Jet's Pizza vs Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Jet's 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
 
Jet's Pizza Franchise
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise
Investment $437,500 - $631,000$338,050 - $610,000
Franchise Fee $25,000N/A
Royalty Fee 8%-10%6%
Advertising Fee Up to 1%2%
Year Founded 19782005
Year Franchised 19902008
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee $2K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Jet's Pizza Franchise
Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Customer service & management skills
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Jet's Pizza Franchise
    Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe 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
     
    Jet's Pizza Franchise
    Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 270 hours Classroom Training: 30 hours 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/Conventions Grand Opening Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform-
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing-
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 15

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (99% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Jet's Pizza Franchise
    Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Jet's Pizza

    Based in Sterling Heights, Michigan, Jet's Pizza was founded in 1978 and began franchising in 1990.
    Jet’s Pizza® regularly receives “Best of the Best” and “Reader’s Choice” awards. Pizza Today magazine named Jet’s Pizza® as the eighteenth largest pizza chain in the nation in its “Top 100 Company” report (Pizza Today, 2010). Entrepreneur Magazine has consistently ranked Jet’s Pizza® as a “Top 500 Franchise,” opportunity (Entrepreneur, 2010). Jet’s Pizza® has rapidly risen through the ranks to become the twelfth largest pizza chain in the nation, by sales (PMQ, 2016), with over 400 locations and plans for rapid future growth. While the quality and taste of the food is number one for Jet’s Pizza®, there is also a simple belief throughout the company; “Pizza should be fun,” says John Jetts. “You’ll always have a smile on your face when you’re eating a Jet’s pizza®.” That fun attitude can be summed up in the company’s simple slogan says Jetts, “Life is short. Eat better pizza®. Let’s Get Jet’s®!”

    That is something that Jet’s Pizza® is betting that people across the nation will agree with. They’ve found that it’s working so far.

    Franchise Ranking History
    Franchise 500: #132 (2014), #146 (2013), #136 (2012), #145 (2011), #207 (2010),
    Fastest-Growing: #67 (2014), #82 (2012), #94 (2011)
    Veteran Incentives  50% off franchise fee or area development fee
    "Entrepreneur
    #220 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #340 in Franchise 500 for 2021.





    About Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe

    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.

    "store

    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.

    At Pickleman's, we are committed to helping aspiring entrepreneurs make their dreams a reality. We believe that franchising benefits our company, entrepreneurs like you, and our customers. Combining our proven business model with your drive and ambition can produce an excellent experience for our customers, which in turn leads to more business and greater profits for everyone involved.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe is from $338,050 to $610,000. This includes the $30,415 to $31,400 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates. If you want to obtain area development rights pursuant to an Area Development Agreement, you will pay a Development Fee of ½ of the Initial Franchise Fee for each proposed Unit when you sign the Area Development Agreement.