|
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Chicago's Pizza vs Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
||
Investment | $87,300 - $173,100 | $338,050 - $610,000 |
Franchise Fee | $12,000 | N/A |
Royalty Fee | 4% | 6% |
Advertising Fee | - | 2% |
Year Founded | 1979 | 2005 |
Year Franchised | 1981 | 2008 |
Term Of Agreement | 5 years | - |
Term Of Agreement | 5 years | - |
Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
||
Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
||
In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
Franchise Fees | No/No | -/- |
Start-up Costs | No/No | -/- |
Equipment | No/No | -/- |
Inventory | No/No | -/- |
Receivables | No/No | -/- |
Payroll | No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
||
Training | - | Training is about 6 weeks long at a Pickleman's Corporate Location. Pickleman’s does not charge for the initial training program for you and 1 designated manager. You are responsible for wages, travel, and living expenses for the duration of training. |
Support | Grand opening, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | - |
Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks | - |
Operations |
20% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 15 Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | - |
Expansion Plans |
||
US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Canada Expansion | No | - |
International Expansion | No | No |
Robert McDonald enjoyed working in the pizza business. When he was suddenly terminated from his job with an Indiana pizza restaurant, he decided to start his own pizza chain. When Ron Epple, who had worked with McDonald as director of franchise training, heard what his old co-worker was up to, he asked to be part of it.
In 1979, the two founded Chicago's Pizza. At lunchtime, restaurants serve pizzas by the slice or in seven-inch rounds from counters and drive-thru windows. In the evening, customers can use the drive-thru window to pick up phone orders. Most of the locations also have dining rooms where customers can enjoy Chicago's 29-inch pizza.
The company has franchises in Indiana and Ohio. There is also a Chicago's Pizza location in Seville, Spain.
After working in the franchise and restaurant industry for 16 years Doug
Stritzel, founder and owner of Pickleman’s, began his quest to realize
his longtime dream of building a distinct new dining concept.
In October 2005 Doug opened the first Pickleman’s
in Columbia, MO. In January 2008 the second Pickleman’s was opened.
Today, Pickleman’s has 22 locations and counting, three in Columbia, MO,
two in Springfield, MO, six in St Louis, MO, one in Lincoln, NE, one in
Lawrence, KS, four in Kansas City, two in Omaha, NE, and one in Norman,
OK.
Pickleman’s focuses above all on using the highest
quality product and creating profound and unique flavor profiles people
love. Offering a wide array of all natural products with the freshest
ingredients gives our Toasted Sandwiches, Pizzas, Soups, Salads and
Desserts a quality that sets us apart. Our Delivery and Catering
services allow us to serve large groups, cater events, and provide you
with our superior service at your door.
Doug has plans to expand the Pickleman’s franchise
and share his passion for high quality food with the world. His goal is
to establish and continue to develop his own brand and someday be
successful enough to spend lots of time with two wonderful children,
Jack and Audrey.