East of Chicago Pizza Company vs Donatos Pizzeria Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of East of Chicago Pizza Company vs Donatos Pizzeria including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
Investment $162,000 - $463,000$386,500 - $698,900
Franchise Fee $20,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee -5%
Year Founded 19901963
Year Franchised 19911991
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee To be determined-


Business Experience Requirements
 
East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
Experience
  • Company uses Birkman Profile & Corporate Interview Series
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
    Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/Yes
    Equipment Yes/Yes-/Yes
    Inventory No/Yes-/Yes
    Receivables No/Yes-/Yes
    Payroll No/No-/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
    Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 2 weeks Classroom Training: 4 weeks On-The-Job Training: 454 hours Classroom Training: 4 hours
    Support Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional AdvertisingPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations 26% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 20

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Number of Employees Required to Run: 20

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
    Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion No-

    Company Overviews

    About East of Chicago Pizza Company

    When founder L. Scott Granneman was thinking of a name for his second pizza restaurant in Willard, Ohio, he remembered one of his customers telling him he made 'the best pizza east of Chicago.' The comment stuck with Granneman, and now East of Chicago Pizza has more than 120 locations stretching as far east as Virginia.
    East of Chicago locations offer favorite toppings such as pepperoni and mushrooms as well as a menu of specialty pizzas like Taco (which is covered with lettuce, tomato, black olives, sour cream, cheddar cheese, beef and salsa) and dessert pizzas (Dutch Crunch apple pizza or Peanut Butter & Jelly).

    About Donatos Pizzeria

    BE A PART OF A PIZZA BUSINESS THAT'S ON THE RISE. With $1,300 in his pocket and a dream to own his own business, Jim Grote bought a small pizzeria on the south side of Columbus, Ohio and went to work to create a business that was truly unique. Although Donatos has grown and moved into almost 200 neighborhoods, our belief remains the same: "Treat people the way you want to be treated."
    You are responsible for:
    * Leasehold improvements
    * Leasing or purchasing equipment
    * Hiring and restaurant operation
    Donatos provides:
    * Product formulas and operational systems
    * Store design guidance
    * Equipment ordering guidance
    * Edge-u-cation training
    * Cultural orientation
    * Operations manual
    * Periodic evaluations
    * Ongoing support
    Additional information and qualifications:
    Single-Store and Multi-Unit Development Agreements are available depending upon prospective Franchise Partner qualifications as well as geographical considerations. Prospective Franchise Partner groups need to designate an Operating Partner who must live in the area to be developed and possess prior restaurant or retail management and supervision experience commensurate with the number of restaurants to be developed. An Operating Partner may also be a member of the Franchise Group. A full Franchise Application, including a Personal Financial Statement, needs to be submitted for each member of the Franchise Partner group. If the Operating Partner is a separate individual, they will need to submit a full resume with work history and skill-set qualifications.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Donatos franchised business is $386,500 to $698,900. This includes $40,500 to $42,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate. If this is the second Donatos franchised business, you choose to receive additional training services or you hire a Donatos Manager for your franchised business, you must pay the franchisor an additional $15,000 to $40,000.

    The company continues to franchise throughout the Midwest, South and Southeast, with franchised locations serving pizza, subs, salads and desserts.
    .
    "Entrepreneur

    #181 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #313 in Franchise 500 for 2021.