Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, founded in 1976, is a beloved American restaurant chain known for its deep-dish pizzas, extensive craft beer selection, and vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. The brand started in Boulder, Colorado, with the vision of creating a place where friends could gather, enjoy great food, and explore a wide variety of beers. Over the years, Old Chicago has grown to become a favorite dining destination, boasting over 100 locations across the United States.
The menu at Old Chicago is diverse, featuring not only their signature Chicago-style pizzas but also a range of appetizers, salads, pasta dishes, burgers, and desserts. Each pizza is crafted with high-quality ingredients, including freshly made dough, rich sauces, and a variety of toppings to suit every taste. The taproom aspect of the restaurant highlights an impressive selection of craft beers, with many locations offering over 100 different brews, both local and international. This combination of exceptional food and an extensive beer selection creates a unique dining experience that attracts a broad customer base.
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom places a strong emphasis on community and creating a comfortable, inviting environment. The brand’s commitment to quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction has helped it build a loyal following and a strong reputation in the casual dining industry. For potential franchisees, Old Chicago offers an opportunity to be part of a well-established and successful brand.
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom Franchising Fee
Franchising with Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom involves several financial commitments, beginning with the initial franchise fee. The franchise fee for Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is typically $40,000. This fee grants the franchisee the right to operate under the Old Chicago brand name and access to the company’s proprietary systems, recipes, and operational guidelines.
In addition to the initial franchise fee, there are ongoing financial obligations. Franchisees are required to pay royalty fees, which are a percentage of their gross sales. These royalty fees are generally around 5-6% of the weekly gross sales. Additionally, there is a marketing fee, which supports national and regional advertising efforts to promote the brand. This fee typically amounts to about 2-3% of gross sales.
The total investment required to open an Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom franchise can range from $1.2 million to $2.1 million. This range includes expenses such as construction costs, equipment, initial inventory, and working capital. The actual cost can vary depending on the location, size of the restaurant, and other factors.
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom Franchising Conditions
To qualify for an Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom franchise, prospective franchisees must meet certain conditions. The company seeks individuals who have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for the brand, and a commitment to operational excellence. Here are the primary conditions for franchising:
Financial Requirements: Prospective franchisees must have a minimum net worth of $1.5 million and liquid assets of at least $500,000. This financial stability ensures that the franchisee can cover the initial investment and sustain the business during its early stages.
Experience: While previous restaurant experience is not a strict requirement, it is highly preferred. The ideal candidate should have experience in the hospitality industry or a proven track record in managing a business. This experience helps in understanding the operational demands of running a restaurant.
Commitment: Franchisees must be committed to the brand’s standards and values. This includes adhering to the operational procedures, maintaining high-quality service, and upholding the brand’s reputation. The franchisee should be willing to be involved in the day-to-day operations of the restaurant.
Location: Franchisees need to secure a location that meets the brand’s criteria. The location should have good visibility, high foot traffic, and ample parking. The company provides assistance in site selection and approval.
Training and Support: Franchisees must participate in the comprehensive training program provided by Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom. This program covers all aspects of restaurant operations, from food preparation to customer service. Continuous support is also provided to ensure the franchisee’s success.
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom Franchising Process
The franchising process with Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is designed to be thorough and supportive, ensuring that both the franchisee and the brand are set up for success. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:
Initial Inquiry: Prospective franchisees start by submitting an inquiry form on the Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom website. This form collects basic information about the applicant and their interest in the franchise.
Preliminary Application: After the initial inquiry, interested candidates are required to complete a more detailed application. This application covers the candidate’s financial background, experience, and reasons for wanting to franchise with Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom.
Interview and Evaluation: Qualified candidates are invited for an interview with the franchise development team. This interview helps the company assess the candidate’s fit with the brand and provides an opportunity for the candidate to ask questions about the franchise.
Disclosure Document: If the interview goes well, the candidate is provided with the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). This document contains detailed information about the franchise, including financial disclosures, the franchisor’s obligations, and the franchisee’s responsibilities.
Due Diligence: Candidates are encouraged to review the FDD thoroughly and seek advice from legal and financial advisors. This period allows the candidate to fully understand the commitment and make an informed decision.
Franchise Agreement: Once the candidate decides to proceed, they sign the franchise agreement and pay the initial franchise fee. This agreement formalizes the relationship between the franchisee and Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom.
Site Selection and Approval: The franchisee works with the company to select and approve a suitable location for the restaurant. The site must meet the brand’s criteria for visibility, accessibility, and market potential.
Training: Before opening, the franchisee and their management team participate in a comprehensive training program. This training covers all aspects of operating an Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom restaurant, including food preparation, customer service, marketing, and financial management.
Construction and Setup: The franchisee oversees the construction and setup of the restaurant, following the brand’s specifications. The company provides support and guidance throughout this process to ensure the restaurant meets the brand’s standards.
Grand Opening: After the restaurant is set up and the staff is trained, the franchisee hosts a grand opening event. This event generates excitement and attracts customers to the new location. The company provides marketing support to promote the grand opening.
Ongoing Support: Once the restaurant is operational, the franchisee receives ongoing support from the brand. This includes regular check-ins, marketing assistance, and access to operational resources to help the franchisee succeed.
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom Franchising Advantages
Franchising with Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom offers numerous advantages for entrepreneurs looking to invest in the restaurant industry. Here are some key benefits:
Established Brand: Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is a well-known and respected brand with a loyal customer base. Franchisees benefit from the brand’s reputation and recognition in the market, which helps attract customers and drive sales.
Unique Product: The combination of deep-dish pizzas and an extensive selection of craft beers sets Old Chicago apart from other pizza chains. The unique flavor and quality of the pizzas, along with the variety of beers, create a competitive edge in the market, attracting customers who seek a distinctive dining experience.
Comprehensive Training: The company provides extensive training to franchisees and their staff, covering all aspects of restaurant operations. This training ensures that franchisees are well-prepared to run their business successfully and maintain the brand’s high standards.
Ongoing Support: Franchisees receive continuous support from the brand, including operational guidance, marketing assistance, and access to resources. This support helps franchisees navigate challenges and optimize their business operations.
Proven Business Model: Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom has a proven business model that has been successful in various markets. Franchisees benefit from this established model, which reduces the risks associated with starting a new business.
Marketing and Advertising: The brand invests in national and regional marketing campaigns to promote the franchise. Franchisees contribute to a marketing fund that supports these efforts, helping to drive brand awareness and attract customers.
Community Engagement: Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom encourages franchisees to engage with their local communities through events, sponsorships, and partnerships. This community involvement helps build strong customer relationships and fosters loyalty.
Flexibility and Growth: Franchisees have the opportunity to open multiple locations and expand their business within the Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom network. The brand’s growth potential offers franchisees the ability to scale their operations and increase their revenue.
Quality Control: The company maintains strict quality control standards to ensure consistency across all locations. Franchisees are provided with detailed operational guidelines and regular audits to ensure compliance with the brand’s standards.
Innovation and Adaptation: Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom continually innovates and adapts to market trends. Franchisees benefit from the brand’s efforts to introduce new menu items, adopt new technologies, and improve customer experiences.
Conclusion
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom offers a compelling franchising opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to invest in a unique and successful restaurant brand. With its distinctive deep-dish pizzas, extensive craft beer selection, strong brand identity, and comprehensive support system, the franchise provides a solid foundation for success. By meeting the financial and experience requirements, participating in thorough training, and leveraging the brand’s resources, franchisees can build a thriving business within the Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom network. As the demand for high-quality, unique dining experiences continues to grow, franchising with Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom presents a promising and rewarding investment opportunity.