When it comes to french fries, there’s one dubbed as the “Best Flavored Fries” in the country — and that is Potato Corner. Whether you agree or disagree, what is an undeniable fact is that fries are currently a hot business in the Philippines.
If you’re interested to franchise Potato Corner, here’s a quick guide on how to begin your franchising journey.
About Potato Corner
Inspired by the idea of flavored popcorn which was a trend in the early ‘90s, Cinco Corporation, the company behind Potato Corner led by its founder Joe Magsaysay, launched the first Potato Corner food cart in 1992. A year later, it started franchising and managed to open 74 outlets in just one year.
Today, it is offering flavored french fries both locally and globally, with hundreds of branches in the Philippines and abroad, including Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Panama, and USA.
Currently, 70% of the local outlets are franchise operated.
Franchise Package Inclusions
Potato Corner’s franchise package includes the following benefits:
- Cart
- Small Wares & Equipment
- Initial Supplies
- Franchisee and Crew Training
Take note that the franchisee will be in charge of finding the space and paying the rent (if applicable), securing any needed permits, and hiring and paying the store crew who will man the store.
Potato Corner Franchise Fee in the Philippines
Potato Corner’s franchise fee depends on the store outlet type. The available franchise types and corresponding franchise fee are as follows.
School Cart (1.2 meters): P230,000
Standard Cart (1.8 meters): P385,000
Kiosk (2 x 2 meters): P400,000 – P600,000
In-Line Store (approx. 4 x 4 meters): P600,000 – P800,000
In-Line Dine-in Store with Seating (approx. 4 x 4 meters): P800,000 – P1,200,000
Examples of these food cart types are in the photo below.
How to Apply for Potato Corner Franchise
If you’re interested to proceed with franchising, you’ll have to undergo the following application steps.
1. Prepare and submit the following documents:
- Letter of intent (including your desired location and reason/s why you want to franchise)
- Map or sketch of your desired location
- Photos of your desired location
- Current resume/curriculum vitae
- 2 valid (preferably government) IDs
2. Wait for the Potato Corner Team to schedule a meeting with you. There may be a location visit within the same day or at another time.
3. Wait for about a month for the approval process. Once your application is approved, you and your crew will be trained on how to prepare the flavored fries and to ensure these will sell.
Potato Corner Franchise Fee in Other Countries
For international franchises, Potato Corner requires franchisees to start with a 3-store package. This means a minimum of three (3) Potato Corner outlets must be opened upon approval of application. After running the stores, the franchisee may decide to apply for exclusivity rights for the entire territory.
According to Potato Corner, the franchise fee to operate one store in another country is roughly $70,000 or around P3.6 million to P4 million.
This initial investment only takes into account permits and other government requirements, store design and construction, equipment and small wares, training, and initial supplies.
Not included are the following fees which prospective franchisees must consider: Legal Fees, Leasing Fees, Translation Fees (when applicable), Fees by the Food Authority (or similar agencies), Customs / Importation Brokerage Fees, Local Marketing, Staff and Crew, and other costs related to local regulations and laws.
For interested franchisees in countries where Potato Corner is already operating, you may contact Potato Corner’s international franchising team. If you would like to start Potato Corner in new countries, contact them using the details below to coordinate with the process.
International Franchising Requirements
Individuals interested to franchise Potato Corner abroad are required to submit the following:
- Letter of Intent (LOI)
- Application Form (to be provided by Potato Corner)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copy of Government-issued ID
- Copy of Passport
Meanwhile, corporations looking to operate Potato Corner’s international franchises must submit the following:
- Letter of Intent (LOI)
- Application Form (to be provided by Potato Corner)
- Copy of Business Registration
- Copy of Articles of Incorporation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), Copy of Government-issued ID, and Copy of Passport of the Head of Company and Proposed Manager of the Potato Corner franchise
Here are the application steps for applicants of international franchising:
1. Send Letter of Intent and Application Form to Potato Corner.
2. Wait for the team to contact you and to set the Initial Interview.
3. Conduct a Market Study for the proposed franchise and prepare a Business Plan.
4. Conduct a personal presentation of the Business Plan to the Potato Corner team.
5. Wait for the results of the Final Background Evaluation.
6. Once approved, sign the franchising contract.
Potato Corner Franchise Contact Details
For further inquiries regarding the Potato Corner franchise, you may contact:
Potato Corner Franchise Officer
Email Address: iwantfranchise@potatocorner.com
Email Address (International Franchising): shakeworldwide@potatocorner.com
Telephone Number: (02) 534-5845
Check out other food cart franchises in the Philippines! Here is PinoyMoneyTalk’s Complete list of Philippine companies available for Franchising
Information and Image Sources: Official Company Website (potatocorner.com)