Crown Trophy

Award and recognition items

2022 Franchise 500 Rank: N/R Ranked #428 last year

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Initial investment: $168K - $228K

Units as of 2022: 136 1% over 3 years

Jump to Franchising Overview

Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in opening a Crown Trophy franchise.

Crown Trophy, established in Brooklyn, New York in 1978, is one of the largest retailers of award and recognition trophies in the United States. It is a one-stop-shop for trophies and awards for any occasion and has subsequently secured its footing as a leader in the industry.

Crown Trophy currently has over 130 locations in 40 states. Their 100,000 sq. ft. corporate office and warehouse in Hawthorne, New York, strives to use state-of-the-art equipment and houses its franchise team and graphic artists.

Why You May Want to Start a Crown Trophy Franchise

Operating a Crown Trophy franchise is an easy way to run a community-oriented business. The company focuses on serving local sports leagues, youth groups, schools, and clubs. This is what made it an instant success when founder Chuck Weisenfield opened his first location.

But not only will you be giving out trophies to Little Leaguers and student achievers. You’ll also be selling awards for executives in corporate settings, personalized gifts, and banners. With a dedicated showroom in each store that showcases award options, Crown Trophy is truly a sight to behold, and its products are a great way to bring a smile to someone’s face.

As a Crown Trophy franchisee, you’ll receive ongoing support from lease negotiations, security and safety procedures, email marketing, web development, and training. You will go through a few hours of on-the-job training and several dozen hours of classroom training. Additionally, you will attend annual Crown Trophy franchise meetings where you can meet with other franchisees and learn best practices for your business.

What Might Make a Crown Trophy Franchise a Good Choice?

Crown Trophy has a long history of ranking in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. That ranking is based on an evaluation of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability.

Its relatively low franchise fee, unique hold over the market, and small employee requirement—you only need two people to operate a store—may make it an easy investment to add to a portfolio and run daily. You also have the opportunity to hold exclusive territory in your locale. Seeing as there are not many other franchising competitors in the market, you can potentially become the only resource for customizable awards and trophies in the area.

To be part of the Crown Trophy team, you should make sure you’re financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. You should also be prepared for ongoing fees that will include royalty fees. The term of an agreement typically lasts for five years, and the contract is renewable.

How To Open a Crown Trophy Franchise?

To open a Crown Trophy franchise, you’ll need a cash requirement and net worth minimum set by the company. You cannot be an absentee franchisee, meaning you will have to work in the business itself. You also cannot run this franchise part-time. To begin your Crown Trophy franchise journey, simply submit a franchise inquiry form.

Company Overview

About Crown Trophy

Industry: Retail

Related Categories: Miscellaneous Retail Businesses, Miscellaneous Recreation Businesses, Sports Equipment & Apparel

Founded: 1978

Parent Company: Crown Trophy Inc.

Leadership: Chuck Weisenfeld, Johnm@crowntrophy.com

Franchising Overview

Franchising Since: 1987 (35 years)

# of employees at HQ: 16

Where seeking: This company is seeking new franchisees throughout the US.

# of Units: 136 (as of 2022)

Franchisor Information

Corporate Address: 9 Skyline Dr.
Hawthorne, NY 10532

Information for Franchisees

Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in opening a Crown Trophy franchise.

Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees

Here’s what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.

Initial Franchise Fee: $35,000

Initial Investment: $168,150 - $227,700

Net Worth Requirement: $50,000 - $1,000,000

Cash Requirement: $50,000 - $60,000

Veteran Incentives: 5% off franchise fee

Royalty Fee: 5%

Term of Agreement: 5 years

Is franchise term renewable?: Yes

Financing Options

Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.

Third Party Financing: Crown Trophy has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: startup costs, equipment, inventory

Training & Support Offered

Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.

On-The-Job Training: 12 hours

Classroom Training: 52 hours

Additional Training: Annual franchise meeting

Ongoing Support: Newsletter

Meetings & Conventions

Toll-Free Line

Grand Opening

Online Support

Security & Safety Procedures

Lease Negotiation

Field Operations

Site Selection

Marketing Support: Co-op Advertising

Ad Templates

National Media

Regional Advertising

Marketing Planning & Support

Social Media

SEO

Website Development

Email Marketing

Loyalty Program/App