Old Chicago vs Unique Pizza Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Old Chicago Franchise
Unique Pizza Franchise
Investment $1,331,500 - $2,187,000$62,800 - And Up
Franchise Fee $40,000$30,000 - $100,000
Royalty Fee 4%5%
Advertising Fee 3%3%
Year Founded 1976-
Year Franchised 2000-
Term Of Agreement -10 years
Term Of Agreement -10 years
Renewal Fee -$1,000


Business Experience Requirements
 
Old Chicago Franchise
Unique Pizza Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options
 
Old Chicago Franchise
Unique Pizza Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees -/--/-
Start-up Costs -/--/-
Equipment -/--/-
Inventory -/--/-
Receivables -/--/-
Payroll -/--/-

Training & Support
 
Old Chicago Franchise
Unique Pizza Franchise
Training The Old Chicago training department will provide Franchisees, their management team, and staff, comprehensive training programs that combine both restaurant and classroom training. All Franchise management teams will receive seven weeks of in-store training at a designated Old Chicago training restaurant. On-The-Job Training: 350 hours -
Support A set of comprehensive manuals are provided to an Old Chicago Franchisee upon the signing of the Operating Agreement. These manuals are designed for easy reference and serve as an authoritative source of information about Old Chicago standard operating policies and procedures. These manuals are frequently updated to reflect Old Chicago's response to the changing needs of today's guests. Purchasing Co-ops Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software -
Marketing Old Chicago restaurants rely primarily on a Local Restaurant Marketing (LRM) program that allows each store to choose the marketing programs and promotions that match the needs of the individual store's market. Advertising and promotional materials are available at a reasonable cost to Franchisees that support a LRM program. As such we employ our own graphics designer to assist Franchise Partners with their LRM design needs. We also employ a marketing professional to consult with our Franchise Partners. Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Email marketing Loyalty program/app -
Operations --

Expansion Plans
 
Old Chicago Franchise
Unique Pizza Franchise
US Expansion Yes-
Canada Expansion --
International Expansion --

Company Overviews

About Old Chicago

Opportunity Awaits
After 33 years of company growth, we are now offering a unique opportunity for a select number of entrepreneurs to take our proven brand into new markets.
Old Chicago is a leader in the casual dining pizza segment. We currently have territories available in many highly desirable markets, which presents an exceptional chance to establish our winning concept in choice locations.
WHY CHOOSE OLD CHICAGO?
Adaptable Site Requirements
Old Chicago's brand identity does not rely on a typical "box" to succeed. Our adaptive development strategy and flexible design allow stores to be constructed in many different types of sites, including prototype buildings, conversions/retro-fits, strip center end-cap locations, and non-traditional sites.
Sales Mix Advantage
With approximately 40% of historical system sales from our bar and drink business, Old Chicago's sales mix provides operators with a real opportunity to differentiate themselves from other casual dining concepts. Our high mix of bar sales is one of the main reasons why our stores experience exceptionally low Cost of Goods Sold (COGS). Our 60 company stores finished the year in 2008 with an average COGS of 25.6%.
Brand Strength & Versatility
Our brand has three decades of proven success and a loyal customer base in our existing markets. Old Chicago is a timeless concept that has that rare ability to appeal to a variety of consumers. Many casual dining concepts seem to copy each other in their menus and restaurant "feel". The Old Chicago concept is uniquely different.
Our bars have the rich, dark feel of a "freshly scrubbed joint". Our dining room areas with our new pizza bars really appeal to families and couples.
Broad Customer Appeal
Our bar area, along with our unique guest loyalty program -"The World Beer Tour" appeal to a younger, single customers. They create the high energy levels that have made our bars famous. With thirty beer varieties on tap, and another eighty varieties in bottles, we have created an exciting taste journey for our World Beer Tour members. No matter your age or occupation, there is a tremendous sense of accomplishment when your name goes on a plaque in your home store because you have completed the World Beer Tour.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of an Old Chicago Restaurant franchised business is between $1,331,500 and $1,957,000. This includes $98,250 and $135,250 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates.
The total investment necessary for an Area Development Franchise includes the investment necessary to begin operations of one Restaurant, plus a development fee of $50,000, plus an initial franchise fee deposit of $20,000 multiplied by the number of Restaurants (excluding the first Restaurant) which you must open.

The estimated total investment necessary to begin operation of an Old Chicago
Area Development Franchise is between $1,401,500 (for two Restaurants) and $2,187,000 (for ten Restaurants). This includes between $168,250 and $365,250 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates.

#299 in Franchise 500 for 2020.



About Unique Pizza

The Unique Pizza and Subs franchise is an opportunity to get into the extremely popular pizza business where there is always a demand. Our use of the highest quality ingredients, strict adherence to established methods, consistency, reasonable prices and dependable, friendly service make Unique Pizza and Subs the superior choice for excellent pizza. The winning combination produces loyal customers, the best word of mouth advertising and repeat business. One of the main reasons why Unique Pizza and Subs is so successful, is because from it’s conception it was developed to be a franchise. The #1 consideration when developing Unique Pizza and Subs was to achieve the CONSISTENCY of a large franchise with the QUALITY of a “mom and pop” shop. The personal quality locations needed to become a Unique Pizza and Subs franchisee include good financial standing, a high energy level, an ability to build long term relationships and a strong customer orientation. Investment Cost Typical restaurant size is 800-1200 sq.ft. without seating and up to 3000 sq.ft. with seating. The following figures represent costs associated with the 800-1200 sq.ft. size. Variations in costs are accounted for by factors such as your management skills, experience and business acumen, local economic conditions such as the prevailing wage rate, the competition and the sales level reached during the initial period. If a prospective franchisee pays the $100k franchise fee upfront then they are not required to pay the 5% and 3% weekly royalty for 5 years. Or the have the option of paying the standard upfront $30k franchise fee and the standard weekly 5% royalty and 3% marketing fee. If they have the extra start up cash it is extremely advantageous for them to pay the $100k upfront. If their location averages a simple $9,600 per week that's $200k paid over 5 years.