Round Table Pizza vs Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Round Table 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
 
Round Table Pizza Franchise
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise
Investment $327,300 - $1,061,250$338,050 - $610,000
Franchise Fee $25,000N/A
Royalty Fee 4%6%
Advertising Fee 4%2%
Year Founded 19592005
Year Franchised 19622008
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Round Table Pizza Franchise
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise
Experience * Foodservice industry experience as an owner/operator or manager with P & L responsibility * Demonstrated ability to lead and manage people * Customer service skills * Strong business acumen and financial management skills * $200,000 in unleveraged liquid assets * $500,000 net worth -

Financing Options
 
Round Table Pizza Franchise
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees -/--/-
Start-up Costs -/--/-
Equipment -/--/-
Inventory -/--/-
Receivables -/--/-
Payroll -/--/-

Training & Support
 
Round Table Pizza Franchise
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise
Training Round Table's Skills Training Program (STP) is a comprehensive management training curriculum designed to support the ongoing training needs and requirements of our franchisees. The program encompasses modules for new franchise owners and multi-unit operators, managers and assistant managers, shift managers and crew leaders and general crewmembers. Prior to opening, new franchise owners are required to successfully complete a one-week business planning and leadership class at our Concord, CA headquarters. On-The-Job Training: 180 hours Classroom Training: 16 hours 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 Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform -
Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Email marketing Loyalty program/app -
Operations --

Expansion Plans
 
Round Table Pizza Franchise
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion --
International Expansion YesNo

Company Overviews

About Round Table Pizza

Round Table Pizza is the fifth largest pizza chain in the U.S. with over 500 restaurants in nine western states and five foreign countries. Headquartered in Concord, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area, Round Table has built a reputation as the pizza brand of choice and market share leader in the most competitive and discriminating restaurant markets in the country. We are recognized throughout the West for gourmet taste, quality and menu innovation. The key differentiator between Round Table and other branded pizza chains is our product. Every Round Table restaurant rolls fresh dough every day and tops every pie with fresh cheese and only the freshest ingredients. In this day and age of frozen dough, frozen cheese and frozen toppings, Round Table is unique in the pizza segment. One of the major reasons for the success of the Round Table brand is our franchise owners and their strong commitment to product quality, service and proactive local community involvement. We are committed to franchising as our primary business model. Approximately 80% of Round Table restaurant businesses are owned and operated by franchisees. Our evaluation and selection of new franchise candidates is based upon a number of different factors. We look for individuals with a track record of success in business, the ability to manage and develop people and strong customer service skills. Foodservice industry experience as an owner/operator or manager with P & L responsibility is strongly required. Round Table is seeking qualified individuals who want to partner with a proven brand leader in the pizza segment to join our system.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Restaurant that offers and sells menu items for dining at the Restaurant premises as well as via delivery and carryout services (the “Dine-In Model”), is $471,500 to $1,061,250, which includes $25,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliate prior to opening; and a Restaurant that is only authorized to offer and sell menu items for delivery and carry out from the Restaurant premises (a “DCU Model”) is $327,300 to $510,250, which includes $25,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliate prior to opening.

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#172 in Franchise 500 for 2020.


About Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe

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.

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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.

At Pickleman's, we are committed to helping aspiring entrepreneurs make their dreams a reality. We believe that franchising benefits our company, entrepreneurs like you, and our customers. Combining our proven business model with your drive and ambition can produce an excellent experience for our customers, which in turn leads to more business and greater profits for everyone involved.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe is from $338,050 to $610,000. This includes the $30,415 to $31,400 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates. If you want to obtain area development rights pursuant to an Area Development Agreement, you will pay a Development Fee of ½ of the Initial Franchise Fee for each proposed Unit when you sign the Area Development Agreement.