Hungry Howie's Pizza vs Old Chicago Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Hungry Howie's Pizza vs Old Chicago including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Hungry Howie's Pizza Franchise
Old Chicago Franchise
Investment $290,600 - $538,400$1,331,500 - $2,187,000
Franchise Fee $25,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 5.5%4%
Advertising Fee 7%3%
Year Founded 19731976
Year Franchised 19822000
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Hungry Howie's Pizza Franchise
Old Chicago Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
Hungry Howie's Pizza Franchise
Old Chicago 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

 
Hungry Howie's Pizza Franchise
Old Chicago Franchise
Training On-The-Job Training: 138 hours Classroom Training: 44 hours Additional Training: Regional seminars The Old Chicago training department will provide Franchisees, their management team, and staff, comprehensive training programs that combine both restaurant and classroom training. All Franchise management teams will receive seven weeks of in-store training at a designated Old Chicago training restaurant. On-The-Job Training: 350 hours
Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform A set of comprehensive manuals are provided to an Old Chicago Franchisee upon the signing of the Operating Agreement. These manuals are designed for easy reference and serve as an authoritative source of information about Old Chicago standard operating policies and procedures. These manuals are frequently updated to reflect Old Chicago's response to the changing needs of today's guests. Purchasing Co-ops Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software
Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app Old Chicago restaurants rely primarily on a Local Restaurant Marketing (LRM) program that allows each store to choose the marketing programs and promotions that match the needs of the individual store's market. Advertising and promotional materials are available at a reasonable cost to Franchisees that support a LRM program. As such we employ our own graphics designer to assist Franchise Partners with their LRM design needs. We also employ a marketing professional to consult with our Franchise Partners. Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Email marketing Loyalty program/app
Operations 80% of all franchisees own more than one unit

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10

Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

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Expansion Plans

 
Hungry Howie's Pizza Franchise
Old Chicago Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion No-

Company Overviews

About Hungry Howie's Pizza

Own a Piece of the Pie
At Hungry Howie's we serve customers great flavored crust pizza at an amazing value. With almost 40 years of experience, Hungry Howie's is consistently ranked as one of the Top 10 Pizza Franchises in the nation. There are many franchise opportunities to choose from, especially in the Pizza category. That's why it's so important to have a distinct point of difference in today's competitive market place. Hungry Howie's has the edge that makes us one of the fastest-growing pizza chains in the country.

Our Edge
Look no further than our famous crust to see why Hungry Howie's Pizza has an edge over its competition. Mouth watering seasonings baked into the edge of the pizza, make the last bite as good as the first. Others have tried to copy it, but Hungry Howie's is the home of the Original Flavored Crust.

Opportunity Knocks
Hungry Howie's has built a strong infrastructure and is positioned for our rapid growth campaign. Many great areas are available for single or multiple unit development. Right now, multistore operators can buy territories. This is something you can't find with other brands.
As you explore other investment opportunities you will appreciate Hungry Howie's commitment to our concept, products and franchisees. We provide a great opportunity to participate in a growing franchise system that offers significant investment value. We're busy making plans for the future!
Hungry Howie's does not currently offer international development. Please note interested parties should have at least $100K to invest.
Veteran Incentives  50% off franchise fee
"Top
#21 in Gator's Top franchises.
#233 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

About Old Chicago

Opportunity Awaits
After 33 years of company growth, we are now offering a unique opportunity for a select number of entrepreneurs to take our proven brand into new markets.
Old Chicago is a leader in the casual dining pizza segment. We currently have territories available in many highly desirable markets, which presents an exceptional chance to establish our winning concept in choice locations.
WHY CHOOSE OLD CHICAGO?
Adaptable Site Requirements
Old Chicago's brand identity does not rely on a typical "box" to succeed. Our adaptive development strategy and flexible design allow stores to be constructed in many different types of sites, including prototype buildings, conversions/retro-fits, strip center end-cap locations, and non-traditional sites.
Sales Mix Advantage
With approximately 40% of historical system sales from our bar and drink business, Old Chicago's sales mix provides operators with a real opportunity to differentiate themselves from other casual dining concepts. Our high mix of bar sales is one of the main reasons why our stores experience exceptionally low Cost of Goods Sold (COGS). Our 60 company stores finished the year in 2008 with an average COGS of 25.6%.
Brand Strength & Versatility
Our brand has three decades of proven success and a loyal customer base in our existing markets. Old Chicago is a timeless concept that has that rare ability to appeal to a variety of consumers. Many casual dining concepts seem to copy each other in their menus and restaurant "feel". The Old Chicago concept is uniquely different.
Our bars have the rich, dark feel of a "freshly scrubbed joint". Our dining room areas with our new pizza bars really appeal to families and couples.
Broad Customer Appeal
Our bar area, along with our unique guest loyalty program -"The World Beer Tour" appeal to a younger, single customers. They create the high energy levels that have made our bars famous. With thirty beer varieties on tap, and another eighty varieties in bottles, we have created an exciting taste journey for our World Beer Tour members. No matter your age or occupation, there is a tremendous sense of accomplishment when your name goes on a plaque in your home store because you have completed the World Beer Tour.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of an Old Chicago Restaurant franchised business is between $1,331,500 and $1,957,000. This includes $98,250 and $135,250 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates.
The total investment necessary for an Area Development Franchise includes the investment necessary to begin operations of one Restaurant, plus a development fee of $50,000, plus an initial franchise fee deposit of $20,000 multiplied by the number of Restaurants (excluding the first Restaurant) which you must open.

The estimated total investment necessary to begin operation of an Old Chicago
Area Development Franchise is between $1,401,500 (for two Restaurants) and $2,187,000 (for ten Restaurants). This includes between $168,250 and $365,250 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates.

#299 in Franchise 500 for 2020.