A French fries business is a type of food establishment that sells French fries. French fries, often known as chips or finger chips, are a popular snack made from deep-fried potato strips. A French fries shop may sell a variety of French fries, such as curly fries, shoestring fries, and sweet potato fries.
Certain French fry restaurants may also serve toppings or sauces with their fries, such as cheese, gravy, or ketchup. Food trucks, fast food restaurants, and independent kiosks are all examples of French fries enterprises.
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global French fries market size was valued at USD 59.5 billion in 2020, with North America being one of the largest markets for French fries. The report also notes that the increasing popularity of fast food and the convenience it offers has been a driving factor in the growth of the French fries industry.
Steps on How to Write a French Fries Business Plan
1. Executive Summary
Our company, Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc., aims to enter the fast-food industry by providing high-quality French fries to customers. The business will be based in a prime location in the city center, where foot traffic is high, and there is a high demand for fast food.
The French fries market has been growing consistently, and we plan to capitalize on this trend by offering a unique and superior product. Our French fries will be made from high-quality potatoes, which will be freshly cut and cooked in vegetable oil.
We will offer a variety of sauces to accompany the fries, and we will use biodegradable packaging to ensure our commitment to environmental sustainability.
Our business will differentiate itself by providing an exceptional customer experience. Our friendly and attentive staff will ensure that our customers feel valued and appreciated, and we will strive to exceed their expectations with our product quality and service.
Cecilia Markson is the founder and CEO of Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc.
2. Company Profile
a. Our Products and Services
Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. will be involved in the sale of;
- Different types of French fries
- Different types of snacks
- Beverages and water.
b. Nature of the Business
Our French fries shop will operate the business-to-consumer business model.
c. The Industry
Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. will operate in the fast-food industry.
d. Mission Statement
Our mission at Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. is to provide our customers with the best-tasting, high-quality French fries made from fresh, hand-cut potatoes and cooked in vegetable oil. We are committed to delivering exceptional customer service and using environmentally sustainable packaging. Our goal is to become the go-to destination for French fries in the city.
e. Vision Statement
Our vision at Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. is to become the leading provider of French fries in the region.
f. Our Tagline (Slogan)
Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. – French Fries and More!
g. Legal Structure of the Business (LLC, C Corp, S Corp, LLP)
Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. will be formed as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). The reason why we are forming an LLC is to protect our personal assets by limiting the liability to the resources of the business itself. The LLC will protect our CEO’s personal assets from claims against the business, including lawsuits.
h. Our Organizational Structure
- Chief Executive Officer (Owner)
- Shop Manager
- Accountant (Cashier)
- Kitchen Staff
- Salesgirls and Salesboys
- Cleaners
i. Ownership/Shareholder Structure and Board Members
- Cecilia Markson (Owner and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer) 52 Percent Shares
- Jake Markson (Board Member) 18 Percent Shares
- Chris George (Board Member) 10 Percent Shares
- Ed Robert (Board Member) 10 Percent Shares
- Cynthia Williams (Board Member and Secretary) 10 Percent Shares.
3. SWOT Analysis
a. Strength
- High-quality French fries made from fresh, hand-cut potatoes and cooked in vegetable oil.
- Unique and superior product compared to competitors.
- Prime location in the city center with high foot traffic.
- Commitment to using environmentally sustainable packaging.
- Exceptional customer service.
b. Weakness
- A new entrant in the competitive fast-food industry.
- Limited product offerings compared to established competitors.
- Relatively unknown brand name.
c. Opportunities
- Growing market trend towards fast food and convenience.
- Expanding menu offerings to include additional sides, sauces, and toppings.
- Expanding the number of locations to increase market reach.
- Collaboration with local businesses for cross-promotion and increased visibility.
i. How Big is the Industry?
The French fries industry is a significant part of the fast food and quick service restaurant (QSR) industry in the USA. According to Statista, in 2021, the revenue generated by the fast food industry in the United States was approximately $284.4 billion.
Within the fast food industry, French fries are a popular side item that is often ordered alongside burgers, sandwiches, and other fast food items.
ii. Is the Industry Growing or Declining?
The French fries industry is growing in the USA. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global French fries market size was valued at USD 59.5 billion in 2020, with North America being one of the largest markets for French fries.
Additionally, the fast food industry, of which French fries are a popular side item, generated approximately $284.4 billion in revenue in the USA in 2021. The increasing popularity of fast food and the convenience it offers has been a driving factor in the growth of the French fries industry. Therefore, it can be concluded that the French fries industry is growing in the USA.
iii. Future Trends in the Industry
The future trends in the French fries industry in the USA are focused on meeting changing consumer preferences and demands. One of the key trends is an increased demand for healthier options, such as baked or air-fried French fries. The use of alternative vegetables like sweet potatoes or zucchini is also gaining popularity.
Additionally, there is a growing trend towards sustainability, with consumers looking for eco-friendly packaging options and a focus on reducing food waste.
Technology is also playing a role in the industry with automation and robotics used for efficient production and packaging. Finally, the industry is seeing an increase in customization options with a focus on personalized toppings, sauces, and seasonings to meet consumer preferences.
iv. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?
No, there are no existing niches when it comes to the French fries business.
v. Can You Sell a Franchise of your Business in the Future?
Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. has plans to sell franchises in the nearest future and we will target significant cities with thriving markets in the United States of America.
d. Threats
- Intense competition from established fast-food chains.
- Fluctuations in potato prices due to weather and supply chain disruptions.
- Economic downturns and consumer spending patterns.
- Changes in health and safety regulations affect the fast-food industry.
i. Who are the Major Competitors?
- McDonald’s
- Burger King
- Wendy’s
- KFC
- Five Guys
- Shake Shack
- Chick-fil-A
- Arby’s
- Checkers/Rally’s
- Sonic Drive-In
- Hardee’s
- In-N-Out Burger
- Jack in the Box
- Carl’s Jr.
- White Castle
- Del Taco
- Taco Bell
- Popeyes
- A&W
- Dairy Queen.
ii. Is There a Franchise for a French fries Shop?
Yes, there are franchise opportunities for the French fries business and some of them are;
- McDonald’s
- Five Guys
- Chick-fil-A
- Checkers/Rally’s
- Arby’s
- Potato Corner
- Wingstop
- Carl’s Jr.
- A&W
- Jack in the Box.
iii. Are There Policies, Regulations, or Zoning Laws Affecting French fries Shops?
Yes, there may be county or state regulations or zoning laws for French fries businesses in the United States. The specific laws and regulations will vary depending on the location and the type of business, but some common requirements may include:
- Food safety regulations: All food businesses in the United States are required to follow food safety regulations set by federal and state agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
- Business licensing: French fries businesses may need to obtain a business license from their local or state government in order to operate legally.
- Zoning laws: Zoning laws determine what types of businesses can operate in specific areas, and may restrict the location of French fries businesses in certain zones.
- Building codes: French fries businesses may need to comply with building codes that dictate the size, layout, and safety features of their facilities.
- Employment laws: French fries businesses must follow federal and state employment laws, such as minimum wage and overtime requirements, workplace safety standards, and anti-discrimination laws.
4. Marketing Plan
a. Who is Your Target Audience?
i. Age Range
Our target market comprises people of all ages.
ii. Level of Educational
We don’t have any restrictions on the level of education of those we plan to sell our French fries to.
iii. Income Level
There is no cap on the income level of those we plan to sell our French fries to.
iv. Ethnicity
There is no restriction when it comes to the ethnicity of the people we plan to sell our French fries to.
v. Language
There is no restriction when it comes to the language spoken by the people we plan to sell our French fries to.
vi. Geographical Location
Anybody from any geographical location is free to purchase French fries from us.
vii. Lifestyle
Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. will not restrict any customer from purchasing French fries from us based on their lifestyle, culture, or race.
b. Advertising and Promotion Strategies
- Deliberately Brand All Our Vans and Delivery Bikes.
- Tap Into Text Marketing.
- Make Use of Billboards.
- Share Your Events in Local Groups and Pages.
- Turn Your Social Media Channels into a Resource
- Develop Your Business Directory Profiles
- Build Relationships with players in the event planning industry and the food services industry.
i. Traditional Marketing Strategies
- Marketing through Direct Mail.
- Print Media Marketing – Newspapers & Magazines.
- Broadcast Marketing -Television & Radio Channels.
- OOH, Marketing – Public Transit like Buses and Trains, Billboards, Street shows, and Cabs.
- Leverage direct sales, direct mail (postcards, brochures, letters, fliers), tradeshows, print advertising (magazines, newspapers, coupon books, billboards), referral (also known as word-of-mouth marketing), radio, and television.
ii. Digital Marketing Strategies
- Social Media Marketing Platforms.
- Influencer Marketing.
- Email Marketing.
- Content Marketing.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Marketing.
- Affiliate Marketing
- Mobile Marketing.
iii. Social Media Marketing Plan
- Start using chatbots.
- Create a personalized experience for our customers.
- Create an efficient content marketing strategy.
- Create a community for our target market and potential target market.
- Gear up our profiles with a diverse content strategy.
- Use brand advocates.
- Create profiles on relevant social media channels.
- Run cross-channel campaigns.
c. Pricing Strategy
When working out our pricing strategy, Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. will make sure it covers profits, insurance, premium, license, and economy or value and full package. In all our pricing strategy will reflect;
- Penetration Pricing
- Cost-Based Pricing
- Value-Based Pricing
- Competition-Based Pricing.
5. Sales and Distribution Plan
a. Sales Channels
Our channel sales strategy will involve using partners and third parties—such as referral partners, affiliate partners, strategic alliances in the event planning industry, the food services industry, and freelancers to help refer customers to us.
Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. will also leverage the 4 Ps of marketing which is a place, price, product, and promotion. By carefully integrating all these marketing strategies into a marketing mix, we can have a visible, in-demand service that is competitively priced and promoted to our customers.
b. Inventory Strategy
The fact that we will need ingredients (emulsified meat trimmings of chicken, beef, or pork, vegetable oil, all-purpose flour, baking powder, preservatives, spices, and coloring et al), means that Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. will operate an inventory strategy that is based on a day-to-day methodology to follow for ordering, maintaining and processing items in our warehouse.
We will prioritize freshness, quality, and timely availability while minimizing waste and optimizing costs. Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. will make sure we work with “Just-in-time (JIT) inventory” – (JIT involves holding as little stock as possible, negating the costs and risks involved with keeping a large amount of stock on hand.)
c. Payment Options for Customers
Here are the payment options that Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. will make available to her clients;
- Credit or Debit Card
- Cash
- Electronic Payment Systems such as PayPal or Venmo
- Checks
- Bank Transfers.
d. Return Policy, Incentives, and Guarantees
At Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc., our customers are our top priority hence if you receive French fries that are different from your receipt, we will sincerely apologize. Please call us as soon as you notice that there was an error in your order so you can come and pick up the correct food item.
For credit card payments, you will be refunded the sales price amount associated with the error and recharged for the new item’s price.
For cash payments, you will be asked to pay the difference of the balance if the new French fries have a greater value than the food received in error. In the same way, you will receive the difference of the balance back as credit for the new item if less than the food received in error. In some cases, we may offer you store credit.
Your order will be a priority if you come to pick it up. In all cases, please return the French fries order in the original container(s) to our host. Please, if you have any questions regarding the Return & Refund Policy, please call our customer care officer.
e. Customer Support Strategy
Our customer support strategy will involve seeking customer feedback. This will help us provide excellent customer service to our customers, it will help us to first understand their needs, experiences, and pain points. We will work with effective CRM software to be able to achieve this.
6. Operational Plan
Our operational plan will cover detail of the day-to-day operations of the business, including the production process, equipment, staffing, and customer service.
- Production Process: We will outline the steps involved in the production of French fries, including cleaning and cutting potatoes, frying, seasoning, and packaging. We will also detail any quality control measures to ensure consistency and high-quality products.
- Equipment: Will acquire the latest equipment including fryers, cutting machines, storage containers, and packaging materials. Our plan also includes a maintenance schedule to ensure the equipment is in good working condition and that any repairs are made promptly.
- Staffing: We will outline our staffing needs, including the number of employees required for each shift and their roles and responsibilities. It will also include a training plan to ensure all our employees are adequately trained on the production process, safety procedures, and customer service.
- Customer Service: We will have detailed customer service policies and procedures, including how to handle customer complaints, how to provide a positive customer experience, and how to ensure prompt and accurate order fulfillment.
- Health and Safety: We will put detailed health and safety measures in place to protect employees and customers, including food safety protocols, cleaning procedures, and emergency response plans.
- Sales and Marketing: Our operational plan will include a sales and marketing strategy to attract and retain customers. It will also include promotions, advertising, and partnerships with other businesses.
a. What Happens During a Typical Day at a French Fries Shop Business?
- The business is open for the day’s work
- The shop serving area and kitchen are cleaned and ready for the day’s business
- French fries ingredients are purchased, and ready for use
- Customer’s orders are taken and they are served or their orders are delivered to them
- The cashier collects cash and reconciles accounts for the day
- Administrative duties are carried out
- The store or warehouse is restocked when required.
- The business is closed for the day.
b. Production Process
The following is a brief summary of each step in the production process of our French fries:
- Selection and Preparation: The first step is to select high-quality potatoes and clean them thoroughly. The potatoes are then peeled or left unpeeled depending on customer preferences.
- Cutting and Sizing: The potatoes are cut into uniform pieces using a machine or by hand. The size of the French fries can vary depending on the business’s preferences or customer demand.
- Blanching: The cut potatoes are blanched in hot water or steamed for a short period to remove excess starch and to partially cook them. This step helps to maintain the fries’ color and texture during the frying process.
- Frying: The partially cooked potatoes are fried in hot oil until they turn golden brown and crispy. The temperature of the oil and frying time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the French fries.
- Seasoning: The French fries are seasoned with salt or other seasonings to add flavor.
- Packaging: The final step is to package the French fries in containers or bags, ready for sale to customers.
c. Service Procedure
The service procedure for a French fries shop starts with a customer requesting French fries and perhaps drinks, coffee, or bottled water. Once the request is gotten, it will be processed and the customer will be served or the order delivered to a location as requested.
d. The Supply Chain
The supply chain for our French fries business involves coordinating with suppliers and distributors to ensure that high-quality raw materials are sourced, processed, packaged, and delivered to customers efficiently and effectively. Good communication and planning are critical to managing the supply chain and ensuring that the business can meet customer demand.
e. Sources of Income
Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. will make money from selling;
- Different types of French fries and other snacks
- Beverages and water.
7. Financial Plan
a. Amount Needed to Start your French Fries Shop?
Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. would need an estimate of $150,000 successfully set up our French fries shop in the United States of America. Please note that this amount includes the salaries of all our staff for the first month of operation.
b. What are the Cost Involved?
- Business Registration Fees – $750.
- Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – $1,300.
- Marketing, Branding, and Promotions – $1,000.
- Business Consultant Fee – $2,500.
- Insurance – $1,400.
- Rent/Lease – $75,000.
- Other start-up expenses include commercial satellite TV subscriptions, stationery ($500), and phone and utility deposits ($1,800).
- Operational Cost (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $30,000
- Start-up Inventory – $7,000
- Store Equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $1,750
- Furnishing and Equipping the Shop and Kitchen – $25,000
- Website: $600
- Opening party: $3,000
- Miscellaneous: $2,000
c. Do You Need to Build a Facility? If YES, How Much will it cost?
Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. will not build a new facility for our French fries shop; we intend to start with a long-term lease and after 5 years, we will start the process of acquiring our own shop facility in a centralized location in the city.
d. Ongoing Expenses for Running a French Fries shop
- Supplies such as potatoes, oil, salt, seasonings, cornstarch or potato starch, vinegar, sugar, baking powder, and egg et al
- Utility bills (gas, internet subscriptions, phone bills, signage, and software renewal fees et al)
- Salaries of employees
- Delivery vans maintenance
- Insurance
- Marketing costs
e. Average Salary of your Staff
- Chief Executive Officer – $55,000 Per Year
- Shop Manager – $45,000 Per Year
- Accountant – $35,630,000 Per Year
- Kitchen Staff – $27,100 Per Year
- Salesmen and Saleswomen – $26,000 Per Year
- Cleaners -$24,000 Per Year
f. How Do You Get Funding to Start a French Fries Shop?
- Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
- Raising money from investors and business partners
- Sell shares to interested investors
- Applying for a loan from your bank/banks
- Pitching your business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from the government, donor organizations, and angel investors
- Source for soft loans from your family members and friends.
8. Financial Projection
a. How Much Should You Charge for your Product/Service?
Our French fries will cost anywhere from $1 to $3. A medium serving may cost $2 to $4, and a large serving may cost $3 to $5. Specialty or gourmet French fries, which may include additional toppings or seasonings, can be more expensive and may cost $5 to $10 or more.
b. Sales Forecast?
- First Fiscal Year (FY1): $290,000
- Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $440,000
- Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $650,000
c. Estimated Profit You Will Make a Year?
- First Fiscal Year (FY1) (Profit After Tax): $80,000
- Second Fiscal Year (FY2) (Profit After Tax): $180,000
- Third Fiscal Year (FY3) (Profit After Tax): $300,000
d. Profit Margin of a French Fries shop Product/Service
The ideal profit margin we hope to make at Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. will be between 15 and 35 percent depending on the additional ingredients, pack, and size.
9. Growth Plan
a. How do you intend to grow and expand? By opening more retail outlets/offices or selling a Franchise?
Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. will grow our French Fries shop by first opening other shop outlets in key cities in the United States of America within the first five years of establishing the business and then will start selling franchises from the sixth year.
b. Where do you intend to expand to and why?
Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. plans to expand to the following cities;
- New York, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Philadelphia, PA
- Miami, FL
- Seattle, WA
- Atlanta, GA
- Denver, CO
- Portland, OR.
We are expanding to these cities because, these cities have large populations, a thriving food scene, and a diverse consumer base that may be receptive to new and innovative food concepts such as specialty French fries.
10. Exit Plan
The founder of Cecilia Markson® Foods Company, Inc. plan to exit the business via family succession. We have placed structures and processes in place that will help us achieve our plan of successfully transferring the business from one family member to another and from one generation to another without hitches.