Franchise Deep Dive: SoBol Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

SoBol is a cafe franchise that specializes in acai bowls, green bowls and fruit smoothies.

The SoBol brand was founded in 2014 as a healthier food alternative when eating out. Today, there are 59 locations, according to Entrepreneur. The brand is currently operating in New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida, in addition to other developments across the country.

SoBol stores sell six or more different types of smoothie bowls, fresh fruit smoothies and Belgian waffles. Its proprietary acai product is blended fresh each day in-store, while a patented homemade granola can only be purchased and found at SoBol locations. The business model features a simple model that is designed to reduce waste and keep the bottom line low.

Franchisees benefit from a team of 15 dedicated professionals at their disposal to help grow their business. They will get access to recipes, training, procedures, vendors, a website, social media, a gift card program and online ordering. Individual franchises, as well as multi-unit development agreements, are available.

The estimated range to open a SoBol is $240,800-$450,600. Below is a breakdown of the costs.

• Initial Franchise Fee: $35,000

• Construction and Leasehold Improvements: $85,000-150,000

• Construction Management: $5,000-30,000

• Lease Deposits — Three Months: $5,000-$14,000

• Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment: $45,900-$99,500

• Computer, Software and Point of Sales System: $3,000-$4,000

• Grand Opening Marketing: $5,000

• Initial General Inventory: $1,000-$13,000

• Initial Product Inventory: $4,000-$7,000

• Utility Deposits: $900-$1,800

• Insurance Deposits — Three Months: $2,000-$4,000

• Travel for Initial Training: $700-$4,400

• Professional Fees: $5,500-$15,000

• Licenses and Permits: $3,000

• Printing, Stationary and Office Supplies: $500-$1,000

• Additional Funds — Three: $37,300-$60,900

• Total Estimate: $240,800-$450,600

• Jason Mazzarone — Co-Founder and CEO

• Paul Gucciardo — Brand President and Director of Operations

• Nick Pesko — Director of Marketing

• Kryssa Baldi — Director of Administration

• Michael Quinn — Technology Specialist

• Joe Thompson — Director of Operations

• Dee Laskowitz — Chief Financial Officer

• Tony Ozelis — Director of Development

• Christopher Nicols — Operations Advisor

• Diego Abarca — Operations Advisor

• Ryan McArthur — Marketing Specialist