Sandwich Franchise FAQ

Request Information About Our Sandwich Franchise Opportunities

D’etails: Frequently Asked Questions About Franchising With D’Angelo

WHAT IS A QUICK SERVICE RESTAURANT?
The Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) segment is a niche between traditional fast food and casual dining.

WHY IS D'ANGELO GRILLED SANDWICHES A MARKET STANDOUT AND A GREAT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY?
D'Angelo is a leader in the Quick Serve Sandwich Segment. D'Angelo's average annual sales exceeded $770,000 per location, in the last fiscal year. The difference between us and our competitors is that our distinctive sandwiches are prepared grilled, toasted or cold.  Our key difference is our grill.  D'Angelo sandwiches are made from our own recipes and proprietary breads. D'Angelo offers a varied menu of over 44 sandwiches as well as soups and fresh salads.

HOW MANY COMPANY OWNED RESTAURANTS DOES D’ANGELO HAVE?
We operate more than 150 locations.

WHAT SYSTEMS DOES D’ANGELO OFFER FRANCHISEES?
Proven systems resulting from four decades of industry expertise: 

• Real Estate
• Construction
• Equipment
• Market planning
• Financing
• Training
• Bakery/Distribution
• Marketing & Advertising
• New Product Development
• Accounting System
• Industry Expertise
• Communications
• On-going Operational Support

CAN I OPEN A SINGLE UNIT?
Yes. Single unit sandwich franchise development is offered exclusively in New England markets. Area Development Agreements are also available, which require a minimum of three restaurants to be developed over a three year period. Fifty six percent of our franchisees own more than one restaurant.

HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED TO OPEN A FRANCHISE?
Sandwich franchise candidates must have $115,000 in non-borrowed personal resources (liquid assets, e.g. cash, marketable securities, stocks, etc…) along with an overall net worth (total assets minus total liabilities) of $350,000 to qualify for single unit development. Financing is to be secured through third-party lending sources. The total cost of each unit varies by size and location.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE SIZE OF A D'ANGELO RESTAURANT?
A minimum of 1,800 sq. ft. for free standing or in-line sites; food court  locations must be a minimum 750 sq. ft. Our prototype is 2,000 sq. ft.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR FRANCHISE APPROVAL?
Initial financial approval takes 1 week; final approval may take 6 weeks.

WHAT IS THE TERM OF A FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AND DO YOU OFFER FINANCING?
A 20 year Franchise Agreement is awarded to qualified individuals. We can refer you to third-party financing. We are listed on the SBA Registry.

DO YOU OFFER FINANCIAL INCENTIVES TO VETERANS?
Yes. As a member of the International Franchise Association we participate in IFA's VetFran Program. Honorably discharged veterans receive a 25% discount on the initial franchise fee.

WHO SIGNS THE LEASE AGREEMENT?
You will execute a lease agreement; we do not sign leases.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT IS SIGNED?
BEFORE YOU OPEN
Site selection We assist you with finding an experienced realtor to help you secure a location.

Restaurant design We provide you and your architect with a floor plan and equipment specifications for a standard D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches restaurant.

Equipment ordering We work with our approved vendors to provide you with an equipment package that meets your build-out schedules.

Construction We hold preconstruction meetings with your contractor, review biweekly construction reports, and review the final punch list.

Training We offer an intensive five-week training program led by a certified trainer and held in one of our training shops.

AFTER YOU OPEN
Field Support A Franchise Business Consultant will assist you in evaluating all aspects of your business.

Operations Manual You’ll be given an Operations Manual that covers all of the topics that pertain to running your daily business.

Franchise Support Services Ongoing communication and assistance are provided through everything from onsite visits to monthly newsletters to quarterly meetings.

Research and Development We conduct ongoing research and development in our state-of-the-art test kitchen.

Continuing Education You’ll learn about new products and services through phone calls, weekly newsletters, monthly Franchise Information Updates, periodic Franchise Operations meetings, and Committee meetings.

IF MY RESTAURANT IS ONE OF THE FIRST IN A MARKET, HOW DO I CAPITALIZE ON THE STRENGTH OF THE D'ANGELO BRAND TO ATTRACT CUSTOMERS?
Marketing energies are focused on developing brand awareness of the daytime population among the restaurant’s trade area (typically defined as a six minute drive time from the restaurant.) As more locations open in a specific market the D'Angelo brand message is reinforced and additional marketing opportunities arise.

Three percent of sales goes to our advertising fund; of the advertising funds contributed, approximately 2.5% is spent directly on media within the market where it is generated. New restaurants contribute $4,000 for introductory advertising, which will be spent on local marketing programs specifically designed to attract guests to your location.

Our Local Restaurant Marketing Program includes:

• local promotional programs direct mail, newspaper, and FSIs to distribute coupons and stimulate trial.
• Locally developed canvassing door hangings and local business partnering.
• Cross-promotional programs partnering with regional and national brands.

All restaurants benefit from system-wide marketing campaigns developed by our marketing team and a retained advertising agency. Restaurants can participate in promotions arranged with high profile sponsors such as Pepsi^®, Frito-Lay^®, and other national brands. By participating in our longstanding affiliation with Easter Seals and The Genesis Fund you can also further establish your restaurant within your community.

D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches also retains a national public relations agency that develops marketing communications for distribution to local media in order to build awareness of and excitement about the opening of your location.

CAN I SELL MY BUSINESS?
Your D'Angelo sandwich franchise can be sold; D'Angelo Franchising Corporation must approve the buyer. The terms and conditions are in our U.F.O.C.

WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?
Submit the online Application Form

If you prefer, our application form can be downloaded (PDF).  
Fax: 781-329-8796 or mail to:

D'Angelo Franchising Corp.
attention: Mimi Woodman
600 Providence Highway
Dedham, MA 02026

Questions? Call 888-374-2830, ext. 1 or email: franchising@dangelos.com.
After your application is reviewed, we will contact you to schedule a personal meeting.