Half Baked is a dessert shop that specializes in warm, gooey cookie skillets, fresh-baked brownies, ice cream, milkshakes, and other irresistible sweet treats. It offers a unique dessert experience by serving hot desserts straight from the oven with cold toppings like ice cream and sauces.
Founded with a passion for baking and creativity, Half Baked has quickly become a favorite in many communities. The brand is all about comfort food and indulgence. Each product is made fresh with quality ingredients, and the concept focuses on fun and satisfaction. The stores are also known for their cozy design and Instagram-worthy desserts.
Half Baked is more than just a cookie shop. It delivers a sensory experience that attracts families, students, and young adults. With its growing social media presence and loyal customer base, Half Baked has proven that it is not just a trend—it’s a dessert brand with staying power.
Half Baked Franchise Cost
If you want to open a Half Baked franchise, understanding the cost is essential. The initial investment varies depending on the size and location of your store. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.
Franchise Fee: $30,000
Initial Investment: Between $150,000 to $300,000
Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales
Marketing Fee: 2% of gross sales
Leasehold Improvements: $60,000 to $120,000
Equipment and Fixtures: $30,000 to $60,000
Opening Inventory: $5,000 to $10,000
Training and Support: Included in franchise fee
Miscellaneous Costs: $10,000 to $25,000 for insurance, permits, and grand opening
While the investment may seem significant, it is in line with other food and dessert franchises. Half Baked’s strong brand appeal and low food costs make it an attractive choice for entrepreneurs looking for a high-margin concept.
Half Baked Franchise Conditions
Half Baked looks for franchisees who are passionate, hard-working, and committed to customer service. You don’t need a background in food service, but you must be dedicated to maintaining the brand’s standards.
Here are the main conditions to qualify for a franchise:
Financial Requirements
Minimum net worth: $300,000
Minimum liquid assets: $100,000
Business Experience
Previous food, retail, or hospitality experience is a plus but not mandatory
Strong leadership and people management skills are required
Time Commitment
Owner-operators must be involved in daily operations
Semi-absentee ownership may be allowed with an experienced general manager in place
Location Requirements
800 to 1,500 square feet of retail space
High foot traffic areas, especially near colleges, malls, or entertainment venues
Brand Alignment
Must align with Half Baked’s values and mission
Must be committed to delivering excellent desserts and service
These conditions ensure that every Half Baked location upholds the quality and reputation that the brand is known for.
Half Baked Franchise Process
Opening a franchise can seem overwhelming, but Half Baked has a clear and supportive process to help you every step of the way. Here’s how it works:
1. Initial Inquiry
Start by visiting the Half Baked website or contacting their franchise department. Fill out a simple form that includes your background, financial information, and your interest in franchising.
2. Franchise Application
After the initial inquiry, you will receive a more detailed franchise application. Once submitted, the franchise team will review your qualifications.
3. Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
If you meet the basic criteria, you’ll receive the FDD. This legal document outlines the costs, responsibilities, and terms of the franchise agreement. You should review it carefully with a lawyer.
4. Interview and Discovery Day
Next, you’ll have an interview with the Half Baked franchise team. If approved, you’ll be invited to Discovery Day—an event where you’ll visit the headquarters, meet the support team, and see the operations in action.
5. Signing the Agreement
Once both sides agree to move forward, you’ll sign the franchise agreement and pay the initial franchise fee.
6. Site Selection and Build-Out
The real estate team helps you find the right location. Once approved, you’ll begin lease negotiations and start building out your store.
7. Training Program
Half Baked provides comprehensive training for you and your management team. Training includes baking, customer service, employee hiring, POS systems, and local marketing.
8. Grand Opening Support
You’ll get hands-on help from the corporate team during your grand opening. They’ll help with training staff, setting up operations, and promoting your launch.
9. Ongoing Support
After you open, the support doesn’t stop. You’ll receive regular check-ins, marketing help, menu updates, and business guidance.
This clear and structured process helps new franchisees feel confident and supported from start to finish.
Half Baked Franchise Profit
One of the most exciting parts of owning a franchise is the profit potential. Half Baked has a business model that focuses on high-margin dessert items, low food costs, and efficient operations.
While individual profits can vary depending on the store size and location, here is a general idea of what franchisees might expect.
Estimated Annual Revenue
Small Store (800 sq ft): $400,000 to $600,000
Medium Store (1,200 sq ft): $600,000 to $850,000
High-Traffic Store (1,500 sq ft+): $900,000 to $1.2 million
Net Profit Margin
Estimated at 15% to 25% depending on location and labor costs
Net Profit: $60,000 to $250,000 annually
Dessert concepts like Half Baked often benefit from impulse buying, repeat customers, and strong social media buzz. Because the core ingredients (flour, sugar, chocolate, dairy) are low-cost, there’s a healthy profit margin on each item sold.
Add-on items like ice cream scoops, toppings, and drinks also increase ticket averages without significantly increasing costs.
Conclusion
If you’re passionate about desserts and want to own a fun, profitable business, Half Baked may be the right fit. As a restaurant owner, I’ve seen many franchises come and go, but Half Baked has the ingredients for long-term success.
It has a unique concept, proven systems, and strong branding. The investment is reasonable, and the profit potential is impressive. With the right location and a committed owner, a Half Baked franchise can thrive in many markets.
Whether you’re a first-time business owner or an experienced entrepreneur, Half Baked offers a great opportunity to enter the growing dessert industry.
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