Franchisor Stories
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Peterbrooke Chocolatier is a neighborhood chocolate shop that blends European-style chocolate making with classic American treats.
Peterbrooke Chocolatier is a retail chocolate brand that started in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1983. Known for chocolate-covered popcorn, as well as truffles, caramels and gelato, the brand has grown across Florida and the Southeast, bringing a local shop feel to every community it enters.
Peterbrooke Chocolatier was founded in 1983 by Phyllis Lockwood Geiger in Jacksonville, Florida. She wanted to bring the art of European chocolate making into an American neighborhood experience. Her creations, like chocolate-covered popcorn, became instant hits and remain best-sellers today.
Mission: To translate the art of fine European chocolate making into an approachable, American neighborhood experience.
Vision: To create welcoming neighborhood chocolate shops that delight customers with handcrafted chocolates and treats while building long-term community connections.
Peterbrooke offers small-batch handmade chocolates, daily hand-dipped specialties like popcorn, cookies and strawberries, and a local neighborhood shop experience. The shops feature clean, modern designs and interactive elements such as tasting bars and build-your-own bark stations.
Peterbrooke provides a proven business model, chocolatier certification, a multiple revenue stream format, local marketing and field support and a hands-on training program.
Peterbrooke is expanding throughout Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, Texas and beyond. Contact the brand for more information.
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Peterbrooke Chocolatier franchise ranges from $313,950 to $462,350. The 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 | $40,000 |
| Computer & POS Systems | $3,350 | $3,350 |
| Site Approval Visit | $100 | $2,000 |
| Real Estate Deposit | $6,750 | $20,000 |
| Real Estate Improvements | $90,000 | $140,000 |
| Fixtures, Equipment & Molds | $90,000 | $120,000 |
| Architect & Design Fees | $9,000 | $13,000 |
| Insurance | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| Utility Deposits, Business Licenses & Other Prepaid Expenses | $1,000 | $4,000 |
| Opening Inventory & Supplies | $24,000 | $35,000 |
| Signage | $6,000 | $12,000 |
| Initial Training Meals, Lodging & Travel Expenses | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Legal & Accounting Fees | $750 | $3,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $30,000 | $50,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: Peterbrooke Chocolatier charges a $40,000 initial franchise fee for a single-shop franchise, due in a lump sum when the franchise agreement is signed. Veterans who qualify through the VetFran Program receive a 20% discount, reducing the fee by $8,000.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2026 FDD, Peterbrooke Chocolatier franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Continuing Royalty Fee | 6% of gross revenues/month |
| Peterbrooke Advertising Fund Fee | 3% of gross revenues/month |
| Local Advertising | 2% of gross revenues/month |
ROI Potential: According to the 2026 FDD, the 23 Peterbrooke shops operating for the entirety of FY 2025 reported the following gross revenues:
| Units | Average | Median | High | Low |
| Franchised (18) | $512,775 | $488,694 | $1,458,692 | $100,008 |
| Company-Owned (5) | $609,134 | $678,856 | $690,547 | $472,017 |
| Total (23) | $533,723 | $527,987 | $1,458,692 | $100,008 |
Training includes three weeks at a corporate shop in Jacksonville, Florida, covering chocolate production, inventory, menu, marketing and operations. Franchisees also get at least one week of support before opening and another week after opening. Ongoing operational support continues after launch.
Franchisees receive assistance with site selection, lease negotiation and marketing. Real estate brokers work with the development team to help franchisees find the right location. The brand also provides ongoing field support.
Peterbrooke requires franchisees to use its approved point-of-sale system to handle sales and reporting. Franchisees also cover a monthly support fee for system maintenance and updates. In addition, each shop must maintain a computer system as outlined in the brand’s operating manual. All franchisees also participate in the brand’s gift card and loyalty programs.
Peterbrooke does not specify any franchisee requirements with regard to liquid assets or net worth.
Peterbrooke is open to franchisees of all backgrounds. The brand looks for owners with ambition, business acumen and entrepreneurial drive. Financial qualifications and background checks are required.
Franchisees are encouraged to be involved in day-to-day operations but are not required to be fully hands-on. Multi-unit ownership and partnerships are allowed on a case-by-case basis, provided there is a manager or head chocolatier onsite.
Peterbrooke works with national lenders and the Small Business Administration but does not directly finance franchisees.
“Several years ago, I made the decision to invest in Peterbrooke Chocolatier shop and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Today I’m a successful small business owner with the work-life balance I’ve always wanted thanks to the brand’s streamlined operations, strong identity, and ongoing support.”
- Vanessa Rainho, Franchisee — Fleming Island, Florida
“The biggest thing that makes Peterbrooke different is our incredibly strong brand identity, the absolute finest ingredients, and our commitment to becoming a real part of the community we serve.”
- Brooke Joyner, Franchisee — Atlantic Beach, Florida
“After working in corporate America for many years, I was ready for a new challenge. The Peterbrooke business model is a proven one and the training and support provided has put us quickly on the path to success and allowed us to build something long term for our family.”
- Lee Cartledge, Franchisee — Pensacola, Florida
Visit the Peterbrooke franchise website for more franchisee testimonials and success stories.
The global confectionery market was valued at $173.20 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from $183.53 billion in 2026 to $314.17 billion by 2034.
Peterbrooke competes with Kilwins, Godiva and See’s Candies. The brand sets itself apart with its neighborhood shop model, American-European chocolate blend and community-focused approach.
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