East of Chicago Pizza Company vs The Pizza Press Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
The Pizza Press Franchise
Investment $162,000 - $463,000$455,350 - $791,500
Franchise Fee $20,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee -1%
Year Founded 19902012
Year Franchised 19912014
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee To be determined-


Business Experience Requirements

 
East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
The Pizza Press Franchise
Experience
  • Company uses Birkman Profile & Corporate Interview Series
  • We require that you or your operating partner directly operate your Pizza Press restaurant. If you have not previously owned or managed a restaurant, we may require that you designate an operating partner who is an owner of at least 10% of the franchisee. The operating partner must live in the area near your Pizza Press restaurant and work full-time in the franchised business.

    Financing Options

     
    East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
    The Pizza Press Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment Yes/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/Yes-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support

     
    East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
    The Pizza Press Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 2 weeks Classroom Training: 4 weeks Initial training will last for up to seven days and take place at our headquarters in Anaheim, California or another location we designate. We will also provide on-site training for you and your staff for up to 5 days before the opening of your Pizza Press restaurant On-The-Job Training: 60 hours Classroom Training: 16 hours
    Support Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising

    Access to the The Pizza Press brand, our unique recipes, operating policies and procedures, uniforms, design/development/construction of your store, vendors, and in-depth and continued training and support. In addition, we also provide them with a website, social media and marketing program, online ordering system, gift card program, and more. Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection

    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional AdvertisingAdvertising through television, radio and print media such as magazine, billboards, flyers or mailers and newspapers. Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations 26% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 20

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Number of Employees Required to Run: 20

    If you prefer to not be involved, you absolutely must appoint an Operating Director (that owns at least 10% equity) to oversee the day-to-day operations of the restaurant/s

    Number of Employees Required to Run: 25 - 30


    Expansion Plans

     
    East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
    The Pizza Press Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About East of Chicago Pizza Company

    When founder L. Scott Granneman was thinking of a name for his second pizza restaurant in Willard, Ohio, he remembered one of his customers telling him he made 'the best pizza east of Chicago.' The comment stuck with Granneman, and now East of Chicago Pizza has more than 120 locations stretching as far east as Virginia.
    East of Chicago locations offer favorite toppings such as pepperoni and mushrooms as well as a menu of specialty pizzas like Taco (which is covered with lettuce, tomato, black olives, sour cream, cheddar cheese, beef and salsa) and dessert pizzas (Dutch Crunch apple pizza or Peanut Butter & Jelly).

    About The Pizza Press

    The Pizza Press is taking our fresh and fun "Publish Your Own Pizza" concept to other parts of the United States. Our franchise program is a natural outgrowth of our commitment to encouraging small business owners and fostering positive relationships with everyone we meet. Together with our franchisees, we will continue to build on the respected brand of The Pizza Press and bring newsworthy pizza to your hometown. 
    The Pizza Press is seeking single and multi-unit (5+) development partners to bring Newsworthy Pizza to the rest of world. In order to be considered, our franchise team members will meet the following criteria:
    - You must commit to spending 100% of your time in the day to day operation of your restaurant(s).
    - Alternatively, you may designate an Operating Principal to fill this role. (This person should have at least 10% equity in the franchise or equivalent profit sharing).
    - Although experience as a multi-unit owner or operator in QSR, fast-casual or restaurant dining is preferred, it is not necessary.
    - You or your Operating Principal should have familiarity with the trade area that you plan to develop.
    - You, your Operating Principal and all of your partners must demonstrate the enthusiasm, drive and passion required to operate a 
    The Pizza Press restaurant to our high standards.
    - Including all your partners, you should have a minimum liquidity of $120K (i.e. cash reserves) per restaurant to be developed.

     We offer a program for Veterans of the United States Military.