Donatos Pizzeria vs Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Donatos Pizzeria vs Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise
Investment $386,500 - $698,900$338,050 - $610,000
Franchise Fee $30,000N/A
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee 5%2%
Year Founded 19632005
Year Franchised 19912008
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise
Experience --

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

Training & Support
 
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise
Training On-The-Job Training: 454 hours Classroom Training: 4 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 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 Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app -
Operations --

Expansion Plans
 
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise
US Expansion -Yes
Canada Expansion --
International Expansion -No

Company Overviews

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.
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"Entrepreneur

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





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.