How to Finance an Oakberry Franchise: SBA-Listed Açaí Stores
By Chris Cornella
An Oakberry franchise loan funds a small-format açaí bowl and smoothie store, usually in a high-traffic retail center, mall, food hall or urban storefront. Because Oakberry is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, buyers can explore SBA 7(a) financing alongside conventional loans and equipment financing.
Below we cover how the store model shapes costs, what the SBA directory listing means in plain English and how to prepare a request.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Oakberry; the name is used only to describe the business. Fees, investment ranges and requirements come from the franchisor’s current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and can change. Loan programs and terms vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to lender review and approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice; review the current FDD and franchise agreement with a qualified franchise attorney and accountant.
Oakberry Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Concept: a fast-casual brand built around açaí bowls and smoothies with customizable toppings.
- Origin: founded in Brazil and expanded internationally, including a growing network of U.S. stores.
- Typical formats: compact storefronts, mall and shopping center locations, food hall counters and kiosks.
- Franchise fee, royalty and total investment: disclosed in Items 5, 6 and 7 of the current FDD; we could not verify current figures from the franchisor’s own published materials, so request the FDD before you budget.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed as “Oakberry Store” with two directory notes covering real estate collateral and lien position.
- Financing tools: SBA 7(a) loans, conventional term loans, equipment financing and working capital lines.
What Is Oakberry?
Oakberry is an açaí brand that began in Brazil and grew into an international chain of stores serving açaí bowls, smoothies and related items. Customers choose a base and add toppings such as fruit, granola and spreads, and the brand positions itself as a healthy, fast, grab-and-go option.
In the United States, Oakberry has expanded through franchised stores and multi-unit development, with locations in dense urban neighborhoods, shopping centers and food halls. The concept relies on a compact menu, a limited equipment package and fast service, which keeps the footprint small compared with a full-service restaurant.
Why lenders view Oakberry the way they do. Lenders generally like small-footprint concepts with simple operations, because the build-out is smaller and the equipment list is shorter. At the same time, an açaí store depends heavily on foot traffic, a single product category and warm-weather demand, so lenders focus closely on site quality, seasonality and the owner’s working capital.
Oakberry Franchise Costs
The current FDD is the only reliable source for Oakberry’s fees and investment range, and the figures can differ between a storefront, a mall kiosk and a food hall counter. Here is how the cost categories typically break down and what lenders look for in each.
Initial franchise fee. Item 5 of the FDD states the initial fee and any multi-unit or development fees. Development agreements often require fees for future stores to be paid up front or on a schedule, which affects how much cash you need at signing.
Real estate and build-out. Small-format açaí stores are usually located in leased space. Build-out includes demolition, plumbing for sinks and blenders, electrical capacity for freezers and blending stations, finishes, lighting and the service counter. In a mall or food hall, the landlord may provide some improvements or a tenant allowance, which reduces what you need to finance. See our overview of restaurant build-out financing for how lenders treat leasehold improvements.
Equipment. An açaí store’s equipment package centers on freezer capacity for frozen açaí, commercial blenders, refrigerated topping stations, a dipping or display case, ice equipment, smallwares, point-of-sale and digital ordering hardware and menu boards.
Opening inventory, training and working capital. Opening inventory includes frozen açaí, fruit, toppings and packaging. Item 7 typically includes training-related travel and an “additional funds” line for the first months of operation.
Total investment. Item 7 of the FDD lists each of these categories with a low and high estimate and the total range. Use those ranges, plus your landlord’s work letter and contractor bids, to build your financing request. Lenders expect your project budget to tie back to Item 7.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Royalty and marketing fund. Item 6 of the FDD lists the royalty, any brand or marketing fund contribution and any local advertising requirement. Because these are usually calculated on gross sales, they come off the top before food cost, labor and rent.
Technology and other fees. Look for point-of-sale, software, digital ordering and app fees, along with transfer, renewal and training fees. Some fees are fixed monthly amounts, which matter more in slower months.
Supply chain. Açaí is a specialty product, and franchisors in this category typically require approved suppliers for the core product. Ask how product pricing is set and whether it changes with exchange rates or harvest conditions, and build realistic food costs into your projections.
How lenders factor these costs in. Lenders subtract royalty, marketing contributions, rent, labor and product costs from projected sales, then measure how comfortably the remaining cash covers the loan payment, including in the weakest months.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
Oakberry’s specific net worth and liquid capital requirements were not available in the franchisor’s published materials we could access. Ask the franchise development team for the current qualifications and review the FDD carefully. In general, fast-casual franchisors look at:
- Liquid capital available for the equity injection and reserves
- Overall net worth and personal credit
- Food service, retail or management experience
- Willingness to commit to a development schedule for multiple stores where required
- Ability to secure an approved site in the franchisor’s target markets
Approval usually includes an application, financial review, interviews, FDD review and signing of the franchise or development agreement. Start financing conversations in parallel.
Ways to Own an Oakberry
A new store. Most buyers open a new location. Financing covers build-out, equipment, signage, opening inventory and working capital, and lenders underwrite on projections, the site and the owner’s experience. Our franchise start-up financing page explains how we approach new units.
Buying an existing store. As the U.S. network matures, some existing stores may come up for sale. A buyer can finance the purchase price, which reflects equipment, the lease and the store’s track record, and lenders can underwrite actual sales history. The franchisor must approve the transfer. Read about buying a franchise resale for the steps involved.
Multi-unit development. Oakberry has grown in the U.S. partly through multi-unit and regional development, so experienced operators may be offered development rights for a territory. Each store still needs its own budget, lease and financing plan.
Financing Options for an Oakberry Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. Because the brand is on the SBA Franchise Directory, an Oakberry franchise loan can be structured through the SBA 7(a) program, a natural fit for a new or existing store. A 7(a) loan can cover leasehold improvements, equipment, the franchise fee, opening inventory and working capital in a single structure. See the SBA section below for the directory notes.
SBA 504 loans. The SBA 504 program is designed for owner-occupied real estate and long-lived fixed assets. Because small-format stores are usually leased, 504 financing applies only when an owner buys the building or a condo unit, or finances a substantial long-lived equipment package.
Conventional term loans. Owners with strong credit, liquidity and experience, especially multi-unit operators, may prefer a conventional business loan for speed or structure. Terms and collateral requirements vary by lender.
Equipment financing. Storage and display freezers, blenders, refrigerated topping stations, display cases and point-of-sale systems can be financed or leased separately, with the equipment as collateral. See our restaurant equipment financing and leasing options.
Working capital and lines of credit. Açaí demand typically rises in warmer months and in vacation markets, and slows in colder seasons in many regions. A line of credit can cover payroll, inventory and rent during slower periods and pre-opening costs before sales begin. Learn about our restaurant working capital solutions.
Seller financing on resales. When buying an existing store, a seller may agree to carry part of the price. Seller notes are typically subordinate to the senior loan, and SBA rules may limit how they are structured, so confirm terms with your lender early.
SBA Loans for Oakberry Franchisees
SBA lending for franchises runs through the SBA Franchise Directory, a list of brands whose franchise documents have been reviewed for SBA eligibility. A listing does not approve any borrower; it means an SBA lender can consider a loan to a franchisee of that brand without a separate review of the franchise relationship.
Oakberry’s directory listing. The brand appears on the directory as “Oakberry Store” under code S8217. The listing carries two notes, explained here in plain English:
- Real estate collateral and the lease rider: when the real estate where the store is located will secure the SBA-guaranteed loan, the franchisor’s Lease Rider and Collateral Assignment of Lease may not be executed. In practice, those documents are designed for leased sites, so they are not used when the owner’s own real estate is pledged as SBA collateral.
- Lien position: the lender or certified development company must secure the proper lien position on all collateral under the SBA’s current standard operating procedure. In plain terms, the SBA loan needs the right priority on business assets and any pledged real estate, so other creditors’ claims, such as equipment lessors, landlords or franchisor security interests, need to be sorted out before closing.
SBA application tips. Gather personal and business tax returns, a personal financial statement, a résumé showing relevant experience, the FDD, the signed or proposed franchise agreement, the lease or letter of intent, contractor bids and equipment quotes, and a month-by-month projection that reflects seasonality. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change. Our SBA loan calculator can help with early payment estimates, which are for planning only and are not an offer or approval.
How Lenders Evaluate an Oakberry Franchise Loan
Personal credit and financial history. Lenders review credit reports, tax returns and personal financial statements, and require personal guarantees from significant owners.
Net worth and liquidity. Lenders want to see the equity injection in cash plus reserves after closing. For a seasonal concept, reserves matter even more.
Industry and management experience. Food service, retail or multi-unit management experience strengthens the application. If you plan to use a general manager, show that person’s background as well.
Business plan and projections. Projections should reflect the specific site’s foot traffic, hours, seasonality, average ticket assumptions you can support, labor scheduling around peaks, and product costs based on the franchisor’s supply pricing.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders read Items 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 17 and 21, including the territory, term, renewal and transfer provisions and the franchisor’s financial statements. Our article on how lenders read a Franchise Disclosure Document explains what matters most.
Site and lease. The lease term, including renewal options, should cover the loan term. Lenders look at rent as a share of projected sales, co-tenancy and operating hour requirements in malls, and any landlord work or tenant allowance.
For resales, historical financials. Expect to provide several years of profit and loss statements, sales reports and tax returns for the store being purchased.
Equipment and Store Design
Equipment is a meaningful share of any Oakberry franchise loan budget because frozen product storage and blending capacity drive service speed. A typical package includes:
- Storage and display freezers sized for frozen açaí and backup inventory
- Commercial blenders and blending stations
- Refrigerated topping and prep stations
- Ice machines, sinks and dishwashing equipment
- Point-of-sale terminals, kiosks or digital ordering hardware
- Menu boards, brand graphics and counter fixtures
Because freezer failure can mean lost inventory, owners should budget for maintenance contracts and backup capacity. Financing equipment separately can preserve cash for opening costs and the first slow season.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
Development agreements commit an operator to opening a set number of stores on a schedule. Before signing, map each opening date to a financing source and confirm that your lender is comfortable with the pace.
Financing the second and third store. After the first store has a sales history, lenders can underwrite its actual results alongside projections for the next. Owners often finance each store separately or use a facility that funds openings as they occur. Read our article on multi-unit franchise financing for more detail.
Real-World Scenarios
A first-time owner in a shopping center. A buyer with retail management experience signs for a single store in a busy suburban center. The buyer uses an SBA 7(a) loan for build-out, equipment and working capital, injects cash equity and builds a monthly projection that accounts for slower winter months.
An experienced operator signs a development agreement. A restaurant operator with several stores in other brands agrees to develop a small territory. The operator finances the first store with a conventional term loan, finances freezers and blenders through equipment financing, and plans each later store’s funding in advance.
A buyer acquires an existing store. A buyer purchases a store with an established sales history. The franchisor approves the transfer, and an SBA lender underwrites the store’s actual results, with the seller carrying a small subordinate note.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Budgeting from outdated or unofficial cost figures instead of the current FDD
- Ignoring seasonality and projecting summer sales for every month
- Underestimating freezer capacity, electrical upgrades and plumbing in the build-out
- Signing a lease whose term does not cover the loan term
- Overlooking the SBA directory notes on lease documents and lien position
- Committing to a development schedule without a financing plan for each store
- Leaving too little working capital for the first slow season
For more pitfalls, read the restaurant loan mistakes that cost owners the most.
Next Steps to Finance Your Oakberry Franchise
Step 1: Request the current FDD. Review Items 5, 6, 7, 17 and 21 with a franchise attorney and accountant.
Step 2: Confirm the franchisor’s requirements. Ask about net worth, liquidity, experience and any development commitment.
Step 3: Identify a site. Work with the franchisor and a broker to find a location with strong traffic and a lease term that supports financing.
Step 4: Build your budget and projections. Tie the budget to Item 7, contractor bids and equipment quotes, and build a month-by-month projection.
Step 5: Talk with a financing specialist. Compare SBA 7(a), conventional and equipment financing for your situation.
Step 6: Apply, close and open. Submit your loan package, keep the lender’s timeline aligned with site approval and lease signing, then fund construction and keep working capital in reserve.
Oakberry Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does an Oakberry franchise cost?
The total estimated initial investment is listed in Item 7 of the current FDD and varies by format and market. Request the current FDD from the franchisor rather than relying on unofficial figures.
What is the Oakberry franchise fee and royalty?
The initial franchise fee is disclosed in Item 5 of the FDD, and the royalty, marketing fund and other ongoing fees are listed in Item 6.
Is Oakberry eligible for SBA loans?
Yes. Oakberry is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory as “Oakberry Store,” so an SBA lender can consider a 7(a) or 504 loan for a qualified franchisee, subject to the directory notes and normal underwriting.
Can I finance equipment separately?
Yes. Freezers, blenders, refrigerated stations and point-of-sale systems can be financed or leased separately, though lien position must be coordinated with any SBA loan.
Can a first-time business owner get an Oakberry franchise loan?
Yes, if the franchisor approves the candidate and the borrower meets lender requirements. Relevant management experience, cash equity and a seasonality-aware projection strengthen the request.
Can I buy an existing Oakberry store?
Yes, if one is available and the franchisor approves the transfer. Lenders can underwrite the store’s actual sales history, which can make financing more straightforward than for a new store.
Can I open multiple locations?
Many fast-casual franchisors, including Oakberry, grow through multi-unit development. Each store needs its own budget and financing plan, and lenders want to see the first store performing before funding the next.
Does Oakberry offer financing?
Check Item 10 of the current FDD, which discloses any financing the franchisor offers. Most franchisees arrange their own financing.
How long is the franchise term?
The term, renewal and transfer conditions are in Item 17 of the FDD. Lenders compare the remaining term with the loan term.
What documents do I need to apply?
Expect to provide tax returns, a personal financial statement, a résumé, the FDD and franchise agreement, the lease or letter of intent, contractor bids, equipment quotes and monthly projections.
Does the FDD include financial performance information?
Review Item 19 of the current FDD to see whether it includes financial performance representations, and use actual store financials when buying an existing location.
Final Thoughts
Oakberry’s SBA directory listing, small footprint and simple equipment package give buyers several financing paths. The work is in the details: tying your budget to the current FDD, planning for seasonality, securing a strong site with a lease that supports the loan and keeping enough working capital for slower months.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners and buyers finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment and working capital for established brands. Learn more about our franchise financing and restaurant financing solutions.
