Dear Entrepreneur: Thank you for your interest in becoming a DiCarlo's Famous Pizza franchisee! Your pursuit of opportunity comes at an exciting time for our company. DiCarlo's is in a position to grow and prosper while maintaining the strong heritage that was laid out before our time. Our company is excited to embark on new ventures with business partners such as yourself, as well as contributing to the success of current partners.

On this web site, you will find an overview of the information you need to consider a DiCarlo's Famous Pizza franchise. After you have reviewed these materials, please call us with any questions. We will gladly arrange a "get acquainted" meeting and give you a tour of our Wheeling, WV location.

Through our years of experience, we have developed proven standards and procedures that have increased our profits and enhanced our reputation. We are confident that our techniques and quality products will help you succeed as a DiCarlo's Famous Pizza franchisee.

Thank you again for considering a franchise with us. We welcome the prospect of expanding DiCarlo's Famous Pizza into new markets.

Sincerely,

Toni DiCarlo
R.J. CAT II dba
Original DiCarlo's Famous Pizza

Why Franchising?

Franchising is now the most popular business arrangement since the emergence of the incorporation. It provides you with a successful business plan which enables you to fulfill the great American dream of being your own boss.

The franchisee is the type of person who has the initiative and drive to manage his own business successfully. We, the employees of the new millennium, are faced with many barriers and frustrations each day. We are tired of investing time and money to build a business for someone else. How many of you have closed a significant sale for your company? The next quarter, how many of you have found your reward to be increased sales goals and a divided territory? As your franchise business grows, you have greater control over your destiny. As cited in "Business Week Magazine", "Today you work for yourself no big organization is going to take care of you anymore get tough start building your own survival kit." You are not limited by anything but your own abilities. Original DiCarlo's provides you with the "tools of the trade," a proven marketing plan, operating guidelines, and ongoing training. You are not restricted by a corporate structure, nor will you have your job taken away by overseas investors.

A major advantage of owning a franchise is that you spend 80% of your time developing the business, whereas an independent business owner spends that same 80% of his time inventing the business. As a result, in the first five years of operation, nearly 68% of independent business owners go out of business as opposed to 5% of franchise owners. There are nearly 3000 different franchise opportunities in America, so you are sure to find the right one for you.

Franchisers are required to provide an accurate portrayal of the risks and rewards of these different businesses. The federal and state law require that perspective franchises be fully appraised of all aspects of a franchise before signing a contract through the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular. One will be provided to you after you have completed the application.

Why Pizza?

The pizza industry is one of the most lucrative management opportunities. The industry is perfectly suited for managers capable of promoting customer relations and maintaining control of a small business. The Manager's primary role is that of a marketing and operations' manager. You will be supervising all aspects of your business to include drivers, pizza makers, and cashiers.

Although there are several quality operators in the pizza industry, it still virtually untapped. As you may already know, pizza delivery represents a billion dollar industry, yet only accounts for a small segment of the food service industry. Opportunity is everywhere. The industry is starved for an operator like Original DiCarlo's that offers great pizza, a winning concept and promotes great customer services.

"Money Magazine" describes the pizza industry as "a relatively recession proof industry." Once customers have an opportunity to try an Original DiCarlo's pizza they never leave. Our product quality is excellent, our customer service is excellent and our menu is priced at a value to today's consumer.

The pizza delivery market is a simple business. When consumers are hungry, they want value and great taste at a convenience to them. That's why fast food has been so successful for the last 60 years. Original DiCarlo's uses no frozen products. Our dough is made fresh daily and all pizza's are hand stretched. We do have the best pizza and product line in the industry and we will go head-to-head in any market with any competitor and win. We do have the better pizza.

Ask yourself a question, "Where will America get its pizza?" In the past, who cares, in the future, the answer is Original DiCarlo's. The industry is now ready for a better pizza that has been around for over 60 years, so don't wait, make a wise investment in your future, Original DiCarlo's Pizza.

Area Developer Franchise Fee

The Area Developer franchise fee ranges from $25,000 to $125,000 or more depending on the size of the excusive territory selected and is non-refundable. This fee is established by calculating the population of the Area Developer Franchise Territory and then multiplying the population by $.05 and the total is the purchase price for that Territory. For Example, if the Territory of the Area Developer Franchise territory has 500,000 people the Area Developer franchise fee will be $25,000 (i.e. $.05 x 500,000 = $25,000). There is a minimum of ten restaurants in an Area Developer Territory. Population configures territories. A minimum Territory is based on a 500,000 population area Developer. Area developer franchise fees are used, in part to pay expenses and costs of the Franchisor including but not limited to, screening of applicants, training program, site location, construction counseling, legal fees, accounting fees, compliance with federal, state, and other laws, selling general administrative expenses and some profit.

Questions and Answers:

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a franchise cost?
-Costs starting at $15,000

What is the charge for continuing support and royalty?
-5% of gross payable monthly.
-2% of total gross sales for advertising.

How does the advertising program work?
- At this time, the DiCarlo's Corporate Office does not yet conduct a regional advertising program. You should design and conduct your own local advertising campaign, following our comprehensive marketing plan. All proposed advertising methods and materials are subject to our approval.

Where may I locate my Original DiCarlo's?
-Your store may be located in any area not designated for another store. Your location must be reviewed and approved by Original DiCarlo's Corporate.

Must I use specific vendors?
DiCarlo's does designate specific vendors for some of its franchises’ purchases. The Franchisee may select local vendors for other equipment and supply purchases. These vendors must meet specifications outlined by the Franchiser, who will assist in locating approved suppliers as necessary.

Who decides what prices I will charge for my services?
-You do. However, Original DiCarlo's will provide a detailed guide of suggested prices based on past experience.

What kind of territory can I expect?
-The territory shall consist of the geographic area indicated on a map attached to the franchise agreement.

What is the term of the franchise?
-The franchise term is renewed every ten years.

May I sell my franchise?
You must notify the Franchiser in writing of your intention to terminate, transfer or sell the business. The Franchiser has the right of first refusal. The Franchiser can also find another qualified Franchisee to purchase the business. If this right is not exercised, you may sell your business as long as the corporate officers of DiCarlo's Famous Pizza approve the potential buyer. All fee payments must be up to date and all proprietary materials must be returned to the Franchiser. There is a $5,000 transfer fee. Fees are non refundable.

Other FAQ's

Area Developer Franchise Fee
-The Area Developer franchise fee ranges from $25,000 to $125,000 or more depending on the size of the exclusive Territory selected and is non-refundable. The fee is established by calculating the population of the Area Developer Franchise Territory and then multiplying the population by $.05 and the total is the purchase price of the Territory. For example, if the Territory of the Area Developer franchise has 500,000 people the Area Developer franchise fee will be $25,000 (i.e. $.05 x $500,000 = $25,000). There is a minimum Territory is based on a 500,000 population Area Developer franchise fees are used, in part to pay expenses and cost of the Franchiser including but not limited to, screening of applicants, training program, site location, construction, counseling, legal fees, accounting fees, compliance with federal, state, and other laws, selling and general administrative expense and some profit.

Area Developer's Portion of Fees
-Area Developers and Company will each receive 50% of all revenues collected from Initial Franchise Fees and continuing royalty fees.

What will my hours be?
- Your franchise will be open seven days a week on the following schedule:
11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays, 11 a.m. to 1 or 2 a.m. on weekends. You must obtain written approval from the Franchiser for any deviation from these hours of operation. During all business hours, you and/or a qualified manager must be on site to supervise the operations. You should expect to devote at least 40 hours per week to managing your franchise.

Do I have to quit my present job?
- Yes. You should devote your full attention to managing your DiCarlo's franchise. You are the only one who will be totally committed to your business’s success. At the very least, you must be highly involved and provide the necessary leadership and direction to ensure maximum success.

How does financing work?
DiCarlo's Famous Pizza Franchise Systems, Inc. does not offer financing, but we will assist you in developing a business plan that will help you obtain financing.

Do I need any related experience?
Although a management and restaurant background is helpful, you do not need prior experience. DiCarlo's will provide the requisite knowledge and experience to help you become a business owner. Furthermore, we will provide all necessary training for owners and managers, plus ongoing assistance. With your commitment and our expertise, you will quickly acquire the necessary experience.

You will need several qualifications, however, to become a DiCarlo's franchisee. You must be a highly motivated self-starter who is credible, aggressive, hardworking and able to work well with the public. You should be in good financial standing with sufficient working capital. And you must agree to comply with DiCarlo's established policies and procedures.

May I own more than one DiCarlo's franchise?
Yes, you may receive the right to acquire additional franchises within your area.

What if I want to have partners?
You may choose to establish your business with as many partners as you think is feasible. A partnership should designate specific duties and roles for each partner and establish one partner as the financial spokesperson.

What kind of insurance is needed?
You will need workers compensation and a minimum of $1,000,000 commercial liability coverage. You will also need general business insurance including, but not limited to, disability, business interruption, personal property and automotive for all company owned vehicles. If you are leasing the physical premises for your business, your landlord may also have specific insurance requirements.

What about the competition?
You should expect heavy competition from other pizza and fast-food businesses. DiCarlo's authentic recipes, superior service and high customer satisfaction, however, will give you a strong competitive edge.

How do I get started?

CONTACT:
Toni DiCarlo
President
1205 Market St.
1-304-233-8846
1-304-233-0730

CONTACT: Todd Renner
Legal Counsel
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Toll Free: 1-877-27-PIZZA