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

franchising-today.com

SUMMER 2016

WORKING TOGETHER

http://www.franchising-today.com

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