The Next Great American Bake Shop: Beyond Cookies, Beyond Expectations
Get Schmack’d with Wealth.
In a sea of white-walled, grab and go concepts, Schmackary’s stands out from the crowd. For over a decade, they have garnered critical acclaim, evolving into the East Coast’s highest volume cookie franchise. Known as “Generation Y’s Answer to the Old American Bake Shop,” Schmackary’s reimagines the beloved dessert shop of our grandparents’ era with a modern flair. Now, they’ve unlocked the door for aspiring entrepreneurs to enter the dessert industry with a low-cost, high-return, and easy-to-scale model.
From East Coast to Nationwide
We’re seeking enthusiastic multi-unit franchisees to bring the iconic Schmackary’s brand to the country’s top markets, with East Coast territories filling up fast. With over a dozen stores opening nationwide, now’s the time to secure your territory.
Steal A Piece Of The $300B Dessert Industry
How We Stand Out in a Crowded Market
Schmackary’s has cracked the code to stand out in a crowded market by blending timeless tradition with modern adaptability. Their unique business model combines the nostalgic charm of an Old American Bake Shop with the agility needed to capitalize on contemporary trends, ensuring sustained growth and customer loyalty.
1. Industry-leading Unit Economics: With $2,371,122 in Total Sales in 2023 from their iconic flagship location of just 725 square feet, Schmackary’s sets a benchmark that is virtually unheard of in the dessert industry.
2. Old American Bake Shop Experience: Schmackary’s is reviving the Old American Bake Shop experience, bringing back a customer connection and Midwestern Hospitality that have been lost in today’s market. Their warm, inviting atmosphere combined with unique recipe creations creates a customer experience not found anywhere else.
3. Nationwide Recognition with Major Media Partnerships: Schmackary’s nationwide recognition is bolstered by partnerships with major brands like Hulu, Disney, Harry Potter, American Express, and numerous Broadway productions. These decade-long collaborations have cemented their reputation and established Schmackary’s as a household name across the country.
Name Another Dessert Concept With Numbers Like These:
Total Sales
Store Level Profit
Franchisee EBITDA 2023
*As shown in Item 19 of Franchise Disclosure Document
East Coast's Highest Volume Cookie Bake Shop
Schmackary’s has crafted a model that can turn out thousands of cookies, pastries, and more daily on small floor plans.
Low Buildout & Startup Costs
Optimized for small square footage, the Schmackary’s model doesn’t have hoods, vents, grease traps or overly expensive equipment.
Cookies, Coffee, & More
Schmackary’s offers cookies, catering, coffee, breakfast and more, allowing franchisees to bring in the dough all year round.
Nationally & World Renowned
Schmackary’s has been featured in some of pop culture’s premier brands, such as The Tony Awards, The Today Show, Good Morning America, USA Today, Food Network, and more.
Hands-on Support and Training
As a franchisee with Schmackary’s, you’ll receive direct support and training from Zach and Jonny to ensure you’re set up for success.
Anyone Can Do It
No food or baking background? No problem. We train owners and staff on everything from baking, operations, marketing, and more.
Take A Deeper Dive Into Schmackary’s with our Brochure.
The Schmackary’s Story
Schmackary’s founder, Zachary “Schmackary” Schmahl, moved from Nebraska to New York at the age of 24 with dreams of making it on Broadway. He started baking and selling cookies out of his studio apartment, and within months, his wildly creative treats became a sensation. Schmackary’s first location in NYC’s theater district made over $1 million in its first year without a dime spent on advertising. Zach saw that New York was missing the genuine connection and Midwestern hospitality he grew up with, so he infused those values into his business, creating a bake shop that combined traditional charm with a modern flair.
Schmackary’s is set to open 500 locations over the next decade, reviving community hubs with their Old American Bake Shop model. In an era where tech-forward brands often lose touch with customers, Schmackary’s prioritizes genuine hospitality and timeless charm by making their customers a part of their story. Their easy-to-replicate franchise model, launched in May 2023, allows anyone to open a bakery, offering simple operations and hands-on training.
Meet Your Leadership Dream Team: Zach and Jonny
With more than a decade of experience, Founder Zach Schmahl and COO Jonny Polizzi are the leadership dream team behind Schmackary’s. They are dedicated to each franchisee’s success with hands-on training and support from initial deal signing and beyond to store operation. When you become a Schmackary’s franchisee, you become part of a franchise community of fellow entrepreneurs, built on mutual success and continuous growth.
Read Bio +
Zach Schmahl, the Founder and visionary behind Schmackary’s, launched the iconic business in 2012 in NYC’s theater district, leveraging his marketing and advertising background to grow the brand without spending a cent on advertising for nearly a decade. Jonny Polizzi joined the leadership team as COO in 2020, bringing extensive experience in restaurant operations and management, playing a crucial role in refining operations and optimizing the model for nationwide franchising. Together, their expertise and vision have crafted a successful and innovative business model for Schmackary’s.
Real Schmack Talk: Our Success Stories
At Schmackary’s, our franchisees come from diverse backgrounds, each with their own unique story to tell. Discover firsthand what inspired them to join the Schmackary’s franchise.
Anyone can get own a bake shop
Schmackary’s has attracted franchisees from backgrounds like finance, tech, engineering, serial entrepreneurs and more.
no baking background required
No food or baking background? No problem. Anyone can become a Schmackary’s franchisee! Our comprehensive training, easy-to-teach recipes, and dedicated leadership team take the guesswork out of running a bake shop.
Operational experience in business is a plus, but not required assuming a professional Director of Operations will be part of your team. Prospective Franchisees must meet the minimum requirements below to be considered for a Schmackary’s franchise.
- $500k net worth*
- $500k liquid capital available for investment*
- Minimum 5 units for development
- Ready to begin development within the next 3-6 months
- Ready to grow a multi-unit territory in a major U.S. area
*Investment partners may contribute to this requirement
When you join the Schmackary’s Franchise Family, you are supported by services and training opportunities designed to help you succeed as a new or continuing small business owner and entrepreneur. Each store owner receives individualized and ongoing corporate franchisee support, including access to manuals, training, marketing, and even a financial model. In addition, each store owner is supported by our experienced corporate operations and technical teams who provide ongoing day-to-day operational assistance. Franchisee support includes:
- Real estate / site selection
- Store build-out, construction
- Training systems
- Operational support
- Custom point-of-sale system
- Marketing and branding
- Pre-opening and grand opening support
- On-going support from Schmackary’s leadership team and franchisee network
Become a Schmackary’s Franchisee by following Fransmart’s simple process.
- Speak with a Director of Franchise Development
- Fill out an Application
- Submit a Business Questionnaire
- Attend a Pre-Discovery Day Call
- Meet the Founders at a Discovery Day
- Submit Your LOI
- Both Parties Sign Franchise Agreement
Investment Costs
Start-up Costs | $266,650 – $656,500 |
Royalties | 6% of Gross Revenue |
Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
World-wide Creative Fund | 2% of Gross Revenue |
Local Store Marketing | 1% of Gross Revenue |
Multi-Unit Development Fee | Minimum 5 Units; full franchise fee for units 1-3; 50% deposit for each additional unit. |
Step into Nostalgia with Schmackary’s
Schmackary’s has curated a one-of-a-kind experience where entering their store feels like a journey back in time, where customers can purchase familiar yet elevated treats. Meticulously designed interiors exude warmth and familiarity, inspired by the timeless artistry of Norman Rockwell. Classic stripes and rich dark wood tones create a welcoming backdrop that invites customers to reminisce, while vibrant splashes of color add a playful yet refined touch. Schmackary’s is renowned not only for its inviting ambiance but also for its dedicated team of cheerful employees who embody Midwestern Hospitality, forging genuine connections with every visitor and ensuring an unforgettable visit.
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Your Schmackary’s Franchising Journey Starts Here
Whether you are ready to invest or just getting started, take the next step with us. We will guide you along your franchising journey.