Franchising Today - Summer 2016 - 84
ROSATI'S PIZZA Throughout the Chicagoland area, which is Rosati's home base, the company has no problem with bringing on individual unit operators. But outside of that region, Rosati's Pizza is looking for a minimum number of five units per operator. "Now is the time to jump on franchising opportunities," Perillo says. "This is a great company, and as a franchisor we have great experience running our own locations. That helps us communicate with franchisees about what we think works, because we do it, too." At present, Rosati's Pizza is not actively advertising for franchisors. Although it might do some advertising at some point to add to its franchising push, right now it is concentrating on identifying potential franchisors, multi-unit operators who believe in Rosati's food, brand and concept. "What we look for are solid people, entrepreneurial thinkers who are enthusiastic," Perillo says. "We can teach them how to make the food, but they must possess the drive to succeed." OUR SUCCESS "OUR SUCCESS IS BASED The process of becoming a Rosati's franchisee begins with communication, information exchange and an application. Once the application is reviewed, Rosati's decides whether the prospect is a fit. If they are, the company provides them with franchise disclosure documents, engages in several more conversations and brings them in for a discovery day. "That is where we can talk and everyone has the chance to ask and answer questions," Perillo says. "Once they have signed the multi-unit franchise agreement, our support is ongoing. Our support is continuous by phone, email and site visits. We can also do store audits as needed, but we are there for the franchisees as much as they need us." To ensure quality at each location, Rosati's provides six weeks of training. This allows franchisees and managers to gain an understanding of approved vendors and supplies. "For example, we use our own sauce, and the food quality must be consistent," Perillo says. "Our success is based on who we are in terms of our food. We also make sure that our brand standards are in place." Another area where Rosati's Pizza strives for consistency is with its point of sales systems. The company wants everyone on the same system, and it is always looking to update its technology to ensure that it is beneficial for all locations. "We do a lot of study on the back end to determine where we will make any changes, and we do a lot of R&D into our growth opportunities," Perillo says. "Our POS system delivers a lot of information on financial statements and food costs, and we've also put cameras into the stores so franchisees can maintain oversight even when out of their locations. A lot goes on in the back end to help our franchises succeed." Rosati's is also open to suggestions on how to improve from its operators. "You have to be willing to change, and we take all suggestions under review," Perillo says. "Any ON WHO WE ARE IN TERMS OF OUR FOOD." - DAN PERILLO 84 franchising-today.com SUMMER 2016 WORKING TOGETHER