This page covers the following areas:

Financial
Legal
Development
Staff & Training
Support Structures

As South Africa 's leading Seafood Restaurant franchise group we have put together a brief guideline outlining Key Aspects and Responsibilities that will assist in a successful and smooth opening of an Ocean Basket Franchise Restaurant.

This guideline takes the format of FAQ's that in our experience arise during a project and should be addressed prior to the commencement of a new Ocean Basket Development.

What does my Joining Fee cover?
This fee covers the following aspects of opening an Ocean Basket Franchise Restaurant.

•  Brand Name and use of associated Intellectual Property of the Brand.
•  Training of Crew (excl. Meals, Accommodation and Wages).
•  Training Manuals.
•  Standard Of Operations Manuals.
•  All design.
•  Opening Marketing Materials (menus, posters, etc.)

How Much Does a Typical Store Cost?
A Model Ocean Basket store of approximately 240 - 280 square meters, without any equipment beyond the minimum Ocean Basket Specifications Costs Approximately.
R 1 800 000,00 excl. VAT

The Development Crew will however assemble a complete costing pack for your particular outlet, once we have reached that stage.

To whom do I pay?
All Capital Requirements and Financial guarantees are to be ledged with the Franchisors Attorney prior to commencement of the development and will be held in a trust until payment falls due to the development team.

How are my Franchise Fees determined?
They are estimated on a predetermined sliding scale depending on the turnover for your specific outlet. This may in due course be adjusted due to certain criteria.

Can I negotiate my Franchise Agreement?
Your Franchise agreement runs for a terms of 5 years. After this period renewal negotiations will take place. It is important that you understand the terms and conditions of your Franchise Agreement and have your legal representative check the document on your behalf to advise you of your implications and obligations as a franchisee.

When do we Start Negotiations?
Once you have paid the Joining Fee to secure a particular site or position, then we will begin.

Who decides if the site is suitable?
Final say as to if the site can sustain an Ocean Basket is at the sole discretion of the Ocean Basket Head Office.

Who helps with Landlord negotiations?
The Development team will assist the franchisee with the following negotiations with potential landlords: Lease Negotiation, Landlords contribution to development and, rent-free beneficial occupational periods, where applicable.

Who draws the plans for the store?
Approved plans are supplied to the franchisee by the Ocean Baskets appointed architect.

When the actual work begin?
Once we have the Bank Guarantees and /or Capital requirements lodged with our Attorneys.

Who give me a final costing of the Project?
The Development team prepare a comprehensive costing pack for the complete turnkey operation.

Who appoints and supervises the contractors?
The Development team ensure that appointed contractors complete the work timeously and to specifications laid out by the brand.

Where does the equipment come from?
All in-store equipment is supplied and fitted by contractors appointed by the Brand.

How long does the whole project take?
The construction of a store takes approximately 8 – 12 weeks from beneficial occupation, provided all requirements have been met.

Who recruits my staff?
The Franchisee is responsible for the recruiting of all staff members; the Franchisor may offer assistance in the matter, however the onus is on the Franchisee to recruit and select their crew.

Who can work at an Ocean Basket Franchise Restaurant?
Provided the Employee has passed all training pertaining to their job function they may work within the Ocean Basket Franchise Restaurant.

Do I have to pay staff whilst they train?
Yes, payment of crew on training is subject to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.

How long is the Training?
Minimum Training Periods:

• Management 3 Months
• Kitchen Crew 8 Weeks
• Waiters 4 Weeks

This is subject to the employee's position and experience.

Where does Training Take Place ?
Training is done both at the Training centre and at the designated training stores, per region.

As the owner what training do I have to attend?
Owners are obligated to attend the Management Training Course.

Does the Ocean Basket Franchise system offer support?
Yes, the Ocean Basket Franchise Group has an Extensive Support Structure in line with International Standards that offers franchisees support in the following areas:

OPERATIONS:
Each franchise store has an Allocated Franchise Consultant who will assist in the opening and ongoing operations of the store. The Franchise Consultants add value to the Franchisees, both from an operational as well as financial aspect. The Franchise Consultants do not only assist the franchisee but also ensure that the Brand Integrity is maintained across all Franchise Outlets thereby protecting all our franchisees and the brand.

MARKETING:
The Brand runs a marketing department that plans and executes all national advertising initiatives as well as developing and maintaining the corporate identity of the Brand and ensuring a return on the Advertising Investment. They also oversee all regional and store special campaigns.

WHOLESALE / DISTRIBUTION:
Our Distribution Centres supply you with the vast majority of your specified products required to run an Ocean Basket Franchise Restaurant.

The Wholesale department negotiates bulk purchases at discounted prices and ensures a consistent supply of quality products (not only seafood) delivered to stores at a market related price.

Does Ocean Basket Belong to a Franchising Body?

Yes, the Ocean Basket is a member of FASA (the Franchising Association of South Africa).