West Coast Sourdough (Unit)

Item 7 lays out a mid-range entry: total investment spans $297,000 to $421,500 for a unit, including the $25,000 franchise fee, build-out, equipment, and initial inventory. Ongoing fees hit hard with 5% royalties (minimum $1,000 monthly), up to 1% brand fund (currently waived), plus fixed costs like $320/month POS, $275/month website, and potential $500/month tech fees. Without Item 19 disclosure, you're blind to average revenues or profits— a red flag for a system franchising only since 2021, as it forces reliance on seller claims rather than vetted data from existing units.

System health shows promise but fragility: locations jumped 40% from 25 in 2022 to 35 in 2023, with 13 new units projected and just 4 transfers. No contraction signals like mass terminations, but the tiny footprint means high risk—most growth could be company-owned or early adopters. For investors eyeing fast food, this screams momentum play, but the lack of earnings proof and extra tech fees could erode margins in a cutthroat market. Weigh if 40% growth justifies the leap without financial transparency.