Tom+Chee

Grilled CHEEse & TOMato soup for the kid at heart. Mixing classic comfort food with varied ingredients, healthy alternatives, and exciting combinations.

Tom+Chee began in a tent on a public square serving yummy grilled cheese and tasty soups to throngs of visitors. But the founders of Tom+Chee dreamed that one day they could have their own shop - their own little cheesy slice of the "American dream." Because of our overwhelming success, 365 days later we opened our first brick and mortar location, and have been growing steadily ever since.

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Tom+Chee Franchise Cost and Requirements for 2024

Background

So, You Want To Sell Grilled Cheese?*
Tom+Chee Worldwide is seeking highly motivated and experienced franchisees to help us expand our brand of fun, exciting grilled cheese around the world. We are seeking area developers and multi-unit franchisees that are committed to maintaining a clean store, offering a family friendly environment with great customer service, and serving awesome grilled cheese and soups.

What Makes Tom+Chee Special?
Tom+Chee began in a tent on a public square serving yummy grilled cheese and tasty soups to throngs of visitors. But the founders of Tom+Chee dreamed that one day they could have their own shop - their own little cheesy slice of the "American dream." Because of our overwhelming success, 365 days later we opened our first brick and mortar location, and have been growing steadily ever since.

Tom+Chee, "kitchen slang" for Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese, features fresh-made creations - over 25 different ones on our daily menu and an endless "specials" menu. Choices range from good ol' American cheese on white bread… to the fresh, herby flavors of the Pesto Turkey… to the unforgettable "Grilled Cheese Donut" (available with a variety of sweet and salty ingredients, a must-try!).

Tom+Chee use fresh ingredients. We roast our own turkey, chicken, and beef, as well as making our own dressings, sauces, and spreads regularly in each shop. All of Tom+Chee's soups are homemade, and include three different tomato soups always on the menu, as well as seasonal specials, like gazpacho and blue cheese chili. Our salads are made fresh and also include seasonal varieties. For our friends with dietary restrictions we offer gluten-free bread, vegan cheese, as well as a variety of vegan and vegetarian soups (our pesto is nut allergy free!).

Our food and our restaurants are designed with the whole family in mind - something for the kids and the kids at heart. A fun family feast that the young ones will eat, but with a diversity of choices that will satisfy parents' cravings for something new or different. And for the price of just a sandwich at other places, you get a whole meal at Tom+Chee.

Tom+Chee has earned a great deal of media attention, in Cincinnati and across the country. During an appearance on the season finale of ABC's "Shark Tank," Barbara Corcoran invested in the company and the expansion of our franchise operations. Tom+Chee is currently featured in a weekly segment called 'Franchise Fridays,' on Fox Business network's "MONEY with Melissa Francis."

Our famous Grilled Cheese Donut has been featured on ABC's "The Chew," and the Travel Channel's "Amazing Eats," and "Man v. Food Nation." NBC's "Today Show" named it one of the seven best sandwiches of 2012. And our BBQ+Bacon Grilled Cheese sandwich was named "Best of the City" by Cincinnati Magazine. The band Smash Mouth included Tom+Chee in their cook book "Recipes from the Road," and we've been written up in the national cheese magazine "Culture." And Tom+Chee was named one of the "25 Brands to Watch" at the 2013 Brand Innovators Made in America Summit.

Tom+Chee has been recognized locally, nationally, and internationally for our awesome flavor combinations, inspiring people to "Eat what's fun!" With a menu that fits in well for a quick workday lunch, a fun dinner out with the family, or a nighttime bite, we invite you to stop by and try something gooey, melty, and awesome.

Company Details

Established: 2009
First Unit Franchised: 2012
Franchised Units: 28
Company Owned Units: 3
States Registered In: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Canada Franchises: No
International Franchises: No

Support and Training Offered By Tom+Chee

Financial Assistance Provided: No
Site Selection Assistance: No
Lease Negotiation Assistance: No
Recruiting Assistance: No
Co-Operative Advertising: No

Training: Training in Cincinnati is for 21 days, 2 people minimum. You go back and start training your crew, our trainers come and are with you both before and after open for a total of 16 days.


Other Info: Site Selection
We approve the site. We are in the process of seeking a Broker Program.

2024 Franchise Requirements Needed to Own a Tom+Chee Franchise.

What does a Tom+Chee Franchise Cost?

Tom+Chee franchise fees for 2024:

Cash Investment: $500,000
Total Investment: $401,200-$833,000
Minimum Net Worth: $850,000
Franchise Fee: $40,000 for first location, $25,000 for each additional. Only collect half up front for location 2 and beyond, collect the other half when entering into lease.
Royalty: 6%
Ad: .5% until 100 stores open then back to 1.5%
Average Number of Employees: 30
Item 19: No
SBA Approved: Yes
Passive Ownership: No
Home Based: No
B2B: No
Master Franchise Opportunities: No
Veteran Discount: No

Is Tom+Chee a Semi Absentee Franchise with a Passive Ownership Opportunity?

No. Tom+Chee is not a semi absentee franchise. The owner of the franchise (the franchisee) is expected to be involved in all aspects of day-to-day operations.

Is Tom+Chee a Home Based franchise?

No. Tom+Chee is not a home based franchise opportunity.

What Do Tom+Chee Franchise Owners Make?

This information is not available. Tom+Chee does not offer an Item 19 in their Franchise Disclosure Document.

Is Tom+Chee a Master Franchise Opportunity?

No. Tom+Chee is not a master franchise opportunity.

Does Tom+Chee Offer a Veteran Discount?

No. Tom+Chee franchise does not offer a veteran discount.

Does Tom+Chee Work with E2 Visa and EB-5 Visa Candidates?

Yes. Tom+Chee franchise does work with E2 Visa and EB-5 Visa candidates.

Is Tom+Chee Looking for Franchisees in Canada?

No. Tom+Chee franchise is not looking for Canada franchisees.

Is Tom+Chee Looking for International franchisees?

No. Tom+Chee franchise is not looking for International franchisees.

Where can I see Tom+Chee's FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document)?

Buying a Franchise Guide: What is a Franchise Disclosure Document?

When evaluating a franchise opportunity, reading and understanding the current version of their FDD is a necessity. Considering the benefits of franchising, such as established brand recognition and support from the franchisor, it's important to also take into account franchise fees and franchising royalty fees. Since most franchisors are privately owned companies, the current versions of their FDDs are typically not available unless requested directly from them.

Click here to connect with a Franchise Consultant who can help you obtain a copy quickly and for free. They can also guide you through the essential franchise questions to ask, ensuring you make a well-informed decision about your investment.

Additional Information

Additional Categories

Food & Restaurants

Number of Units Open

20-50 UNITS

Cash Required

More than $250,000

Master Franchise

No

Passive Franchise

No

Home Based Franchise

No

Item 19 Franchise

No

Veteran Discount

No

B2B

No

Franchise Opportunities in Canada

No

International Franchise Opportunities

No

E2 Visa Franchise

Yes

Tom+Chee Franchises for Sale

Click Here to inquire about existing Tom+Chee franchises for sale. We may have Tom+Chee franchise resales. A franchise resale is an already established franchise owned by a franchisee and the franchisee is looking to sell their franchise.

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