Old Chicago vs The Pizza Press Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Old Chicago Franchise
The Pizza Press Franchise
Investment $1,331,500 - $2,187,000$455,350 - $791,500
Franchise Fee $40,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 4%6%
Advertising Fee 3%1%
Year Founded 19762012
Year Franchised 20002014
Term Of Agreement -10 years
Term Of Agreement -10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Old Chicago Franchise
The Pizza Press Franchise
Experience -We require that you or your operating partner directly operate your Pizza Press restaurant. If you have not previously owned or managed a restaurant, we may require that you designate an operating partner who is an owner of at least 10% of the franchisee. The operating partner must live in the area near your Pizza Press restaurant and work full-time in the franchised business.

Financing Options
 
Old Chicago Franchise
The Pizza Press Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees -/--/-
Start-up Costs -/--/-
Equipment -/--/-
Inventory -/--/-
Receivables -/--/-
Payroll -/--/-

Training & Support
 
Old Chicago Franchise
The Pizza Press Franchise
Training 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 Initial training will last for up to seven days and take place at our headquarters in Anaheim, California or another location we designate. We will also provide on-site training for you and your staff for up to 5 days before the opening of your Pizza Press restaurant On-The-Job Training: 60 hours Classroom Training: 16 hours
Support 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

Access to the The Pizza Press brand, our unique recipes, operating policies and procedures, uniforms, design/development/construction of your store, vendors, and in-depth and continued training and support. In addition, we also provide them with a website, social media and marketing program, online ordering system, gift card program, and more. Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection

Marketing 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 Advertising through television, radio and print media such as magazine, billboards, flyers or mailers and newspapers. Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
Operations -

If you prefer to not be involved, you absolutely must appoint an Operating Director (that owns at least 10% equity) to oversee the day-to-day operations of the restaurant/s

Number of Employees Required to Run: 25 - 30

Expansion Plans
 
Old Chicago Franchise
The Pizza Press Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion --
International Expansion -Yes

Company Overviews

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.



About The Pizza Press

The Pizza Press is taking our fresh and fun "Publish Your Own Pizza" concept to other parts of the United States. Our franchise program is a natural outgrowth of our commitment to encouraging small business owners and fostering positive relationships with everyone we meet. Together with our franchisees, we will continue to build on the respected brand of The Pizza Press and bring newsworthy pizza to your hometown. 
The Pizza Press is seeking single and multi-unit (5+) development partners to bring Newsworthy Pizza to the rest of world. In order to be considered, our franchise team members will meet the following criteria:
- You must commit to spending 100% of your time in the day to day operation of your restaurant(s).
- Alternatively, you may designate an Operating Principal to fill this role. (This person should have at least 10% equity in the franchise or equivalent profit sharing).
- Although experience as a multi-unit owner or operator in QSR, fast-casual or restaurant dining is preferred, it is not necessary.
- You or your Operating Principal should have familiarity with the trade area that you plan to develop.
- You, your Operating Principal and all of your partners must demonstrate the enthusiasm, drive and passion required to operate a 
The Pizza Press restaurant to our high standards.
- Including all your partners, you should have a minimum liquidity of $120K (i.e. cash reserves) per restaurant to be developed.

 We offer a program for Veterans of the United States Military.