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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Blackjack Pizza vs Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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Investment | $168,300 - $392,300 | $338,050 - $610,000 |
Franchise Fee | $35,000 | N/A |
Royalty Fee | 3% | 6% |
Advertising Fee | - | 2% |
Year Founded | 1983 | 2005 |
Year Franchised | 1988 | 2008 |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
Renewal Fee | $1K | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
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In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
Franchise Fees | No/Yes | -/- |
Start-up Costs | No/Yes | -/- |
Equipment | No/Yes | -/- |
Inventory | No/Yes | -/- |
Receivables | No/Yes | -/- |
Payroll | No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
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Training | Ongoing assistance & classroom training available | Training is about 6 weeks long at a Pickleman's Corporate Location. Pickleman’s does not charge for the initial training program for you and 1 designated manager. You are responsible for wages, travel, and living expenses for the duration of training. |
Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | - |
Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising | - |
Operations |
25% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 15 - 30
Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | - |
Expansion Plans |
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US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Canada Expansion | No | - |
International Expansion | No | No |
Blackjack Pizza was founded in 1983 by Vince Schmuhl. After working several years for Dominos Pizza, the founder felt that there was plenty of room for competitors in the fast growing pizza delivery business. At that time, Dominos Pizza was the only major player in the pizza delivery business in the Rocky Mountain region and he felt that customers would really appreciate an alternative to Dominos Pizza. The first Blackjack Pizza store was opened on June 29, 1983 in Federal Heights, CO. The second store opened in Greeley, CO in February of 1984. Vince continued to open new stores, mainly in the Denver Metro Area. By 1986, there were six corporate owned stores and one franchisee in operation. In 1988, Blackjack officially became a franchisor using the concept of an owner/operator franchisee at each store location. Several corporate stores were sold to franchisees, and other franchisees were added to the system through conversions of independent operators who saw the value in being part of Blackjack Pizza. We have continued to add franchise outlets to the system under a policy of slow, controlled growth. There are 45 stores in operation in four states.
After working in the franchise and restaurant industry for 16 years Doug
Stritzel, founder and owner of Pickleman’s, began his quest to realize
his longtime dream of building a distinct new dining concept.
In October 2005 Doug opened the first Pickleman’s
in Columbia, MO. In January 2008 the second Pickleman’s was opened.
Today, Pickleman’s has 22 locations and counting, three in Columbia, MO,
two in Springfield, MO, six in St Louis, MO, one in Lincoln, NE, one in
Lawrence, KS, four in Kansas City, two in Omaha, NE, and one in Norman,
OK.
Pickleman’s focuses above all on using the highest
quality product and creating profound and unique flavor profiles people
love. Offering a wide array of all natural products with the freshest
ingredients gives our Toasted Sandwiches, Pizzas, Soups, Salads and
Desserts a quality that sets us apart. Our Delivery and Catering
services allow us to serve large groups, cater events, and provide you
with our superior service at your door.
Doug has plans to expand the Pickleman’s franchise
and share his passion for high quality food with the world. His goal is
to establish and continue to develop his own brand and someday be
successful enough to spend lots of time with two wonderful children,
Jack and Audrey.