<!--// Franchising directory listing over 1,000 franchisors, attorneys, consultants and service providers. Detailed profiles on each company. KEYWORDS: franchise, franchising, franchisor, franchisee, entrepreneur, self-employed, small business, guide, handbook, directory, franchise companies, franchise publications, franchise start-ups, be your own boss, be the boss, opportunity, licensing, investment, low investment business, homebased business, job, enterprise, business opportunity, business opportunities //--!>

Meineke Discount Mufflers

128 S. Tryon St., # 900
Charlotte, NC 28202
800#: (800) 275-5200
Tel: (704) 377-8855
Fax: (704) 358-4706
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.meineke.com
Contact: Ms. Alice Griffin, Franchise Develop. Coord.

MEINEKE DISCOUNT MUFFLERS is the nation's largest discount muffler and brake repair specialist with more than 860 shops across the nation. They have been offering great service at discount prices for more than 25 years. Their franchisees come from all walks of life and represent many nationalities.

Franchisor Background

Established:	191972;	First Franchise:	191973
Franchise Units:	859
Company-Owned Units:	8
Total Units:	867

Distribution: U.S. -- 861; Canada -- 8; International -- 1
> North America -- Operations in 46 States
> States/Provinces with Greatest Density: 77 in NY, 64 in PA, 58 in NJ

Projected New Units Over Next 12 months: 20

Franchisee Qualifications: 5, 2, 1, 2, 1, 5 (for an explanation click here)

Registered in Following Registration States: All States

Average Number of Employees: 3 FT (FT = Full Time, PT = Part Time)

Space Needs: 2,880 SF; FS, SC (for abbreviations click here)

Financial Requirements

Cash Investment:	$40-50K
Total Investment:	$140-250K;		Average Total Investment:	$195K
Minimum Net Worth:	$100K
Fees:	Franchise:	$25K;	Average Franchise Fee:	$25K
	Royalty:	2.5-7%
	Advertising:	1.5-10%

Provide Earning Claim Statement: Yes

Terms of Contract

Term of Contract (Years):	15/15
Passive Ownership:	Not Allowed
Encourage Conversions:	Yes
Area Development Agreements:	Yes/Varies
Sub-Franchising Contracts:	No
Expand In Territory:	Yes

Franchisor Support and Training Provided

Financial Assistance:	Yes(I) (D = Direct; I = Indirect; B = Both)
Site Selection Assistance:	No
Lease Negotiation Assistance:	Yes
Cooperative Advertising:	No
Franchisee Assoc. / Member:	Yes/No
Size Of Corporate Staff:	134
On-Going Support:	C,D,E,G,H,I (for an explanation click here)
Training:	4 Weeks Charlotte, NC.

Franchisor's Specific Expansion Plans

U.S.:	All United States
Canada:	All Except PQ
Overseas:	Caribbean, Central America

Note: NR = No Response by Franchisor.

For a sample questionnaire click here.