Start Great American Cookies® Franchise Business

Great American Cookies®

Great American Cookies®, A History of Success

Great American Cookies became an instant retail phenomenon in 1977 when the first store opened in Atlanta, Georgia’s Perimeter Mall. Founded on the strength of a generations-old family chocolate chip cookie recipe, the company eventually set the standard for gourmet cookie sales in shopping centers nationwide.

From one store and one recipe, Great American Cookies expanded in malls across the country and at the same time developed a complete line of cookies and brownies, including our signature Cookie Cake product, making it one of the best cookie companies in the industry. By putting only the finest, fresh-baked goodies in our stores, Great American Cookies has set the stage for success.

Being the biggest cookie company has never been the objective at Great American Cookies. Our goal was simply to bake the best cookies ever made. However, by maintaining pride in service as well as providing the public with a delicious and appealing line of products, Great American Cookies became a leader in the snack food industry.

Great American Cookies has experienced outstanding growth in shopping centers across the United States, making it one of the world’s premier cookie companies. Great American Cookies was acquired by NexCen Brands, Inc. in January 2008, making it the fifth brand in NexCen's quick service restaurant (QSR) portfolio.

All of the cookies and brownies at Great American Cookies start with carefully tested recipes, highly controlled production and the finest premium ingredients from our batter facility in Atlanta, Georgia. The end result is the best possible fresh-baked products at an affordable price. From our signature Cookie Cakes to our sinfully rich brownies, Great American Cookies takes the time to do it right.

Our mission statement is simply: Share the Fun of Cookies®

Financial information:

What is the franchise fee?

Single and multiple stores
A $25,000 fee accompanies the first store agreement. Once in our system, the fee for additional stores is discounted to motivate growth depending upon your individual growth plan.

Master franchise
This program allows for multiple store development of a defined territory and the possibility of sub-franchising within the defined territory. The fee schedule is specific to the potential store development within the defined territory.

Area development agreement
This program allows for multiple store development within a defined territory over a specific time period. The area development fee is based on the potential store development of the defined territory.

Are there monthly fees as well?
Yes, as with any franchise business, monthly royalty payments are assessed. The monthly royalties are as follows:

Single and multiple stores
Six percent (6%) of net sales is paid monthly and two percent (2%) of net sales is contributed to a Marketing Support Fund on a monthly basis as well. This fund provides owners with visual merchandising and local marketing materials. Multi-store discount available.

Master franchise (worldwide)
6% of net sales is paid monthly.

Does Great American Cookies® provide financing?
Great American Cookies® assists owners with finding appropriate solutions for their individual financing needs. The company does not provide financing or derive profits from outside lenders.

What are the financial requirements?
It takes between $163,000 and $245,000 depending upon size and location to open and operate a store. We look for individuals with a net worth of over $250,000 and with liquid assets of at least $75,000. This amount will also vary depending on whether you are purchasing the rights for a single store or the master rights for a territory.

To find out more about the Great American Cookies' franchise opportunity, please fill out and submit the form below.