
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill
Initial Investment Range
$583,514 to $1,268,560
Franchise Fee
$271,514 to $481,560
The franchised business is to operate a fast-casual restaurant specializing in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.
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The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill August 15, 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 audited financial statements reveal a significant risk. As of April 30, 2024, Great Greek Franchising, LLC (TGG) reported a members' deficit (negative net worth) of over $2.8 million and a poor current ratio, with current liabilities far exceeding current assets. While profitable in the most recent year, this financial weakness could impair TGG's ability to provide support, invest in the brand, or withstand economic challenges, posing a high risk to your investment.
Potential Mitigations
- A franchise accountant must conduct a thorough review of the complete financial statements, including all footnotes and year-over-year trends.
- Discussing the franchisor's capitalization and plans to address the equity deficit with your financial advisor is essential.
- Your attorney should investigate if any state financial assurance requirements, like a bond or escrow, have been imposed on the franchisor.
High Franchisee Turnover
High Risk
Explanation
While Item 20 tables show zero terminations or ceased operations, the list of former franchisees in Exhibit I tells a different story. In the most recent fiscal year, eight franchisees who signed agreements ceased to do business because they never opened. This represents a significant number of failed ventures before operations even began. This discrepancy indicates potential issues with the site selection process, franchisee financing, or pre-opening support, suggesting a higher-than-disclosed rate of system failure.
Potential Mitigations
- It is critical to contact a significant number of former franchisees, especially those who never opened, to understand the reasons for their exit.
- Your accountant should help you calculate the effective failure rate by combining formal terminations with the number of units that never opened.
- Engaging a business advisor to scrutinize the franchisor's pre-opening support system is highly recommended before committing.
Rapid System Growth
High Risk
Explanation
The franchised outlet count has grown rapidly, more than tripling from 15 to 50 in the last two fiscal years as shown in Item 20. When combined with the franchisor's weak financial position disclosed in Item 21, this rapid expansion creates a risk that support systems for training, site selection, and ongoing operations may be strained. You could experience delays or inadequate assistance as the franchisor's resources are spread thin across a quickly growing system.
Potential Mitigations
- In discussions with current franchisees, specifically inquire about the quality and responsiveness of franchisor support as the system has grown.
- Your business advisor can help you assess whether the franchisor's management and support infrastructure, as described in Item 2 and 11, appear adequate for this growth rate.
- Question the franchisor directly on their specific plans and capital allocation for scaling franchisee support services.
New/Unproven Franchise System
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD package. A new or unproven system can present higher risks due to a lack of established brand recognition, untested operational procedures, and inexperienced management. While TGG has a limited history, it is part of the large, long-standing United Franchise Group, which mitigates some of the risks typically associated with a new system.
Potential Mitigations
- A thorough review of the management team's experience in both franchising and the restaurant industry should be conducted with your business advisor.
- Speaking with the earliest franchisees in the system can provide valuable insight into the franchisor's evolution and support capabilities.
- Your accountant should assess the franchisor's financials for evidence of stability and long-term viability.
Possible Fad Business
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD package. A fad business is tied to a fleeting trend, lacking long-term consumer demand. The Greek and Mediterranean food concept is a well-established segment of the restaurant industry with a long history, not a new or novel trend. Therefore, the risk of the business model being a short-lived fad appears to be low.
Potential Mitigations
- Independent market research, with the help of a business advisor, can help confirm the long-term consumer demand for this type of cuisine in your specific area.
- Evaluating the franchisor's plans for menu innovation and adaptation can provide insight into their long-term vision.
- An accountant can help you model the financial resilience of the business under various economic conditions.
Inexperienced Management
Low Risk
Explanation
While TGG itself has limited history (since 2017), its management team as disclosed in Item 2 consists of individuals with extensive experience across numerous franchise brands under the United Franchise Group (UFG) umbrella. This suggests access to significant franchising expertise. However, you may find that management's attention could be divided among the many UFG brands, potentially affecting the level of dedicated support for this specific concept.
Potential Mitigations
- Inquiring with current franchisees about the responsiveness and expertise of the brand-specific support team is advisable.
- Your business advisor can help you analyze the backgrounds of the key personnel listed in Item 2 to assess their direct experience in the food service sector.
- Clarifying who your primary, day-to-day support contacts will be and their specific roles can provide a clearer picture of the support structure.
Private Equity Ownership
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD package. The franchisor, Great Greek Franchising, LLC, is disclosed in Item 1 as being part of the United Franchise Group (UFG) tradename, which is a collection of affiliated brands owned by its members. It does not appear to be owned by a traditional private equity firm focused on short-term investment cycles. However, the business model involves a large, multi-brand franchisor conglomerate.
Potential Mitigations
- Understanding the ownership structure and its potential impact on long-term strategy should be a point of discussion with your franchise attorney.
- Asking current franchisees about any significant changes in fees, support, or system direction can provide insight into the ownership's philosophy.
- A business advisor can help you research the track record of United Franchise Group and its other affiliated brands.
Non-Disclosure of Parent Company
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD package. The franchisor discloses its parent companies in Item 1, UFG Holdings Group, LLC and TGG Partners, LLC. Because TGG's own financial statements are provided and audited, and there is no indication that a parent company guarantees performance, the financials of the parent are not required or provided. There is no evidence of failure to disclose a required parent entity.
Potential Mitigations
- Your attorney can confirm if the disclosure of parent and affiliate companies complies with franchise regulations.
- If a parent company were to provide a guarantee, an accountant should review their financials for stability.
- A business advisor can help you understand the relationships between the franchisor and its various affiliates within the United Franchise Group.
Predecessor History Issues
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD package. Item 1 states that the franchisor has no predecessors. The business was formed in 2017 and began franchising in 2018. Therefore, there is no risk of undisclosed or negative history from a predecessor entity.
Potential Mitigations
- Your attorney should always verify the accuracy of the statements made in Item 1 regarding predecessors.
- For franchises that do have predecessors, a business advisor can help research the predecessor's history and reputation.
- In cases with predecessors, speaking with long-term franchisees who operated under the previous ownership is a key due diligence step.
Pattern of Litigation
High Risk
Explanation
Item 3 discloses multiple government actions against the franchisor and its affiliates. TGG itself entered into two recent consent orders with California regulators for illegal fee collection, failure to disclose FDD changes, and making improper financial performance representations at a trade show. These actions required TGG to pay penalties, offer rescission to franchisees, and hire an independent monitor for three years. This pattern of regulatory actions indicates significant compliance failures and presents a major risk.
Potential Mitigations
- Your franchise attorney must carefully review the details and implications of all disclosed litigation and regulatory actions.
- Discussing these compliance issues with the franchisor to understand the corrective actions they have taken is crucial.
- Speaking with current franchisees, particularly those in California, about their experience with the franchisor’s sales and compliance practices is highly recommended.
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
Unlock Full Risk Analysis
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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
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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
Purchase the complete risk review to see all 102 risks across all 10 categories.
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
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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.