Zaxby's vs Uccello's Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Zaxby's vs Uccello's Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Zaxby's Franchise
Uccello's Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge Franchise
Investment $343,200 - $695,200$1,332,100 - $1,958,333
Franchise Fee $35,000$50,000
Royalty Fee 6%5%
Advertising Fee 2.87%-5%5%
Year Founded 19901996
Year Franchised 19942009
Term Of Agreement -10 years
Term Of Agreement -10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Zaxby's Franchise
Uccello's Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge Franchise
Experience Prospective Franchisees must meet the following criteria to be considered: Collective net worth of at least $1,000,000, with liquid assets greater than $500,000 (liquidity being defined as cash or any asset that could be converted to cash within ten business days). Ability to satisfactorily pass background checks for the following: reasonable credit worthiness, no criminal convictions, no history of extensive litigation, and satisfactory motor vehicle report. Willingness of all investors to personally guarantee any obligations that are required under the license agreement. Willingness to make a commitment to this venture within 60 – 90 days of signing a license agreement. Belief that guest service is of critical importance in restaurant operations. * Industry experience * (or must have partner with industry experience.)

Financing Options

 
Zaxby's Franchise
Uccello's Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees -/--/-
Start-up Costs -/--/-
Equipment -/--/-
Inventory -/--/-
Receivables -/--/-
Payroll -/Yes-/-

Training & Support

 
Zaxby's Franchise
Uccello's Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge Franchise
Training The initial training program is eight weeks long, consisting of a one-week orientation phase at Zaxby's Franchising, Inc.'s training center, three two-week phases at a training restaurant and the final one-week phase back at ZFI's training center. Ongoing support and training updates, in addition to other business development practices - including onsite inspections - are conducted regularly throughout the franchise system.-
Support -Field operations/evaluations
Marketing -Co-op advertising, Regional advertising
Operations -Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 75

Expansion Plans

 
Zaxby's Franchise
Uccello's Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion --
International Expansion --

Company Overviews

About Zaxby's

Zaxby's Franchising, Inc., actively seeks highly qualified individuals be become licensees. Prior business experience, financial qualifications, motivation, team spirit and a track record of personal success are all important factors in our evaluation process. Prospective licensees must meet the following criteria to be considered: Collective net worth of at least $700,000, with liquid assets greater than $400,000 (liquidity being defined as cash or any asset that could be converted to cash within ten business days). Ability to satisfactorily pass background checks for the following: reasonable credit worthiness, no criminal convictions, no history of extensive litigation, and satisfactory motor vehicle report. Willingness of all investors to personally guarantee any obligations that are required under the license agreement. Willingness to make a commitment to this venture within 60 - 90 days of signing a license agreement. Belief that guest service is of critical importance in restaurant operations.
The Zaxby's Mission Statement - Consistently Create Encore Experiences That Enrich Lives One Person At A Time - recognizes the value of all individuals.

ZFI is committed to developing a diverse community of licensees and, in that regard, the Zaxby's franchise opportunity is open to all qualified applicants, regardless of age, gender, race or ethnicity.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Zaxby’s franchised business is $343,200 to $695,200. This includes $40,200 to $45,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates. In addition, if you enter into a Multi-Restaurant Development Agreement to develop more than one Zaxby’s restaurant, you must pay the franchisor a fee of $17,500 for each Zaxby’s restaurant scheduled for development and subsequently must pay an additional $17,500 upon execution of the License Agreement for each Zaxby’s restaurant, which amounts are credited towards the initial franchise fee for each restaurant.

#148 in Franchise 500 for 2021.  Not in Franchise 500 for 2020.

About Uccello's Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge

Faro opened his first pizza shop in 1978. From this time to 1987, Faro opened seven more pizza shops in the area. In 1990, Faro sold the franchise with the idea that he and his family would be moving back and living in Sicily from now on. As it happens many times, circumstances changed and the family moved back to Grand Rapids.

Faro was, once again, in the restaurant business when he opened Uccello’s Ristorante Pizzeria & Sports Lounge on East Beltline in 1996. Uccello's Ristorante has officially opened up 6 locations in the last 23 years, the most recent being Downtown Grand Rapids across from Rosa Parks Circle. 

Faro didn't want to stop there. In 2016, Uccello's Hospitality Group expanded when opening their first fast-casual concept, Herb & Fire Pizzeria, in Grandville. Since then, UHG has opened a second location by Celebration! Cinema North on East Beltline.  


​Uccello’s Hospitality Group has grown into 8 successful locations, inspired by Faro’s personal philosophy: "Always strive to give your guest more than they would normally expect. Provide people the opportunity to enjoy great food and the hospitality to match. You must always strive to be better in everything, and never compromise on top quality in any area”.