About Big Al's Mufflers-Brakes and More Franchise
Big Al's Mufflers-Brakes and More is an automotive aftermarket service franchise specializing in the sale and installation of mufflers and exhaust systems, brake sales, installation and replacement, shock and strut sales and installation, and the sales, installation, and service of constant velocity joints (c.v.
joints) for front wheel drive vehicles.
Franchisees operate retail service shops serving the general public, including owners of import and domestic automobiles as well as vans and light trucks.
Big Al's Mufflers-Brakes and More Franchise Cost & Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $15,000 | One-time payment upon signing |
| Royalty Fee | 5.5% of gross sales of gross sales | Ongoing; paid monthly |
| Marketing/Ad Fund | 4% of gross sales | National brand fund |
| Total Investment Range | $99,875 – $248,500 | Includes build-out, inventory, working capital |
The investment range of $100K–$249K reflects variability in build-out costs, store size, lease terms, and market. The combined royalty (5.5% of gross sales) and marketing fee (4% of gross sales) are ongoing costs paid as a percentage of gross sales.
Investment Breakdown (Item 7)
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $3,000 | $480,000 |
| Equipment | $32,500 | $465,000 |
| Furniture and Fixtures | $1,000 | $4,500 |
| Lease and Utility Deposits | $4,500 | $7,500 |
| Real Estate (Leased) | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $12,500 | $28,500 |
| Office Supplies | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| Working Capital | $15,000 | $20,000 |
| Signage | $3,000 | $10,000 |
| Initial Advertising | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Insurance | $375 | $500 |
Training Program (Item 11)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Duration | 1 week initial training course plus 1 week on-site training at franchise location |
| Classroom Training | 18 hours (2 hrs Owner/Manager Operations, 6 hrs Computer POS, 2 hrs Sales Techniques, 2 hrs Customer Relations, 2 hrs Safety, 2 hrs Employee Conduct, 2 hrs Shop Equipment) |
| On-the-Job Training | 1 week minimum per subject |
| Training Location | Home office in Norfolk, Virginia (initial classroom); Company or franchise store location (on-the-job) |
| Additional Training | Periodic training seminars at locations announced by Big Al's; additional assistance available at franchisee's cost |
Territory Rights (Item 12)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Territory Type | Non-exclusive |
| Exclusive Territory | No |
| Description | The Franchise Licensing Agreement is for a specific location and does not provide that the right, franchise and license is exclusive in an area. There is no minimum territory granted. A franchise does not grant any options, rights of first refusal, or similar rights to acquire additional franchises. Franchisees may face competition from other franchisees, from Anzell Automotive company-owned outlets, or from other channels of distribution. |
Renewal, Termination & Transfer (Item 17)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Initial Term | 10 years |
| Renewal Term | 5 years (two additional 5-year renewal periods allowed, 10 years maximum) |
| Renewal Conditions | Must give 60 days' notice of intent to renew; must not be in default; must have paid all amounts due to Big Al's; must keep possession of location or obtain an alternate location approved by Big Al's |
| Transfer Fee | Transfer fee paid as condition of approval |
| Transfer Conditions | New franchisee must qualify; franchisee must pay all amounts due to Big Al's; transferee must agree to attend training program; Big Al's has right of first refusal |
| Termination for Cause | Big Al's can terminate for default, insolvency/bankruptcy, discontinuance of operations, repeated health/safety violations, understatement of gross sales by 2% or more on two reports, six or more consumer complaints in 12-month period, material misrepresentations, conviction of felony or crime involving moral turpitude |
| Non-Compete Period | Duration of franchise term and after termination/expiration |
| Non-Compete Details | No involvement by Franchisee or its employees in competing business anywhere during the term; after termination or expiration, no involvement in competing business within a 10-mile radius of a Big Al's shop |
Operations & Supply (Items 8 & 15)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Owner-Operator Required | No |
| Participation Details | Franchisee is not required by the Franchise Licensing Agreement to participate personally in the actual operation, but must devote sufficient time, effort and attention to the supervision of the franchised business. Big Al's recommends on-premises supervision. If a manager is hired, the manager must be approved by Big Al's and attend periodic training seminars. |
| Required Suppliers | Franchisees must purchase certain furniture, furnishings, signs, equipment, inventory and supplies in accordance with Big Al's specifications and standards. Pre-numbered invoices must be from Big Al's or approved suppliers. |
| Supply Restrictions | Items from non-approved suppliers require submission of a sample to Big Al's for approval within 7 days. Big Al's may designate approved suppliers. |
| Franchisor Revenue from Suppliers | Big Al's will derive revenue from purchases only if items are purchased directly from Big Al's. Big Al's has had no revenue from the sale of products and services in the most recent fiscal year. |
Financing (Item 10)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Financing Available | No |
| Description | Big Al's does not offer direct or indirect financing. Big Al's does not guarantee your note, lease, or obligation. |
Big Al's Mufflers-Brakes and More Franchise Earnings — Item 19
Big Al's Mufflers-Brakes and More does not include an Item 19 financial performance representation in their FDD. Contact information for current and former franchisees is listed in Item 20 of the FDD.
Big Al's Mufflers-Brakes and More Litigation & Risk Flags
Litigation and bankruptcy data is sourced from Items 3 and 4 of the FDD. Always verify current status directly from the most recent FDD.
Big Al's Mufflers-Brakes and More System Growth
Big Al's Mufflers-Brakes and More currently operates 15 franchised locations and 0 company-owned units. Unit count data is sourced from Item 20 of the FDD.
Unit History (Item 20)
| Year | Opened | Closed | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 1 | 15 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1 | 15 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
Transfers: 0 | Closures: 1
State Registrations
Registered in 1 states: VA
Big Al's Mufflers-Brakes and More Franchise — FAQ
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