Opening a Del's
A Family Business
We have developed this business ourselves over a period of many
years, and we have learned a great deal about what it takes
to succeed. One of the key factors is the personal touch, the
neighborhood emphasis, and the willingness to maintain high
quality. We take great pride in our name and reputation, and
this is why we have chosen to expand through franchising. We
want franchises who have a real personal interest in what they
do, and we in turn are very committed to your success and growth.
Organization and Efficiency
We have a fully developed program, we provide full training,
and we protect our name by monitoring all locations. We will
provide you with marketing suggestions to improve your efficiency,
and we will supply information about fairs, church outings and
other local events to which you should send your mobile units.
We will support you with advertising programs, and will be available
to advise you whenever problems arise.
The Right Stuff
Our business is brisk and our schedule busy during the warm
weather, but there are many rewards. For one thing, you will
be self-employed and will enjoy the independence and freedom
that implies. You will be in contact with people and the hours
will seem to fly by because you will be busy.
Questions and Answers
How do I get started?
First, complete and return the enclosed application form. After
we receive your application, we will contact you to arrange
a personal meeting to discuss all of your questions.
Do I need any special training or previous experience in
food service to be selected as a franchisee? No. We will
teach you all that is necessary to operate your business. All
you need is a willingness to learn, willingness to work hard,
and dedication to doing a first rate job.
Does Del's have many locations? We have three company-owned
shops and approximately 30 franchises (October 1994).
Can I own more than one franchise? Yes.
Can I choose my own location? Yes, subject to our approval
and availability.
May I obtain my own bids for remodeling and fixtures?
Absolutely. Also, we will provide you with the specifications
for fixtures, layouts, colors, signage, etc.
What supplies will I be required to purchase directly from
Del's? The Del's Mix must be purchased through us. Other
products must meet our specification and may be purchased through
us, often at substantial savings, or may be purchased independently.
Do you require that I operate pushcarts? We do strongly
recommend that each franchise operate pushcart units every day.
Our experience indicates that this is an essential component
of a successful location.
Where will I be trained? Prior to starting the franchise,
you will receive complete training in the operation and management
of the business at our worldwide headquarters in Cranston, Rhode
Island.
Must I both own and operate the franchise?
We strongly prefer franchisees who intend to operate
their location themselves. We have built our reputation on neighborliness
and high quality standards. We feel that the personal involvement
and commitment of each franchisee is essential to continuing
this level of excellence.
The Del's Network: As a member of the Del's Lemonade
franchise network, you will be provided with a complex program.
This will include the use of our name and logo, and the use
of all of the procedures and methods we have developed and refined.
You will also be granted territory in which we will open no
other franchises.
Training and Startup: We will provide a training program
where you will receive instructions in purchasing materials
and supplies, preparation and presentation of Del's Lemonade,
operation of mobile units, and facility maintenance. You will
be fully prepared to administer your business; including hiring
and personnel management, and office practices and bookkeeping
methods.
We
will assist you in finding a suitable location, we will provide
specifications and assistance in facility remodeling, and we
will assist you in ordering your initial equipment, inventory
and supplies. During startup we will assist in the preparation
of advertising and promotions, and in staffing and daily operations.
Ongoing Services: After your business is successfully
launched, you will continue to receive the benefits of belonging
to the Del's Lemonade franchise network. We will make regular
visits to your location to advise and offer help with any problems
that you might encounter. This field supervision will also aid
you in maintaining the high quality standards necessary to promote
good business and to protect our reputation for excellence.
We will keep you informed on a regular basis of new developments
in our business and will share with you each new technique and
method we develop. We will provide you with ongoing advertising
support in both local co-op programs and national advertising.
In short, you will have a business of your own through which
to express your creativity and energy, while at the same time
enjoying the benefits of our experience and guidance in reaching
your goals.