Chester's vs Lindy - Gertie's Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Chester's vs Lindy - Gertie's including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Chester's Franchise
Lindy - Gertie's Franchise
Investment $12,385 - $277,313$49,000 - And Up
Franchise Fee $3,500$9,500
Royalty Fee --
Advertising Fee -2%
Year Founded 1952-
Year Franchised 2004-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Chester's Franchise
Lindy - Gertie's Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Chester's Franchise
    Lindy - Gertie's Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/No-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Chester's Franchise
    Lindy - Gertie's Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 30 hours Classroom Training: 3 hours Ongoing training as required -
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform-
    Marketing Ad Templates Social media-
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 8

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (50% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Chester's Franchise
    Lindy - Gertie's Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About Chester's

    Chester’s serves Great Tasting Fresh Fried Chicken that’s cooked to perfection, with a unique taste and style. Our secret is a family recipe and process that’s been successful for over 40 years. Chester’s brings you delicious fried chicken, tempting tenders, sandwiches, wraps, salads, breakfast items and more. And that’s not all we’re known for! Our chicken is complimented by our signature Potato Wedges, Chester’s Original Sauce and delicious biscuits and sides. We offer a great deal of flexibility in the placement of Chester’s including restaurant-in-store (convenience stores, truck stops, supermarkets), co-branded with other national brands, malls and food-courts, and in-line shopping center locations. And there is variety in our menu formats, including take-out only, take-out and dine-in. We can tailor the restaurant to meet your needs and to properly position Chester’s in your market.

    "Entrepreneur

    #180 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #112 in Franchise 500 for 2021.


    About Lindy - Gertie's

    In 1974, businessman Joseph Yesutis fulfilled a life-long dream by purchasing the Lindy's Chili Company and the Gertie's Ice Cream Company. This dream, however, did not include putting the two concepts together. Only after analyzing the unique qualities of each business did he conceive of his remarkable innovation.

    Lindy's Chili was drawing huge lunch and dinner crowds, but slowed in the evenings. On the other hand, Gertie's Ice Cream did great business in the evenings when customers crowded in.

    Additionally, there was seasonal factors that effected business. Cold Chicago winters bolstered chili sales, while ice cream sales declined. And, of course, in the summer, ice cream soared past chili sales.

    Combining the two companies into a single specialty food business initially drew many puzzled looks.
    Chili and ice cream? Some people questioned Joe's judgment. But it really made remarkable business sense. The two specialties in fact, kept business steady throughout the day and throughout the year.

    Even more remarkable, chili and ice cream proved to be a delicious combination!
    The new Lindy Gertie's customers discovered that a bowl of the hot and spicy chili followed by a cool, refreshing ice cream was indeed a unusually satisfying experience.

    The Lindy-Gertie's Franchise Opportunity Could Be Your Recipe For A Great Future! Since 1901, Gertie's Ice Cream and since 1924, Lindy's Chili have been serving the Chicagoland area. Be a part of that history. Contact us today.