Village Inn: A Legacy of Comfort Food and Award-Winning Pies

Village Inn is a beloved American restaurant franchise renowned for its all-day breakfast, homestyle meals, and award-winning pies. Founded in2020 by Merton “Andy” Anderson and Jim Mola in Denver, Colorado, the brand quickly gained popularity for its made-from-scratch buttermilk pancakes and welcoming atmosphere.

Recognizing its success, Village Inn began franchising in2021, expanding its reach across the United States. Today, the company is headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, under the ownership of BBQ Holdings, Inc.

The Village Inn menu offers a diverse selection, including breakfast items served all day, hearty lunch and dinner options, and a variety of signature pies. Their pies, such as French Silk and Caramel Pecan Silk Supreme, have garnered numerous accolades from the American Pie Council.

What sets Village Inn apart from its competitors is its commitment to comfort food served in a family-friendly environment. The brand has embraced modern dining trends by introducing refreshed store designs and new offerings like boozy brunches, while still maintaining its classic appeal.

Training

Village Inn provides a comprehensive training program to ensure franchisees and their managers are fully prepared for restaurant operations. Here are the key programs offered:

1. Franchise Management Training Program: This required program includes 10 to 12 weeks of instruction conducted at certified training restaurants. It covers a broad range of topics, including orientation, restaurant tours, host training, testing, e-course projects, and weekly evaluations. Training materials include binders, printed guides, and online courses, and must be completed at least four weeks before the restaurant's opening.
2. Annual Refresher and Additional Training: Franchisees and their managers must attend refresher training no more than once annually. While there is no tuition fee, attendees are responsible for travel, lodging, and related expenses. These sessions are held at locations and times designated by the franchisor.
3. New Restaurant Opening Assistance: For first-time franchisees, Village Inn sends a team of at least 10 staff members to assist on-site for a minimum of 18 business days before and after the restaurant opens. The franchisee covers all expenses for this support team, though no salary fees are charged.
4. Optional Training Programs: Franchisees may also attend non-required training sessions, provided there is space available. They bear all associated costs, including any applicable tuition and travel expenses.

Territory Protection

Village Inn does not offer exclusive territorial protection to its franchisees. Franchisees may face competition from other Village Inn outlets, company-owned locations, or even different brands controlled by the same franchisor.

The franchisor clearly states that it can operate or license additional franchises, and also sell products via alternative channels, such as the internet, even within a franchisee's assigned area.

Additionally, Village Inn maintains the right to engage in business activities, including owning, developing, or franchising similar restaurants, without compensating franchisees for sales or customer overlap in their franchise areas.