East of Chicago Pizza Company vs Tom and Chee Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of East of Chicago Pizza Company vs Tom and Chee including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
Investment |
$162,000 - $463,000 | $302,700 - $456,000 |
Franchise Fee |
$20,000 | $30,000 |
Royalty Fee |
5% | - |
Advertising Fee |
- | - |
Year Founded |
1990 | 2012 |
Year Franchised |
1991 | 2017 |
Term Of Agreement |
10 years | - |
Term Of Agreement |
10 years | - |
Renewal Fee |
To be determined | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
Experience |
Company uses Birkman Profile & Corporate Interview Series | - |
Financing Options |
|
In-House/3rd Party | In-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 |
Training |
On-The-Job Training: 2 weeks
Classroom Training: 4 weeks
| - |
Support |
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising | - |
Marketing |
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising | - |
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 | - |
Expansion Plans |
US Expansion |
Yes | Yes |
Canada Expansion |
No | - |
International Expansion |
No | - |
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 Tom and Chee
After expanding to more than 12 locations across seven states,
Tom & Chee is poised for a new era of rapid growth. With a simplified
business model, state-of-the-art training and technology, a new menu and
restaurant design, and new leadership with over 50+ years in the
franchise industry, Tom & Chee is ready to welcome passionate
franchisees who want to own a business that brings joy and love to their
communities. Here’s why Tom & Chee stands out as a wise sandwich & grilled cheese franchise investment:
- An innovative, playful menu unlike anything else in the trending sandwich industry
- Tremendous national brand recognition from appearances on Shark Tank and other national media
- Exceptional support from leadership team with 50+ years of experience
- A low-cost investment with tremendous profit potential
- A straightforward business model makes owning a Tom & Chee easier than ever before
“Tom & Chee is creating a new category within the sandwich space,” says
Roger David, CEO & President of Tom & Chee. “There’s something
really special about our brand. We’re changing the game with our
sandwich & grilled cheese franchise. It’s new, but also nostalgic.
When our customers taste our food they think of Mom. They think of
childhood with grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. We have
created such a unique menu, with wonderful recipes and food made fresh
in-house, and now we have a robust culture of franchise support that is
going to take Tom & Chee to the next level. We’re looking for
franchisees who are food-centric. If you love food, love people and love
community, then you should be a part of a Tom & Chee.”
The estimated initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Tom & Chee Restaurant franchise ranges from $302,700 to $456,000. This
includes $30,000 (if this is the first Tom & Chee franchise you have
purchased), $15,000 (if this is your second, third or fourth Tom & Chee franchise you have purchased) or $5,000 (if this is your fifth or
greater Tom & Chee franchise you have purchased) that must be paid to
the franchisor. The estimated initial investment does not include real
estate, related improvement costs or tenant improvement allowances.