FDD Analysis 2025 FDD

The Original Pancake House Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): Key Facts & Financials

The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a legal document that franchisors must provide to prospective franchisees at least 14 days before any agreement is signed or money changes hands.

This page summarizes the key facts and financials from The Original Pancake House's FDD, including franchise costs (Item 7), ongoing fees (Item 6), and unit growth trends (Item 20).

What the The Original Pancake House FDD Covers

Required disclosure items from the franchisor

Franchisor Background

Items 1-4: Company history, litigation, bankruptcy

Fees & Costs

Items 5-7: Initial fees, ongoing fees, total investment

Obligations & Restrictions

Items 8-16: Purchasing, territory, trademarks

Financial Performance

Item 19: Not disclosed by this franchisor

Franchise Costs (Item 7 Summary)

Initial investment required to open a franchise

Total Initial Investment$482,500 - $1,666,250
Franchise Fee$60,000

Investment Breakdown

Initial franchise fee$60,000 - $60,000
Travel and living expenses while training$7,000 - $25,000
Real estate and improvements$110,000 - $700,000
Furniture, fixtures and equipment$190,500 - $500,000
Décor$15,000 - $80,500

+ 4 more categories

Ongoing Fees (Item 6 Summary)

Recurring fees paid to the franchisor

Royalty Fee2% of gross sales
Marketing/Advertising Fee1% of gross sales

Other Ongoing Fees

Stabilizer baseVaries
Operating assistanceVaries
Transfer FeeVaries
Additional training at our designated facilityVaries
Testing feeVaries

Item 19 Financial Performance

Revenue and financial data (if disclosed)

No Item 19 Disclosure

The Original Pancake House does not provide a Financial Performance Representation in their FDD. Franchisors are not required to disclose this information.

Unit Growth & Franchisee Behavior (Item 20)

Franchise system size and trends

147

Total Units

-1

Net Growth (YoY)

-0.7%

Growth Rate

Franchised Units146
Company-Owned Units1

What the FDD Doesn't Make Obvious

Key considerations beyond the disclosure

Legal History

This FDD discloses litigation history. Review Item 3 carefully to understand the nature and outcome of any legal proceedings.

Real Estate & Location

FDDs often understate the challenge of finding suitable real estate. Site selection, lease negotiation, and buildout timelines can significantly impact your total investment and time to open.

Working Capital Needs

Initial investment ranges often assume a best-case scenario. Many franchisees need additional working capital during the ramp-up period, especially in the first 6-12 months of operation.

No Revenue Disclosure

Without Item 19 data, you'll need to conduct your own due diligence on unit economics by speaking directly with existing franchisees.

Related Resources

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