Famous Famiglia vs Old Chicago Franchise Comparison

In the summer of 1986 the Kolaj family, founders of Famous Famiglia, opened their first pizzeria in the vibrant and culturally rich Upper Westside of Manhattan. First year sales far exceeded projections and New Yorkers were enjoying pizza at its best. Famous Famiglia quickly became a leader in the New York pizza market. Over the next 12 years they opened many more locations throughout New York City growing the company into a successful New York pizza chain, winning contests and awards with their quality and service.

Franchising is a very popular business model in the United States and in many countries throughout the world. It is proven that investing in a franchise reduces exposure to risk by following a proven system. While there are no guarantees in business, our franchise program has been carefully developed and executed over the years.

Since our brand is very important to us, we decided long ago to develop a franchise system that will hopefully do two things: preserve the respected reputation of the Famous Famiglia brand and provide a business opportunity to entrepreneurs.

Famous Famiglia is currently seeking qualified franchisees in a variety of markets. While our preference is to attract experienced food & beverage operators, experience in the industry is not a requirement. We encourage motivated individuals that have a long-term vision for entrepreneurship and own their own business to consider our program.

We feel there are certain traits about an individual, or a group, that might make them an ideal Famous Famiglia franchisee candidate. These are some of the traits we are looking for:

1. You have a passion for the pizza/restaurant industry
2. You have a natural desire to serve people
3. You have the ability to motivate a team of individuals
4. You pay attention to detail and follow through on tasks
5. You are a natural team player
6. You are a good listener and understand the value of following a proven system
7. You share in a similar work ethic and promote a healthy work environment
8. You have a business plan for your Famous Famiglia business
9. You have the financial wherewithal to establish your business

We welcome entrepreneurial individuals and groups that are interested in considering multi-unit development programs. We also offer territorial exclusivity to qualifying prospects.

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.