FAQ
Q: What happens after I submit the inquiry form?
Q: Do I need prior café or F&B experience?
Q: What's the relationship between Semicolon Cafe and The Three Chords, Inc.?
Q: Do I have to use a specific coffee supplier?
Q: What kind of training and equipment support is included?
Q: How much is the initial franchise fee?
Q: What's the total initial investment I should expect?
Q: Are there ongoing royalty or marketing fees?
Q: What are the site requirements?
Q: Do I need a location secured before I apply?
Q: What does training involve?
Q: How long does the whole process take, from inquiry to opening?
Q: Can I open more than one location?
Q: Who do I contact with other questions?
Here are some of the answers to your preliminary questions.
A: Our team reviews every submission and reaches out by email or phone, typically within 5–7 business days.
A: It helps, but it's not required. We look at your overall profile — commitment, funding, and location — not just your resume.
A: Semicolon Cafe is an in-house brand of The Three Chords, Inc. (TTC). Franchisees operate under the Semicolon Cafe brand while benefiting from TTC's coffee supply relationships and training infrastructure.
A: Yes — all Semicolon Cafe locations use La Colombe coffee exclusively. In exchange, TTC provides stable, discounted access to La Colombe supply plus barista training and machine/consulting support, so you're not sourcing or figuring out equipment on your own.
A: TTC's infrastructure covers espresso machine setup and maintenance guidance, plus barista consulting to help your team hit brewing standards from day one.
A: $30,000. Additional costs (build-out, equipment, initial inventory) vary by location — we'll walk through the full breakdown on your screening call.
A: Estimated initial investment ranges from roughly $300,000 to $500,000+, depending on location size, condition, and market. We'll size this to your specific site once one is identified.
A: 5% monthly royalty and 3% toward brand marketing and advertising support.
A: [Insert minimum square footage] recommended, with additional criteria (frontage, foot traffic, layout) shared once we start reviewing your specific site.
A: No. You can apply while still searching — we ask about your location status on the inquiry form so we can guide you appropriately.
A: Training involves barista coffee training, beverage menu training, baking and sandwich menu training
A: 9–18 months
A: Yes, but you need to be qualified.
A: Email us anytime at hello@semicoloncafe.com — we're happy to help before you apply.