2020 20:26:36 +0000 https://www.cobsbread.com/?p=9570 We have franchisees from many walks of life. We are proud to have bakery owners with experience from a vast array of careers, and many of those franchisees came to Canada from far and distant lands! For the entrepreneurial-minded new Canadian, COBS Bread proves to be an attractive option for business ownership. With a team […]

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We have franchisees from many walks of life. We are proud to have bakery owners with experience from a vast array of careers, and many of those franchisees came to Canada from far and distant lands! For the entrepreneurial-minded new Canadian, COBS Bread proves to be an attractive option for business ownership. With a team of experts and bread lovers to support you in all aspects of the business, it’s a great way to own your own business, support your family, and get involved in the community!

Hear from three of our franchisees who have immigrated from all over the world, and why they felt COBS Bread was a good choice for them. Inquire today to find out more about franchising with COBS Bread.

 

1. Bishwa – Owner of COBS Bread Marda Loop. Originally from Calcutta, India

Photo credit: Calgary Herald

Why did you decide to buy a COBS Bread bakery?

It was important to me to own my own business, and I was looking for a franchise that had some results behind it. Retail business can be risky, but COBS fit into my comfort level. I’m very happy as a franchisee and I hope to open another one soon! It’s been a very good ride.

What experience from your past has been the most helpful in your role as franchisee?

I have been a chef and managed kitchens. That experience helped me with managing people. I also worked with hotels and cruise ship, and that gave me experience with balancing budgets, including food costs and labour costs. It wasn’t too hard to translate into COBS and how we operate.

 

2. Alex – Owner of COBS Bread Country Hills, Calgary. Originally from Colombia

What has been your experience owning a COBS Bread bakery?

My experience as a franchisee has been really positive. I think we are lucky to be part of a great franchise which makes big impact in our communities. We are not only part of a growing business, but also we have to opportunity to help the community through out different programs and campaigns.

Why did you decide buying a franchise was the right choice for you and your family?

Since we moved from Colombia, we always missed the fresh bread we bought at our local bakery back home. COBS Bread make us feel like we are back in our home town. And, ss franchise owner/operator, we can spend more quality time in family.

 

 

3.  Nike – Owner of COBS Bread Kensington, Calgary. Originally from Nigeria

Why did you decide buying a franchise was the right choice for you and your family?

Not having a previous experience running a business in Canada, we believed the franchise opportunity was the way to go. Our research on COBS revealed that it is a franchise that is respected, and provides great support for new owners. These, alongside our already pleasant customer experience made our decision simple and straightforward.

What was the main reason you went with COBS Bread?

A number of reasons influenced our decision to buy a COBS franchise. The consistent high quality of the products (which we enjoyed as customers for several years) was the biggest reason. When we made up our mind to invest and own our own family business, we did not look further than COBS.

 

 

Nike, Alex and Bishwa are only a handful of the successful franchisees across our network who moved to Canada and decided COBS was the right fit for them. We hope you will consider COBS in your journey to join a franchise and become a part of your community.

Submit An Inquiry Today!

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Franchising: The Pros, the Cons, and the COBS Difference https://www.cobsbread.com/blog/franchising-the-pros-the-cons-and-the-cobs-difference/ Fri, 20 Dec 2019 16:51:25 +0000 https://www.cobsbread.com/?p=9170 We are curious to know how you’ve landed on this post. From our experience, you might be from one of these camps: You want to open your own retail business, but you are finding that the costs and effort of all that is involved is more than you anticipated. You are curious about franchising because […]

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We are curious to know how you’ve landed on this post. From our experience, you might be from one of these camps:

  1. You want to open your own retail business, but you are finding that the costs and effort of all that is involved is more than you anticipated.
  2. You are curious about franchising because you like the idea of the balance of being your own boss and having a system in place.
  3. You know that you want to open a franchise.
  4. You know that you want to open a COBS Bread bakery. (Lucky for us! Take the first step and submit an inquiry.)

But we’ve written this because we want to help you make that decision if you aren’t number three or four on the above list. Deciding whether or not you want to purchase a franchised business is huge. We’ve put together a list of pros and cons, as well as some insights how we at COBS Bread support our franchisees in this aspect. If you’re interested in learning more about this process, please submit an inquiry to get the conversation started.

1) The Business Model (How are you planning on running your business?)

PRO: Well-established franchises offer a proven business model that you can follow knowing they have achieved a degree of success.

CON: There may limited wiggle room for you to introduce your own processes.

THE COBS DIFFERENCE: We’ve been opening bakeries since 2003 in Canada (since 1980 in Australia), so we are pleased to say our business model works. We have many franchisees who own multiple bakeries, which demonstrates commitment and belief in the franchise system. We have 121 bakeries and counting across BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario.

2) Brand Awareness (How are people going to recognize your brand and what you have to offer?)

PRO: The brand awareness is built-in. Franchises have the advantage of a customer base who have an attachment of the brand. In addition to customer count, this also helps with team member recruitment.

CON: Your business is impacted if other franchisees make mistakes that can damage the brand.

THE COBS DIFFERENCE: Our brand is well-recognized in our markets, and where we are not yet known, we work with you to get the word out.

3) Who’s In Charge? (Who gets the final say on big decisions?)

PRO: When you work in a franchise, you’re the boss. You make important strategic decisions, hire your teams, oversee product quality and more.

CON: The franchisor ultimately has the final say on major decisions.

THE COBS DIFFERENCE: You’re your own boss, but your Area Manager is there to provide support and guidance. You are provided with guidelines, resources, tools and more to set you up for success.

4) Who’s the Know It All? (And what if you don’t?)

PRO: You might be a Know It All when it comes to sales. Maybe you’re a leader among leaders. You could be an HR pro. But- you don’t know what you don’t know! There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to your own business, and while your strengths will certainly work to your advantage, it helps to have access to subject matter experts at your fingertips.

CON: Can’t think of one. This is a huge benefit.

THE COBS DIFFERENCE: We’ve got the experts to help you get up to speed and beyond in areas you may be lacking.

5): Financial Background (What are the chances of financial success?)

PRO: During the application process, you receive knowledge of the franchisor’s financial performance which will help you plan, well, your life!

CON: There isn’t really an applicable con here. It’s information you can use to help you make your decision!

THE COBS DIFFERENCE: You get to make an educated decision before committing to purchasing a COBS Bread bakery once you are approved as a candidate.

6) Operational Support (The day-to-day)

PRO: You receive operational support from your franchisor. In many forms.

CON: There’s really no applicable con here, either. Receiving support is always helpful.

THE COBS DIFFERENCE: Your Area Manager, network of fellow franchisees, and Support Office are here to help our franchisees with everything from HR, to ingredients and supply chain, day-to-day operations, and more. (Keep reading. You’ll see!)

7): Marketing Support (How do you reach the masses?)

PRO: You don’t need to develop your own brand look and feel, taglines, logos, copy, offers, etc.

CON: Creativity can be constrained by brand guidelines.

THE COBS DIFFERENCE: We provide franchisees with the tools to customize artwork for their own initiatives. We also provide content and materials for 9-10 campaigns per year, including in-bakery and online advertising.

8) Training (At the beginning, and ongoing!)

PRO: Training is provided and is specifically designed for you and your staff.

CON: You have to conduct staff training according to the franchisor.

THE COBS DIFFERENCE: The COBS Bread training teams designs modules for new hires, campaigns, and special qualifications programs to help you to empower your staff to grow in their careers.

9) Growth (How do I keep this gravy train rolling?)

PROS: Franchises can provide opportunity for growth by opening additional locations.

CONS: You are not able to open another franchise without permission and agreement from the franchisor.

THE COBS DIFFERENCE: COBS Bread is excited to help franchisees become multi-site operators, and will set expectations and provide support to help franchisees achieve this goal.

10) Quality Assurance (Keeping it all on the up and up.)

PRO: When you are with a franchise, the franchisor is aware of federal and provincial codes and regulations you need to meet. In addition, they have their own standards for product quality. With the right franchisor, you are provided with tools and guidance to help you meet this.

CON: You are your own quality control and need to figure this out on your own.

THE COBS DIFFERENCE: Our Compliance team conducts quarterly assessments to help you ensure your standards are up to code. Our Area Managers product, and training team are there to help you achieve the highest standards of product quality and will help you troubleshoot any issues.

11) Supply Chain (How do I get stuff?)

PRO: With a franchise, you have the advantage of lower prices negotiated based on high volume of orders for all franchises.

CON: You need to use the suppliers selected by your franchisor.

THE COBS DIFFERENCE:  If there is ever an issue with ingredients or other products from the supply chain, the support office is there to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

There is always so much to consider, but we hope this helps guide you in your decision, if you are on this path. If you do decide a franchise is for you, we hope you will consider COBS Bread as an option. Start something good by inquiring with us today.

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When It’s a Fit, It’s a Fit! How Charlotte Became a Franchisee. https://www.cobsbread.com/blog/when-its-a-fit-its-a-fit-how-charlotte-became-a-franchisee/ Tue, 10 Dec 2019 19:22:03 +0000 https://www.cobsbread.com/?p=9281 Buying into a franchise is a huge investment, in more ways than one. For the franchisee, it is an investment of time. It is an investment in the future. And of course, it is one of the biggest financial investments of their lives. For COBS Bread, this franchisee represents an investment into our brand, which […]

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Buying into a franchise is a huge investment, in more ways than one. For the franchisee, it is an investment of time. It is an investment in the future. And of course, it is one of the biggest financial investments of their lives. For COBS Bread, this franchisee represents an investment into our brand, which it is why it is so important to us that a candidate’s fit into the organization is one of the most strongly considered factors when approving a franchisee.

The reality is that there are a lot of potential candidates who are a great fit. Like many of our top quartile franchisees, they come from a quick service restaurant background, have leadership experience, and aren’t afraid to get their hands doughy. That said, they may not have all liquid capital required to start their own business.

That’s were our financial assistance options come into play. Here’s Charlotte’s story.

Fresh Bread at Last

Charlotte and her family moved to Canada from the UK, she was aghast at the quality of white bread she purchased at the grocery store. “Apparently, Canada doesn’t do decent white bread,” were her exact words. “But then we found COBS in Guildford, BC. We bought Baps and White Dinner Rolls by the truckload!”

Although Charlotte and Dean, her husband, loved living in BC’s Lower Mainland, Dean’s work presented him with an opportunity which required them to move to Courtenay, BC, a small town on Vancouver Island. “Now there’s no COBS!” Charlotte lamented, who missed serving and enjoying those fluffy white buns for her family’s dinner. “So I decided to apply to open a bakery in Courtenay.”

The Application Process

Charlotte said her expectations were low and that she didn’t really expect to hear back about her application. “I’ve worked at McDonald’s in management for most of my career, so I thought that would give me really relevant experience. On the other hand, though, I didn’t have the minimum investment typically required to open your own business. But I thought, ‘Hey, it’s worth a shot.’”

Shortly after applying, Charlotte heard back from a Franchise Recruitment Manager at COBS Bread and began making her way through the steps of the Application Process.

A Customized Financial Plan

Charlotte’s application, interviews, and Discovery Days were all moving along and it was clear that Charlotte embodied the attributes of many of our successful franchisees. Her experience in the quick service industry made her a great fit. She is a passionate and clear communicator. Having worked in a leadership position at McDonald’s for several years, she knew it was important to be there for her team. Because of her strong experience and great cultural fit, the finance and franchising team at COBS Bread built a customized financing plan that would help Charlotte to open her bakery in Courtenay with the resources she had available.

It proved to be a good decision. The bakery was busy from day one, and Charlotte has tackled every obstacle like a pro. It didn’t hurt that two days after opening the bakery, Charlotte and Dean talked about Dean quitting his job to help support the bustling bakery. And he did. “It was unplanned,” says Charlotte, “But it has been so good because we are both invested in the same thing.”

If you also possess the experience, skill and will to be a COBS Bread bakery owner and want to grow with a rising brand, but you’re not sure if you have the investment capital, be sure to submit an inquiry to apply to be a COBS Bread franchisee. We look at franchise candidates on a person-by person basis, and would love to hear from you.

Inquire Now

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Welcome Bhavin – New Franchise Owner of COBS Aurora Gateway! https://www.cobsbread.com/blog/welcome-bhavin-new-franchise-owner-of-cobs-aurora-gateway/ Fri, 18 Oct 2019 23:58:33 +0000 https://www.cobsbread.com/?p=9050 Introducing Bhavin, the proud new owner of COBS Bread Aurora Gateway. Bhavin took ownership of the bakery just over a month ago. He’s quickly learning the ins and outs of bakery ownership, and enjoying some Double Chocolate Scones along the way! Get to know a little bit more about Bhavin and his journey to becoming […]

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Introducing Bhavin, the proud new owner of COBS Bread Aurora Gateway. Bhavin took ownership of the bakery just over a month ago. He’s quickly learning the ins and outs of bakery ownership, and enjoying some Double Chocolate Scones along the way! Get to know a little bit more about Bhavin and his journey to becoming a COBS Bread franchisee.

What did you do before working at COBS?

I was a kitchen supervisor at a camp in Fort McMurray. I was in charge of the breakfast shift.

Before joining COBS, were you much of a baker?

Not really! I can cook, and I cooked a lot, but I had never really baked before joining COBS. I know how to run a kitchen and a team, and I’m used to the early hours from supervising the breakfast shift.

When did you join the COBS Bread family? Why did you decide to open a COBS Bread bakery?

Around July of 2018 I started looking into joining COBS. I was looking at different franchise bakeries, but I picked COBS because I like their philosophy to bake everything fresh and donate unsold products. Being part of the community is important to me.

What are you looking forward to about your new bakery?

Right now I’m really just looking forward to learning all the in and outs of being a bakery owner. I took over an existing bakery, so I’ve got some catching up to do! But once I have my feet under me, there are a number of charities that I’m looking forward to supporting.

How are you planning on getting involved in the community?

My inbox is full of requests for donations from charities that this bakery previously supported. I plan to continue those partnerships and add some others. I picked COBS Bread because of the importance they put on supporting the community, so it’s very important to me that COBS Bread Aurora Gateway is known as the Community Bakery.

If you were a treat or loaf from COBS, which one would you be and why?

[no hesitation] Double Chocolate Scone! It’s full of chocolately goodness and topped with sweet vanilla glaze. I think that describes me, full of goodness!

What’s in your favourite sandwich?

That’s easy, Turkey BLT on Sunflower Flax Sourdough. I add mayo and cranberry sauce too. Yum, I think I’ll have that for lunch today.

If you want to be the an owner of a local community bakery like Bhavin, inquire today!

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