In a world filled with diverse culinary delights, there exists a humble yet universally beloved snack: the potato. A staple food for many, and the main ingredient for countless dishes, the potato has had a fascinating history. One place where this tuber takes center stage is Potato Corner, a food chain that has captured the hearts and taste buds of millions. This is the story of Potato Corner, a testament to the power of a simple idea, the determination of its founders, and the undying love for the unassuming potato.

The history of Potato Corner can be traced back to 1992, when a group of five Filipino entrepreneurs set out on a mission to create a business that would become synonymous with the perfect snack. Combining their shared passion for potatoes and their entrepreneurial spirit, they started a small food kiosk in a bustling shopping mall in Metro Manila. Little did they know that their humble beginnings would eventually lead to a successful, international franchise.

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Potato Corner Franchise: An innovative concept

The concept of Potato Corner was simple yet ingenious: to serve freshly cooked, flavored French fries in a fun and convenient way. Recognizing the universal appeal of this snack, the founders focused on perfecting their recipe, creating a mouth-watering blend of spices and seasonings that would soon become their signature taste. Their commitment to quality and flavor was evident from the very beginning, as they insisted on using only the finest ingredients and the freshest potatoes.

As word spread about the delectable offerings at Potato Corner, the business expanded rapidly. By 1997, they had opened their first international franchise in Indonesia, marking the beginning of their global journey. Over the next two decades, Potato Corner continued to grow and innovate, introducing new flavors and products to keep customers coming back for more. By 2021, Potato Corner had established itself in over 12 countries, with more than 1,200 outlets worldwide.

One of the key factors behind Potato Corner’s success was its commitment to customer satisfaction. The founders understood that a memorable dining experience was about more than just great food; it also required exceptional service and a welcoming atmosphere. To this end, they invested in training their staff, instilling in them the importance of providing a warm and friendly environment where customers could indulge in their favorite potato snacks.

Potato Corner’s menu evolved over the years, reflecting the diverse tastes and preferences of its customers. While classic flavors such as cheese, barbecue, and sour cream remained popular, the brand was unafraid to experiment with bolder, more adventurous combinations. From tangy chili lime to sweet cinnamon sugar, the ever-expanding menu catered to a wide variety of palates.

Another aspect that set Potato Corner apart was its commitment to the community. The founders believed in giving back to society and played an active role in supporting local initiatives, from sponsoring youth sports teams to providing scholarships for deserving students. Their strong sense of corporate social responsibility earned them the respect and loyalty of both customers and business partners alike.

Today, Potato Corner stands as a testament to the power of a simple idea, the perseverance of its founders, and the enduring appeal of the humble potato. The brand has become a beloved institution, and its distinct flavors have left an indelible mark on the taste buds of countless individuals around the world. With continued dedication to quality, innovation, and community engagement, Potato Corner is poised to remain a favorite among potato enthusiasts for many years to come.

How is the Potato Corner Franchise Positioned in the Food and Beverage industry?

Potato Corner occupies a unique niche in the Food and Beverage industry as a specialized quick-service restaurant (QSR) focused on flavored French fries and potato-based snacks. This positioning has allowed the brand to carve out a distinct identity and cater to a specific market segment. Here are some key aspects of Potato Corner’s positioning within the industry:

1. Focused menu offerings: Unlike most QSRs that offer a wide range of food options, Potato Corner has built its reputation on a core product: flavored French fries. This focus on a single, high-quality product allows the brand to concentrate on perfecting its recipes and providing customers with a consistently delightful experience.
2. Customization and variety: Potato Corner distinguishes itself by offering a wide array of flavors and seasonings, giving customers the freedom to customize their orders according to their preferences. This approach sets the brand apart from competitors that offer limited options, and it caters to the growing trend of personalized food experiences.
3. Snack-oriented business model: While many QSRs focus on providing full meals, Potato Corner has strategically positioned itself as a snack destination. This approach enables the brand to tap into the growing demand for quick, convenient, and affordable snacking options among busy consumers and those seeking a tasty treat during shopping trips or outings.
4. Fun and youthful brand image: Potato Corner’s branding is designed to be vibrant, playful, and engaging, appealing to a wide demographic of consumers, especially younger generations. This emphasis on fun and excitement sets the brand apart from more traditional QSRs and creates a memorable customer experience.
5. International presence: With a presence in over 12 countries and more than 1,200 outlets worldwide, Potato Corner has established itself as a global brand. This international reach allows the company to cater to diverse tastes and preferences, while simultaneously benefiting from the economies of scale and greater brand recognition.
6. Strong commitment to community and corporate social responsibility: Potato Corner’s dedication to giving back to society and supporting local initiatives has earned the brand a positive reputation and the loyalty of its customers. This aspect of the company’s positioning helps differentiate it from competitors and fosters a sense of goodwill among consumers.

How Much is a Potato Corner Franchise?

The initial Potato Corner Franchise Fee is $30,000. You have to pay this upfront fee when opening a Potato Corner franchise.

Potato Corner Franchise Cost

The estimated total investment necessary to begin the operation of a Potato Corner Franchise ranges from $186,500 to $596,000. The following costs are part of the upfront costs included in the initial investment for a Potato Corner. Many of these are one-time fees that are needed to launch the franchise. Review the chart below to see how much it costs to buy a Potato Corner franchise in 2023.

Owning a Potato Corner Franchise Requires Ongoing Fees

Royalty: Equal to 6% of the “Gross Sales” of your Franchised Restaurant.

Marketing Fee: You must contribute up to 2% of Gross Sales to their Marketing Fund.

Local Marketing: 1% of Gross Sales

Cooperative Marketing Fees: As determined by Potato Corner and 50% or more of the participating Potato Corner Restaurants in the Cooperative Marketing Program, not to exceed 1% of Gross Sales.

Software License Fee: Up to $600 per calendar month.

How much do Potato Corner franchise owners make?

Potato Corner does not provide direct financial representations but instead states:

The FTC’s Franchise Rule permits a franchisor to provide information about the actual or potential financial performance of its franchised and/or franchisor‐owned outlets, if there is a reasonable basis for the information, and if the information is included in the Disclosure Document. Financial performance information that differs from that included in Item 19 may be given only if: (1) a franchisor provides the actual records of an existing outlet you are considering buying; or (2) a franchisor supplements the information provided in this Item 19, for example, by providing information about possible performance of a particular location or under particular circumstances.

We do not make any representations about a franchisee’s future financial performance or the past financial performance of company‐owned or franchised outlets. We also do not authorize our employees or representatives to make any such representations either orally or in writing.

However, based on Potato Corner’s royalties, we estimate that the Average Unit Volume for Potato Corner is $205,000.

Potato Corner Median Franchise Sales: $205,000

Initial investment (midpoint)

%Profit margin of average franchise sales Estimated Profits Time to recoup investment

$391,250

10%

$20,500 19 years 15% $30,750

12.5 years

20% $41,000

9.5 years

Based on the median sales provided by Potato Corner’s franchise locations, at an average of a 15% profit margin it will take around 12.5 years to recoup your investment. This is longer than other franchise opportunities. You may not get a 15% profit margin which would elongate getting a return on your investment.

Many factors affect the sales, costs, and expenses of your Franchised Store. Such as the Franchised Store’s size, geographic location, menu mix, and competition in the marketplace. The presence of other Food and Beverage stores; the extent of market penetration and brand awareness that Potato Corner stores have attained in your market. Also, the quality of management and service at your Franchised Store are major factors.

Is the Potato Corner Franchise Profit Worth the Franchise Cost?

To assign a valuation multiple for Potato Corner franchises, we leverage estimates from DealStats – a database of acquired private company transactions sourced from U.S. business brokers and SEC filings. We reviewed the larger franchise industry as well as selling price multiples for larger systems where more transaction data is available.

Under $5 Million Net Sales

• Estimated Selling Price = Net Sales * 0.55

When you decide to sell a Potato Corner franchise, based on the median multiple of .55 and net sales of $205,000, it would sell for $112,750. This is significantly lower than the midpoint investment and should consequently be viewed as a red flag when considering an investment into their franchise system.

The more franchises you own, the more earning potential you have as private equity firms become interested in your business instead of individual owner-operators.

How many Potato Corner units have opened and closed?

Outlet Type Year Outlets at the Start of the Year Outlets at the End of the Year Net Change Franchised 2018 26 27 +1 2019 27 27 0 2020 27 27 0 Affiliate-Owned 2018 7* 9 +2 2019 9 8 -1 2020 8 8 0 Total Outlets 2018 33* 36 +3 2019 36 35 -1 2020 35 35 0

Over the past three years, the company has experienced a decline in both its franchised and affiliate-owned outlets. Between 2018 and 2020, the number of franchised outlets witnessed a net growth of only one unit, increasing from 26 to 27 in 2018 and remaining stagnant at 27 in both 2019 and 2020. This trend suggests that the franchised stores may be underperforming, or their franchise terms might have expired and were not renewed.

On the other hand, the number of affiliate-owned outlets saw a fluctuation over the three years. In 2018, there was a net growth of 2 outlets, increasing from 7 to 9. However, in 2019, one outlet closed, bringing the total down to 8. The number of affiliate-owned outlets remained constant at 8 throughout 2020.

Potato Corner (Franchisor) Income Statement Key Insights:

2020 2019 2018 Revenues Sale of food an beverage $180,780 $169,504 $ – Franchise fees 64,615 235,693 96,250 Area development fees 14,875 87,750 118,750 Royalty fees 332,460 602,729 548,214 Marketing fund revenue 64,951 138,463 – Total Revenues 657,681 1,234,139 763,214 Cost of Sales – Food and Beverage 138,422 116,951 – Selling, General and Admnistrative Expenses 1,174,178 1,233,589 1,234,604 Loss from Operations (654,919) (116,401) (471,390) Other Incom Rebate 154,355 348,271 395,986 Interes – 11,334 186 Otherexpense – (45,318) (6,000) Othe income – – 30 Ecoomic Injury Disaster Loan grant 10,000 – – Ne Other Income 164,355 314,287 390,202 Income (Loss) Before Limited Liability Company Fees (490,564) 197,886 (81,188) Limited Liability Company Fees 3,300 7,406 7,003 Net Income (Loss) (493,864) 190,480 (88,191) Members’ Equity, Beginning of Year 251,280 686,959 775,150 Cumulative Effect Adjustment (Note 1) – (626,159) – Members’ Equity (Deficity), End of Year $(242,584) $251,280 $686,959

Summary

Potato Corner, a food chain focused on flavored French fries and potato-based snacks, has experienced a decline in both franchised and affiliate-owned outlets between 2018 and 2020. With its unique positioning in the Food and Beverage industry, the brand offers a focused menu, and customization options, and caters to the snack-oriented market. It’s fun and youthful brand image, international presence, and a strong commitment to community and corporate social responsibility have contributed to its success.

While this may be the business for you, make sure also to check out other companies offered on Vetted Biz and in the Food and Beverage industry.