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Great American Cookies

Information based on 2023 FDD
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Brand Highlights
  • Founded in 1977
  • Franchising Since 1977
  • 368 US Franchises
  • $282,500 - $412,150 Investment Range
  • $564,242 Average Gross Revenue
  • 6% Royalty Fee
  • $25,000 Franchise Fee
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Brand Description

Great American Cookies has been delighting customers with premium, freshly-baked cookies and decorated cookie cakes since 1977. As a leader in the dessert industry, they've built a reputation for creating irresistible treats that have become part of countless celebrations and special moments across America.

The brand is particularly renowned for their signature Cookie Cakes, which have become a beloved alternative to traditional birthday cakes. Each location features skilled decorators who transform these oversized cookies into personalized works of art, perfect for any occasion from birthdays and weddings to corporate events.

What sets Great American Cookies apart is their commitment to quality and consistency. Using original recipes and premium ingredients, every cookie is baked fresh daily in-store, creating that unmistakable aroma that draws customers in. Their menu features classic favorites like chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, alongside rotating seasonal specialties that keep customers coming back for more.

The franchise has earned countless positive reviews for their exceptional customer service, with many locations becoming integral parts of their local communities. Store owners and staff are known for going above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction, whether it's accommodating last-minute orders or adding special touches to make celebrations more memorable.

For entrepreneurs looking to enter the food and beverage industry, Great American Cookies offers a proven business model in the ever-growing dessert market. With strong brand recognition and a loyal customer base built over four decades, this franchise represents an opportunity to own a business that brings joy and sweetness to people's lives.

DID YOU KNOW?

How much does it cost to start a franchise with Great American Cookies?

$282,500
$412,150
Starting your own Great American Cookies franchise - famous for their warm, freshly-baked cookies and cookie cakes that have delighted customers in malls and shopping centers for decades - requires a total investment between $282,500 and $412,150, which includes the $25,000 franchise fee plus all the equipment, buildout costs, and working capital needed to bring that irresistible aroma of cookies baking to your community.
Financial Summary
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Investment Range
$282,500 - $412,150
Investment Midpoint
$347,325
Minimum Cash Required
$282,500
Royalty Fees
6%
Brand Fund
2%
Brand Bragging Rights
47 years proven franchise system since 1977
368 locations nationwide presence
Above-average revenue performance vs dessert sector
Specialized cookie cake celebration niche
Seasonal celebration revenue opportunities
Established operational systems and vendor relationships
Financial Analysis
Great American Cookies requires an initial investment of $282,500-$412,150, positioning it as a competitively priced franchise opportunity within the dessert sector. This investment range partially overlaps with the sub-sector average of $296,855-$591,723, with the minimum investment sitting slightly below the sector average while the maximum falls well within typical dessert franchise parameters.

The franchise operates in the impulse-driven dessert segment, specializing in fresh-baked cookie cakes and custom celebration treats. As one of 80 franchises competing in the desserts sub-sector, Great American Cookies has carved out a distinctive niche in celebratory baked goods. The reported gross revenue of $564,242 significantly exceeds the sub-sector average of $414,337, indicating strong unit-level performance and effective brand positioning.

With 368 units and 47 years of operation since 1977, Great American Cookies demonstrates substantial system maturity and brand recognition. This operational history provides franchisees with proven business systems, established vendor relationships, and refined operational procedures developed through nearly five decades of market presence.

Ideal investors should possess retail management experience and understand seasonal business fluctuations, particularly around holidays and special occasions when cookie cake demand peaks. The business model requires hands-on operational involvement and staff management capabilities in high-traffic retail environments.
Expected Investment Range
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Average Gross Sales
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Financing
Financing Details

Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Great American Cookies. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.

Why Financing with Franzy Partners?

Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.

Finance Partners
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Location Analysis
Great American Cookies maintains a strategic presence across multiple states, showing strongest penetration in the South and Southwest regions. The brand has a notable concentration in Texas, with established presence in Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, and Oklahoma, indicating a robust core market in the Sun Belt region. The franchise's average rating of 3.69 across numerous customer reviews suggests consistent performance, though there's room for improvement in customer satisfaction metrics.

The brand's strong presence in Texas presents both advantages and challenges - while it demonstrates proven market success, it also indicates significant untapped potential in other populous states. Mall-based locations, like the sample unit in El Enma Mall, remain a cornerstone of the business model, benefiting from steady foot traffic and complementary retail environments.

Ideal locations for new franchisees should prioritize high-traffic retail centers in middle to upper-middle-income areas with strong dessert category spending. The most promising expansion opportunities lie in underserved markets within the Northeast and West Coast, where the brand has limited presence but strong demographic alignment. Success factors include proximity to complementary retailers, strong daytime population density, and areas with higher disposable income for discretionary spending on treats.
Total US Locations368
Open Franchises368
Corporate Locations0
Average Sq. FootN/A
Territory Map

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Franchise Net Unit Growth
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Additional Information

Executive Team

Get to know the leadership behind Great American Cookies. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Great American Cookies's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Litigation

Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Great American Cookies. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Bankruptcy

Review Great American Cookies's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Franchisor Assistance

Learn about Great American Cookies's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2023. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

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