Chicago's Pizza Franchises

Founded: 1979 Franchising since: 1981
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.

1111 N. Broadway Greenfield, Indiana 46140

Phone: (317)462-9878

Franchisor is a privately-held company with 2 employee(s); 2 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Growth

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2009	10	0	0	0
2008	--	--	--	--
2007	9	0	0	0
2006	12	0	0	0
2005	11	0	0	0

Where Seeking Franchisees
In the U.S. Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, United states

Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 10 miles

Special Programs
During inspections, stores with high scores are rewarded with prizes like stadium jackets, mountain bikes and tickets to sporting events.

Total investment: $89.3K-175.5K Franchise fee: $10K

Ongoing royalty fee: 4% Term of agreement: 5 years, renewable

Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	No	No
Startup Costs	No	No
Equipment	No	No
Inventory	No	No
Accounts Receivable	No	No
Payroll	No	No

Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $100K-200K
Cash liquidity requirement: $43.5K-86.5K
Business Experience:

• Industry experience
• General business experience
• Marketing skills
• People skills

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)

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