Happy Joe's vs Greco Pizza Donair Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Happy Joe's vs Greco Pizza Donair including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Happy Joe's Franchise
Greco Pizza Donair Franchise
Investment $24,470 - $1,030,625$184,500 - $233,500
Franchise Fee $15,000 - $17,000$20,000
Royalty Fee 4.5%-5%-
Advertising Fee 1.5%-
Year Founded 19721977
Year Franchised 19731977
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Renewal Fee 10% of fee or $2K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Happy Joe's Franchise
Greco Pizza Donair Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Happy Joe's Franchise
    Greco Pizza Donair Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/Yes-/-
    Payroll No/Yes-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Happy Joe's Franchise
    Greco Pizza Donair Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 300 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours Greco's simplified menu and service concept make it easy for the new franchisee without previous restaurant experience to learn the Greco system in a short period of time. The current training program thoroughly prepares a new franchisee to operate a Greco restaurant after a four-week correspondence course. 21 days of advance training in an established Greco restaurant and on-site assistance after you open your own Greco restaurant.
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software -
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app-
    Operations 33% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 45

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

    		Our comprehensive operational system is fully documented in our Operations Manual. The manual features our exclusive Greco control system in areas including product preparation, service, personnel, cost control, security and maintenance.

    Expansion Plans
     
    Happy Joe's Franchise
    Greco Pizza Donair Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About Happy Joe's

    Lawrence Joseph Whitty had worked in the bakery business for years before becoming an assistant manager at a Shakey's pizzeria. He decided to combine his baking skills with the experience he had gained from working at a pizza restaurant, where he would often hear families decide to go out for ice cream for dessert. Combining pizza and ice cream, Whitty opened the first Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor in East Davenport, Iowa, in 1972. His signature item was the Happy Joe's Special, a pizza with Canadian bacon and sauerkraut that Whitty created from leftovers in his mother's kitchen. After a franchisee suggested adding tacos to the menu, Whitty created the restaurant's best-selling product, the Taco Pizza.

    Seeking new franchisees in the following regions/states:

     Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota and Wisconsin

    The total investment necessary to begin operations of a Happy Joe’s Full Size Restaurant or Happy Joe’s PizzaGrille Restaurant is $279,750 to $1,030,625. This includes $0 to $16,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    The total investment necessary to begin operations of a Happy Joe’s DELCO Facility is $164,500 to $423,000. This includes the $0 to $16,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    The total investment to begin operations of a Happy Joe’s Satellite ranges from $24,470 to $132,340. This includes the $0 to $16,500 paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    The total investment necessary to begin operations of a Happy Joe’s Area Developer business ranges from $17,625 to $94,100. This includes the development fee ranging from $15,000 to $45,000 that must be paid to the franchisor.


    About Greco Pizza Donair

    Established in 1977, Greco has become the largest pizza delivery chain in Atlantic Canada with stores in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Quebec and Ontario. People know the Greco name and ask for it. The familiar blue and yellow logo is widely recognized as a name that stands for quality products and fast service. 

    Pizza has one of the highest levels of consumer acceptance in the food service industry. It is healthy with ingredients from each of the four food groups. As a finger food it requires no plates, knives or forks. It is a group meal as people enjoy eating from the same pizzaGreco Pizza is proud of its pan pizza. Years of research and development have resulted in a product that is second to none. Our pizzas are made with fresh dough daily using only the finest ingredients and Greco’s exclusive delicious pizza sauce.

    Greco Donairs - because of its unique taste and texture, donairs have emerged as a major fast food item in Atlantic Canada and we are pleased to be the acknowledged leader with this exciting product. Only we have the "original Greco donair.” Our donair meat is manufactured to our specifications in our very own federally inspected meat plant, using secret recipes.

    The unique OvenSub is quickly becoming a shining star on the Greco menu. Its unique positioning in the popular sub segment makes it a perfect sales builder for Greco restaurants.

    Garlic fingers, with our exclusive donair dipping sauce are a strong menu item that has a loyal following in every Greco market.