Welcome to the Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine Franchise Page. After suspending our franchising program for 2009 and 2010 we are happy to be seeking new franchisees again. We are very proud of our concept and think that you will find it a unique opportunity.
We appreciate you considering Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine to be a part of your future.
Sincerely,
The Sophie's Story
Why a Sophie's Cuban Cuisine Restaurant
Helping You Be More Prosperous
The Investment
Corporate Profiles
Frequently Asked Questions
The Steps to Becoming Our Next Franchisee
This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is intended for information purposes only. An offer is made only by the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Currently the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of, or wish to acquire a franchise for a Sophie's Cuban Cuisine franchised restaurant to be located in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. We are currently registered in New York.
The Sophie's Story
Our History
True to their restaurateur roots in Lima Peru, the Luna family always dreamed of having their own restaurant in their new home in New York City. They struggled and saved for years to build their first restaurant. Sophie's opened in 1997 near the World Trade Center. Their business philosophy was the idea that fresh, tasty food in good portions served in a local-neighborhood atmosphere by friendly people would help them to realize the American Dream.
Sophie's had its inspiration in a Cuban Restaurant the family visited years earlier. On the weekends they had been selling Peruvian food from carts at the soccer fields in New York to earn the money to invest, but they thought that Cuban food might be a better idea for the New York City. They studied and researched everything they could find about Cuba, its culture, and its food. Then they hired expert Cuban Chef, Eduardo Morgado, to help them put it all together.
That first restaurant was so busy that they soon opened a larger restaurant nearby. That one was just as busy and by 2001 they had four Sophie's Cuban Cuisine® Restaurants open. 9/11 claimed the first two, but the family kept working hard and there are now seven Sophie's Cuban Cuisine® restaurants with more on the way.
Sophie's is popular with all ethnic and socio-economic groups.
Why a Sophie's Cuban Cuisine Restaurant
Restaurant Demand
We found that the guests in our restaurants reflect the people who work, live, and visit the surrounding area. They come from every walk of life and mingle freely, often sharing table space with strangers. Construction workers and bond traders sit down to enjoy our fabulous meals with shoppers and policemen. If there are hungry people in the area, sooner or later they will become loyal Sophie's fans.
Sophie's Cuban Cuisine® restaurants fill a need that has been missing in the restaurant business. For years, America has been absorbing and assimilating cultural foods from all over the world. It is now time for the Cuban - influenced menu to become a strong part of American life. The overwhelming acceptance of Sophie's in New York proves that Americans may have been kept waiting too long. With billions of dollars in lunch restaurant sales every year in this country, there is a lot of growing room for Sophie's Cuban Cuisine®.
You may be just the person we are looking for to help Sophie's fulfill this need - and be rewarded in the process.
Whenever someone in a Sophie's uniform walks down the street, Sophie's fans come up to them to say how much they love the food. We will never compromise on the freshness, quality, and tastiness of the food. You will be proud to be the franchisee of a Sophie's Cuban Cuisine® Restaurant!
The Delicious Food
Sophie's is known primarily for its savory steaming plates of traditional Cuban food with up to 16 different features plus specials every day. The hearty sandwiches, including a classic Cuban Sandwich, are also prepared with authentic recipes. Fried plantains, traditional appetizers and side dishes, home style soups, and beverages including the traditional icy Batidos with tropical fruits provide something for everyone. And, as you might suspect, there are a few Peruvian influences. Add the proprietary sauces and condiments and you have all the ingredients for a unique experience.
The Best Food Ever?
One of the hundreds of guest comments is typical - "I have developed a serious addiction and love for Sophie's over the past 2 years. I truly look forward to eating there whenever possible. The grilled chicken with the spicy green sauce, rice and beans, has redefined what delicious is to me. I eat there several times a week and will continue to do so as long as Sophie's will let me. I love you Sophie. Please never leave me."
Special Ingredients
All of our secret recipes are authentic and true to their origins. They are, however, proprietary as we have combined the ingredients and preparation methods in our own special way. We have several unique sauces including "Sophie's Special Green Sauce" that we may soon be manufacturing for retail sales in the restaurants. All our food is prepared fresh throughout each day and prepared in small batches to keep it at the peak of its flavor for our guests.
While we use only the finest and freshest ingredients in our delicious meals, we are still able to charge a fair price for a generous portion of food while keeping margins in a healthy range.
Helping You Be More Prosperous
Support
The Sophie's staff includes the family matriarch, Manuela who started her own restaurant in Lima Peru when she was only seventeen years old. She provides guidance to the whole organization including her daughters. Senior management has been bolstered with long-time restaurant professionals and outside advisors. And back in Peru, their eighty-five year old grandmother still works in the family restaurant in the capitol city of Lima; an inspiration to the rest of the family.
When you are accepted as a Sophie's franchisee you will be assisted with:
- comprehensive initial training
- site selection methods
- design specifications
- construction and equipment advice
- ongoing operations and training tips
- approved vendors
- new product development
- quality control
- marketing plans
- business planning
- ... and much more.
We offer ongoing support to help you fully understand how to use our systems and ensure that you are able to continually delight our guests. While you will be in business for yourself, you will never be alone. From the beginning, Sophie's has always worked to improve design, equipment, ingredients, and processes and procedures. We constantly strive to find innovations and technology to make the restaurants better for our guests and easier to operate. We will work with you to continuously improve sales, profits, and guest delight.
Initial Training
The most critical part of our support package is your initial training. Our training department will consider your background and experience in determining how long you and your key staff members need to be in the program; generally this program will last 8 to 9 weeks.
The training covers all aspects of the Sophie's Cuban Cuisine® restaurant business:
- management
- operations
- sanitation
- food safety
- practice in a "live" restaurant
- all the tasks needed to satisfy and delight our guests every day
"Classroom" time allows a learning environment for us to teach you the basics of management, human resources, site selection, food service certification preparation, and all the other important elements of the business.
You, your manager, and your head cook will be trained.
We will be at your side for up to seven days during your first restaurant opening.
To be awarded a Sophie's franchise you will have already had significant achievements in your career. This step will lead you to even greater opportunity.
Restaurant Design
The Restaurants are designed to reproduce the feel of a Cuban neighborhood restaurant.
• 1,800 to 3,000 square feet of space
• seating for 30 - 80 guests
• easy circulation of the long lines at lunch time
Delivery Systems
So many people love our food that they can't all come in and sit down at our tables during lunch time. Our delivery business helps to satisfy those guests by bringing our hot foods right to their offices. We have developed systems (including online ordering) for taking and processing orders and ensuring that deliveries can be made promptly while the food is still fresh and delicious. You will learn how to manage this important facet of Sophie's Cuban Cuisine® restaurants while in our comprehensive training sessions prior to opening your restaurant.
Site Factors
In New York and other major cities you will generally be looking for a site that is:
- 1,800 to 3,000 square feet of space
- at or near a busy corner
- near a large number of office workers able to reach the site in a three to five minute walk
- close to activity generators, such as retailers and transportation facilities
- able to accommodate the Sophie's awning visible to people in the area
- on the same block with sandwich or other lunch businesses.
Our detailed site submittal package will help to evaluate the suitability of potential Sophie's sites that you find.
The Investment
BUILDING A SOPHIE'S CUBAN CUISINE® RESTAURANT
ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT
CATEGORY OF INVESTMENT |
Low* |
High* |
Initial Franchise Fee |
$7,500 |
$25,000 |
Real Property |
Not Included |
|
Office Equipment & Supplies |
$1,000 |
$1,500 |
Decor, Fixtures & Furnishings |
$5,500 |
$11,000 |
Computer Hardware And Software (POS) |
$40,000 |
$40,000 |
Uniforms |
$1,000 |
$2,500 |
Signs |
$6,000 |
$15,000 |
Organizational Expense |
$3,000 |
$5,000 |
Permits And Licenses |
$800 |
$1,000 |
Insurance Deposits and Premiums |
$4,000 |
$8,000 |
Transportation/ Lodging During Training |
$4,000 |
$7,000 |
Opening Advertising/Market Introduction |
$5,000 |
$10,000 |
Working Capital |
$35,000 |
$50,000 |
Opening Inventory |
$7,500 |
$15,000 |
Small Wares |
$5,000 |
$9,000 |
Kitchen Equipment |
$35,000 |
$40,000 |
Miscellaneous Supplies |
$3,000 |
$5,000 |
Additional Funds (3 months) |
$40,000 |
$50,000 |
Total (without R. E. and Construction costs) |
$203,300 |
$295,000 |
|
|
|
Real Estate & Construction Costs |
||
Rent (4 months) |
$40,000 |
$86,000 |
Real Estate Deposits |
$30,000 |
$129,000 |
Real Estate Taxes |
$2,666 |
$4,662 |
Utility Deposits |
$1,500 |
$3,500 |
Construction/ Leasehold Improvement |
$150,000 |
$350,000 |
Total R. E. & Construction costs |
$224,166 |
$573,162 |
TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (with R. E. & Construction Costs) |
$427,466 |
$868,162 |
|
|
|
*In all cases refer to the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for details and explanations. |
||
Corporate Profiles
President: Sofia Luna
Sofia Luna (Sophie), who co-founded the Sophie's Cuban Cuisine® restaurants in Manhattan with her mother, Manuela Matos, in April, 1997, has served as our President since our formation in February, 2005. From September, 1996 to May, 2000, Ms. Luna attended the hotel and restaurant management program at St. John's University in Queens, New York while also working nearly full-time at the Chambers Street Restaurant. Since graduating in May, 2000, Ms. Luna worked full-time at the Chambers Street Sophie's Restaurant before taking over as President and working regularly at the Lexington Ave. Sophie's.
Vice President: Ines Luna
Ines Luna (Mila) has served as our Vice President since our formation in February, 2005. Ms. Luna has been involved in Sophie's management and operations since September 2000. Mila studied for a year and a half at the A.I. culinary school in New York City between September, 2002 and September, 2003; she then transferred to the Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in Paris, France. Ms. Luna graduated from the Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in May 2005.
Secretary: Manuela Matos
Manuela Matos, who co-founded the Sophie's Cuban Cuisine® restaurants in Manhattan with her daughter Sofia Luna in April 1997, has served as our Secretary since February 2005. Ms. Matos spent the preceding 30 years in the restaurant business, primarily in her native country of Peru.
Head of Product Development, Chef: Eduardo Morgado
Mr. Morgado has served as our Head of Product Development and Chef since our formation in February, 2005. He has served in that capacity for the Sophie's Cuban Cuisine® restaurants in Manhattan since January, 1998. Mr. Morgado had 20 years in the restaurant industry before he joined Sophie's including the Havana Riviera Hotel Resort in Cuba and high-end Cuban restaurants in Florida and New Jersey.
Outside Advisor: Jim McKenna
Mr. McKenna became the Chief Development Officer for Sophie's Cuban Cuisine® Franchising, Inc. (SCCF, LLC predecessor) in August 2006, after working with the Company in an advisory role since 2005. Jim has returned to his role as outside advisor since 2008 as he has restarted his former consulting firm. Mr. McKenna has over 30 years experience as a senior corporate food service executive, consultant and trainer, including major international franchise companies. Mr. McKenna acts as the franchise broker for SCCF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I open a Sophie's Cuban Cuisine® restaurant instead of doing it myself?
Take advantage of our expertise and experience. We have spent a great amount of time, energy, and money developing this unique restaurant concept. We have systematized every aspect of the operations to make it work smoothly. Suppliers have been sourced for the highest quality, freshest ingredients to assure the tastiest possible food for our customers. Our Brand design and name have become recognized and stand for great value in the minds of potential customers. Starting a restaurant with us helps reduce the typical risks of opening a new restaurant.
Do I need previous restaurant experience to qualify for a franchise?
While restaurant management experience is very helpful, you may qualify with restaurant, hospitality, or retail management experience. The business requires experienced, hands-on restaurant management.
We are looking for a track record of successful operations and management.
What kind of person is Sophie's looking for in a qualified candidate?
We are seeking individuals who have:
- a proven track record of successfully managing a small to medium sized restaurant or retail business
- experience recruiting, training, motivating, and retaining excellent employees
- a good understanding of basic business and financial principles
- strong personal commitment to hands-on management of the restaurant
- the ability to meet the financial requirements to establish and grow the business
- a willingness to learn and diligently follow the Sophie's system
- a passion for great food and customer service (at Sophie's we want to delight every guest every time)
- values consistent with Sophie's mission including the highest level of respect, professionalism, and high ethical standards in dealing with others
Can I be the franchisee and still stay at my job or business?
The Sophie's Cuban Cuisine® restaurant concept requires a total commitment to daily operations in order to be effective. As you gain experience in the business, there may be opportunities to build your organization and expand to additional Sophie's restaurants.
Will Sophie's help me with financing?
We do not offer any direct financing or sponsored financing at this time. We will provide you with some standard forms to help you and your accountant prepare your loan application. At this time the financial markets are still recovering and your ability to obtain financing may be challenging. You may be required to provide a significant portion of start-up costs on your own and/or to have a net worth well in excess of $1,000,000. You should consult with your accountant and other professional advisors on these matters.
What are the fees?
There is an Initial Franchise Fee of $25,000. There is a required Grand Opening expense of $5,000 to $10,000. The ongoing royalty is 5% of your gross sales and the Brand Fee is 2%.
How will I market my business?
Sophie's has had very positive experience in marketing and promoting the restaurants. We will craft a Grand Opening designed for your restaurant's area. On a regular basis we will also provide production, layout, and strategic marketing assistance for your local advertising efforts.
Where will my restaurant be?
We are seeking franchisees to open restaurants in Manhattan, the other New York City Burroughs, and the rest of the New York Metro market. We will only consider larger, sophisticated food service operators outside of the New York Metro market at this time. There is a complete site submittal process to help you to evaluate sites on your own or with the help of local brokers. Sophie's experienced staff will review each site submittal for its suitability as a potential Sophie's Cuban Cuisine® restaurant.
The Steps to Becoming Our Next Franchisee
Now that I'm ready to join Sophie's, what do I do next?
This exciting phase of your life starts with the Confidential Franchisee Consideration Request. Please fill it out completely and mail it to our corporate office or email jmckenna@mckennaassociatescorp.com for an email copy. A SCCF, LLC representative will contact you to help you get started with the approval process.
Your "Request" will be evaluated and if you meet the minimum requirements we will follow these steps:
- We will schedule a phone interview
- You will be sent an electronic copy of the FDD and return the signed acknowledgement of receipt page (required by the Federal Trade Commission and the State of New York for a personal meeting)
- We will schedule a personal meeting
- You will provide additional financial statements and business and personal references
- You will perform Sophie's Cuban Cuisine Restaurant visits and complete our "visitation" forms
- We will conduct credit, criminal, and background checks
- We will provide a tour of a working restaurant and introduce you to each team member
- The team will meet to discuss your candidacy for the franchise
- If the team approves your becoming a Sophie's franchisee you will be asked to sign a franchise agreement and pay the Initial Franchise Fee. We will allow you 10 days to sign the agreement and pay the Fee
- We will then provide you with the real estate site evaluation process and review any appropriate sites that you submit; once a site is approved we will provide guidelines to your architect/engineer for the construction and equipment plans. We also have lease negotiating guidelines for New York City
- We will interview and approve/disapprove any manager or head chef who you propose to be trained by Sophie's for your key staff positions
- Three months prior to your scheduled opening we will schedule training for you and your staff
- One month prior to your scheduled opening we will create your Grand Opening program
- Once you are ready to open we will provide you up to seven days of support and onsite training
- Now you are a Sophie's Cuban Cuisine franchisee delighting hungry lunchtime crowds with the flavors of Cuba and the tastiest lunch in your area!
This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is intended for information purposes only. An offer is made only by the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Currently the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of, or wish to acquire a franchise for a Sophie's Cuban Cuisine franchised restaurant to be located in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. We are currently registered in New York.
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