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Updated RecentlyRusso's Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen vs Blast & Brew Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Russo's Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen vs Blast & Brew including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $295,000 - $750,000 | $340,350 - $968,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $49,500 | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 7% | 4% |
| Advertising Fee | 2% | - |
| Year Founded | 1992 | 2013 |
| Year Franchised | 1998 | 2014 |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years+5 | - |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years+5 | - |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | No Restaurant experience necessary but helpful Minimum financials are $175K to $400K in investment capital and a $600K to $1.0MM net worth | At Blast & Brew, we like to think “big.” That said, we’re vigorously seeking multi-unit investors to open at least three locations domestically to start. Our ideal prospect is a strong operator who’ll help us strategically grow the brand – someone who will listen and work with us as an enthusiastic team. If you’re a restaurateur or a franchisee, we’d love to show you how our ground-floor opportunity can take your restaurant portfolio to a whole new level. KEY TRAITS OF A FRANCHISEE: Experience: 5 to 10 years experience in food service, retail, or multi-unit management experience is great. Proven Record of Success: Candidates must have proven themselves in the restaurant or retail industry, and shouldn’t be afraid to “think big.” Passion for Quality: We don’t believe in shortcuts when it comes to quality ingredients and better pizza. So, we want people who won’t cut corners. A Commitment to Growth: Ideal candidates are committed to the growth of multiple units within a certain market. Marketing Mojo: You don’t have to be a marketing guru, but an understanding of local store marketing and the community is valuable. Financial Eligibility: This refers to your ability to obtain funding, and therefore, your ability to qualify for a Blast & Brew franchise. |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | -/Yes | -/- |
| Start-up Costs | -/Yes | -/- |
| Equipment | -/Yes | -/- |
| Inventory | -/Yes | -/- |
| Receivables | -/- | -/- |
| Payroll | -/Yes | -/- |
Training & Support |
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| Training | 8 Week GM & Key Supervisor Training and Certification | - |
| Support | - | - |
| Marketing | - | - |
| Operations | On site pre and post opening training and operational support with quarterly QA Visits. | - |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | - | - |
| Canada Expansion | - | - |
| International Expansion | - | - |
Company Overviews
About Russo's Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen
Using the family recipe for hand-tossed dough, the sauce made from fresh-crushed California tomatoes, and imported Italian cheese blends, Anthony became the sole owner and chef of his first restaurant Russo’s Pizza in the early 80’s. "It was 800 square feet. I had a pizza oven, a dough mixer and two tables. That's it. I could only sit eight people.” A few years later, he created Anthony’s Pizzeria, located in Clear Lake, Texas, and soon moved to Houston.
For almost a decade, Anthony refined his menu using classic Italian family recipes and zeroed in on the perfect New York-style pizza. In 1992, Russo’s New York Pizzeria opened in downtown Houston, Texas and proved to be a success.
For almost a decade, Anthony refined his menu using classic Italian family recipes and zeroed in on the perfect New York-style pizza. In 1992, Russo’s New York Pizzeria opened in downtown Houston, Texas and proved to be a success.
Russo's Restaurants is a national and international franchisor of the fast casual and casual dining brands Russo's New York Pizzeria and Russo's Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen. Based in Houston, Russo's Restaurants are composed of a mix of corporate and franchised locations across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida and Hawaii. Russo's has entered international markets as well, with locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. There are an additional 20-plus units in development both in the United States and internationally. Chef Anthony Russo has created his concepts from years of applying his unique, family recipes featuring New York-style pizza along with a broad variety of handcrafted pasta creations, calzones, salads, sandwiches, soups and desserts, reflecting his commitment to his New York roots where food and family come first.
About Blast & Brew
We’ve done all the work for you, or at least 55 years of it, refining everything from our patented recipes and procedures to our operations and advertising. At Blast & Brew we believe that the key to a great experience is a customer-tailored experience. We offer over forty fresh toppings so you can create your perfect Neapolitan style pizza; make your own unique wrap, sandwich or salad; or try something new every time. Everything is one of a kind because you create it.Endless customization means there’s always something for everyone at the table - it’s what brings people together, and that’s what keeps us living the Blast lifestyle every day.