Franchise Deep Dive: Edible Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

LAST UPDATED: October 2023
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://ediblefranchise.com/
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 862
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $240,000 - $531,000
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $596,020 (AUV for stores open 3+ years)

Since its founding in 1999, Edible® has been an innovator in the gifting industry. Today's Edible is a modern gifting destination with an online ecommerce hub and nearly 1,000 locally owned brick-and-mortar locations globally. Beyond the brand's signature fruit arrangements, Edible's expansive range includes cookies, brownies, cakes, flowers, dessert boards, and more, all ideal for any celebration or to treat yourself.

How Many Edible Are There?

Edible Arrangements was originally founded in 1999 by Tariq Farid. Originally from Pakistan, Farid moved to West Haven, Connecticut, after acquiring U.S. citizenship. Eager to carve a niche for himself in the business world, his initial exposure to the industry came from his teenage stint at a local McDonald's where he learned about franchising. However, Farid's entrepreneurial spirit was eager to blaze its own trail.

At the tender age of 17, Farid took his first leap into entrepreneurship with the support of a $5,000 loan from his parents and family friends. He invested in a neighborhood flower shop and, to no one's surprise, he turned out to be a natural entrepreneur. Within the span of two years, Farid's success burgeoned, leading him to manage four flourishing stores.

However, the defining moment of his career was yet to come. In 1999, he recognized an untapped market opportunity that combined Americans' rising preference for fresh fruits, an increasing demand in the specialty food market, and a society that was ready to splurge on gifts. This insight led Farid to conceive a unique business idea: Edible Arrangements.

With a promising concept at hand, Farid expanded his business venture through franchising. In 2001, the first Edible Arrangements franchise store opened its doors in Waltham, Massachusetts.

“I’ve found that it has always been more beneficial to focus on the end results and what you’re trying to achieve,” Farid told 1851 Franchise in 2017. “If the goal of the business is the same at every level, then perception is a great benchmark to look at afterwards and see how you did. I like to take a step back and make sure we’re hitting goals and focusing on our customers and franchisees before thinking about how we’re being perceived.”

In 2009, Edible Arrangements signed its first international master franchise agreements. Over the next decade, Edible Arrangements continued to expand in the U.S. and internationally. Today, the company has nearly 1,000 franchise locations in operation. 

But it hasn’t been all positive — the franchisor has had several lawsuits filed against it by franchise owners, as well as one filed by the franchisor against a franchisee. Today, following several years of more closures than openings, there are currently 830 Edible shops across North America. 

What Is the Edible Business Model?

Edible Arrangements franchisees are usually responsible for taking orders, overseeing product assembly, and maintaining a clean work environment. Owners can tap into four revenue streams:

• Retail: Retail Edible shops provide the convenience of curbside and in-store pickup for guests. Guests can pick up freshly prepared arrangements, platters, cheesecakes, cookies and boxed fruit to go. Other than the busy holiday season, each shop only requires five employees to operate. 
• e-Commerce: Edible.com and the brand’s customer care center are open 365 days a year. Guests can place their orders anytime and have it fulfilled by their nearest Edible shop, aiding in local store marketing for the franchisee.
• Delivery: Edible gifts can be ordered last-minute or in advance and delivered all over the country. 
• Catering: Whether it be for family get-togethers, client meetings or celebrations, Edible offers guests the ability to cater with platters, dessert boards, extra-large arrangements, and more.

How Much Can Edible Franchise Owners Make?

Edible Arrangements’ most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and Item 19 outlines the historical financial performance representation and average and median gross sales of all franchised locations in the United States that were open and operating for one year or longer as of December 31, 2022:

How Much Does It Cost to Open an Edible Store?

The total investment necessary to begin operation of an Edible Arrangements Franchise ranges from $240,000 to $531,000. This includes between $53,400 and $98,800 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate.

What Is the Franchise Fee for Edible?

The initial franchise fee is $30,000. 

Who’s On Edible’sLeadership Team?

• Tariq Farid — CEO and Founder
• Somia Farid Silber — President 
• Mark Mele — Chief Development Officer 
• Kevin Keith — Chief Marketing Officer
• Angela Johnson — Chief Innovation Officer 
• John Enwright — Chief Financial Officer 
• Tim Voss — Chief Technology Officer

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Edible?

• Edible® Launches New Brand Campaign 'There's an Edible for That,' A Candid Take on Life's Moments (Even the Awkward Ones)
• “Next Gen Edible” for the Next Generation Customer
• How Edible Arrangements is ditching its ‘granny’ brand as it tracks to hit $500 million in sales this year
• Edible® Appoints Somia Farid Silber as President, Signaling a New Chapter for the Innovative Gifting Brand

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