Click to Print

Chicago's Pizza Franchises

At a Glance

Products & Services: Pizza, salad, sandwiches

Number of Locations: 10

Total Investment: $89.3K - 175.5K

Founded: 1979

Began Franchising: 1981

Private Owned

About Chicago's Pizza Franchises

Robert McDonald enjoyed working in the pizza business. When he was suddenly terminated from his job with an Indiana pizza restaurant, he decided to start his own pizza chain. When Ron Epple, who had worked with McDonald as director of franchise training, heard what his old co-worker was up to, he asked to be part of it.

In 1979, the two founded Chicago's Pizza. At lunchtime, restaurants serve pizzas by the slice or in seven-inch rounds from counters and drive-thru windows. In the evening, customers can use the drive-thru window to pick up phone orders. Most of the locations also have dining rooms where customers can enjoy Chicago's 29-inch pizza.

The company has franchises in Indiana and Ohio. There is also a Chicago's Pizza location in Seville, Spain.

Franchise Units

Year U.S. Canadian International Company Owned
2009 10 0 0 0

Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing

Total Investment: $89,300 - $175,500
Franchise Fee: $10,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 4%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 5 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $100,000 - $200,000
Liquid Cash Available: $43,500 - $86,500
Operations
20% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 15. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators).

How This Franchise Supports Franchisees

Training: Available at headquarters: 2 weeks. At franchisee's location: 4 weeks. At existing stores : 2 weeks.
Ongoing Support: Grand opening, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives,
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks,
Other marketing support: Additional support available