
Azal Coffee
Initial Investment Range
$270,500 to $420,000
Franchise Fee
$95,000 to $106,500
An Azal Coffee franchise is a coffee shop that specializes in Yemeni-grown coffee and that sells coffee based beverages, cold drinks, teas, coffee beans, coffee accessories, pastries, baked goods, and other related items.
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Azal Coffee July 11, 2024 FDD Risk Analysis
Free FDD Library AI Analysis Date: July 16, 2025
DISCLAIMER: Not Legal Advice - For Informational Purposes Only. Consult With Qualified Franchise Professionals.
Franchisor Stability Risks
Start HereDisclosure of Franchisor's Financial Instability
High Risk
Explanation
The franchisor’s balance sheet in Exhibit H reveals a very weak financial position, with less than $3,000 in cash and negative retained earnings, indicating significant operating losses. This is confirmed by the Illinois state addendum, which notes that financial assurance (deferral of the initial fee) was imposed by the state due to the franchisor's poor financial condition. This poses a substantial risk to their ability to support you or sustain operations.
Potential Mitigations
- Your accountant must thoroughly analyze the franchisor's financials and the specific state-mandated financial assurances.
- Understanding the practical protections offered by any required financial assurances, like fee deferrals or bonds, requires review with your attorney.
- A business advisor can help you assess if the franchisor has a viable plan to achieve profitability and provide long-term support.
High Franchisee Turnover
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD package. As a new franchisor that only began offering franchises in July 2024, there is no history of franchisee turnover. While this means no negative data exists, it also means there is no track record of franchisee success or retention to evaluate. The lack of data is itself a risk associated with a new system.
Potential Mitigations
- Given the lack of historical data, it is crucial to discuss the business model's viability and support structure with a business advisor.
- Your attorney should advise on contractual protections in case the new system proves to be unsuccessful.
- An accountant can help you create financial models that account for the higher risks of an unproven system.
New/Unproven Franchise System
High Risk
Explanation
Durar Investment, LLC (Durar) is a new franchisor, beginning operations in late 2022 and franchise sales in July 2024. Its affiliate has operated a similar store for less than a year. The system lacks a proven track record, established brand recognition, and mature operational processes. A critical risk is that the Brand Standards Manual does not yet exist, meaning key parts of the system you are buying are undefined.
Potential Mitigations
- Your business advisor should help you perform extensive due diligence on the viability of this new and unproven concept.
- It is advisable to ask your attorney to negotiate more favorable terms, such as lower fees or stronger performance guarantees, to offset the higher risk.
- An accountant can help you create conservative financial projections, acknowledging the lack of a performance history.
Inexperienced Management
High Risk
Explanation
The FDD reveals that the key principals of the franchisor have prior business experience in unrelated fields, such as managing a grocery store and working as a pharmacy technician. There is no disclosed prior experience in managing or operating a franchise system. This lack of direct franchising expertise could impact the quality of training, support, and strategic guidance you receive, increasing your operational risk.
Potential Mitigations
- In discussions with the franchisor, inquire about any franchise consultants or experienced staff they have hired to compensate for their lack of direct experience.
- A business advisor can help you assess whether the management team's skills are transferable and sufficient to support a new franchise system.
- Engaging with the earliest franchisees, once they are established, will be critical to gauge the actual quality of support provided.
Possible Fad Business
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the provided FDD package. The business model, a coffee shop specializing in Yemeni-grown coffee, appears to be based on a specific cultural niche rather than a short-term trend. However, its long-term mass-market appeal is unproven. The success of the business will depend on sustained consumer interest in its specialized offerings beyond initial novelty.
Potential Mitigations
- A business advisor can help you conduct local market research to gauge the long-term demand for a niche coffee concept in your area.
- Inquire with the franchisor about their plans for product innovation and market adaptation to ensure the brand remains relevant over time.
- Your financial advisor should help you assess the business model's resilience to economic shifts and changing consumer tastes.
Private Equity Ownership
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD package. The franchisor, Durar, is a new entity and is not disclosed as being owned by a private equity firm. Ownership appears to be held by the individuals listed in Item 2. Therefore, risks specifically associated with a private equity ownership model, such as a focus on short-term returns over system health, do not appear to be present.
Potential Mitigations
- It is still prudent to have your attorney verify the corporate ownership structure to confirm the absence of undisclosed controlling entities.
- Your business advisor can help you understand the goals and motivations of the current individual owners.
- An accountant should review the financial statements to ensure the company is self-sustaining and not reliant on outside investment infusions.
Non-Disclosure of Parent Company
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD package. Item 1 does not disclose the existence of a parent company. Durar appears to be the primary entity. Therefore, risks associated with an undisclosed parent or the failure to provide a parent company's financial statements are not applicable here. The primary financial risk stems from Durar's own disclosed financial weakness.
Potential Mitigations
- Your attorney should confirm the corporate structure and the absence of any parent or guarantor entities that should have been disclosed.
- An accountant's focus should be on the disclosed financial statements of the franchisor itself to assess its viability.
- A business advisor can help you understand the implications of investing in a standalone entity without the backing of a larger parent company.
Predecessor History Issues
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD package. The franchisor, Durar, is a new entity established in December 2022 and does not list any predecessors. The business concept is based on an affiliate's operation, but the franchise system itself is new. Therefore, there are no predecessor issues, such as a hidden history of litigation or failures, to analyze.
Potential Mitigations
- While there is no predecessor history, a business advisor should help you research the history and reputation of the affiliate company, V60 Coffee, LLC.
- Your attorney can confirm that there are no undisclosed predecessor entities that should have been listed in Item 1.
- The lack of a predecessor means you must rely entirely on the limited history of the current franchisor and its management for your due diligence.
Pattern of Litigation
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD package. Item 3 states that there is no litigation that requires disclosure. As a new franchisor with no operating franchisees yet, it is not unusual to have no litigation history. However, this also means there is no track record to evaluate how the franchisor handles disputes with its franchisees.
Potential Mitigations
- While there is no litigation history, it is crucial that your attorney reviews the dispute resolution clauses in the Franchise Agreement to understand how future conflicts would be handled.
- A business advisor can help you assess the potential for future disputes based on the terms of the agreement and the franchisor's inexperience.
- Speaking with future franchisees, as the system grows, will be important to monitor how the franchisor manages its relationships.
Disclosure & Representation Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
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Financial & Fee Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
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Legal & Contract Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
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Territory & Competition Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
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Regulatory & Compliance Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
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Franchisor Support Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
Unlock Full Risk Analysis
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Operational Control Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
Unlock Full Risk Analysis
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Term & Exit Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
Unlock Full Risk Analysis
Purchase the complete risk review to see all 102 risks across all 10 categories.
Miscellaneous Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
Unlock Full Risk Analysis
Purchase the complete risk review to see all 102 risks across all 10 categories.