FAQ's
Why should I franchise with WHATA LOTTA Pizza?
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Share the dream of owning your own business and achieve financial freedom by joining WHATA LOTTA Pizza. Our emphasis on product quality, service, image and ongoing support based in more than 17 years experience provides the tools and support for success. |
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How long has WHATA LOTTA Pizza been in business?
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The La Vigne family opened their first pizzeria in the summer of 1989. |
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How quickly can I get my franchise?
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The timeline will vary depending on your availability and diligence. You could complete the WHATA LOTTA Pizza requirements in as little as 3 days; however, regulatory mandated waiting periods in the franchising process total 15 business days. Therefore, the soonest you can franchise is 3 ½ weeks from the date you submit your Initial Application. Development territories are not reserved. They are assigned on a first come first served basis for those who have completed the franchise process. |
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Can I reserve my territory now?
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No. Territories are assigned to those who complete the franchise process on a first come, first served basis. In the event your first choice is unavailable when you have completed the franchise process our franchise team will strive to offer a suitable substitute. Submitting an Initial Application is the first step toward securing your territory. |
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How long before I can open my WHATA LOTTA Pizza?
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The timeline for site location and permits varies by market and municipality. Once permits are secured our average construction time is 3 weeks. Typically we open on the Monday following completion of final city/county inspections with advertising scheduled for Wednesday promoting the Grand Opening on Friday. |
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May I sell my franchise?
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Yes. You may sell your franchise as a going concern. The purchaser must qualify as a WHATA LOTTA Pizza franchisee and be approved by WHATA LOTTA Pizza. Undeveloped territories cannot be sold. |
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How much will I make, what will be my return on investment?
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The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has imposed restrictions on providing actual or projected data regarding sales, earnings, or costs; therefore, WHATA LOTTA Pizza does not make earnings claims for locations. However, we will provide all possible information relating to typical start-up costs from which you can develop your own pro forma financial statements and break-even analysis. The franchisees ability to manage the day-to-day operations, finances and other factors specific to each location will determine how much money one will make. |
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Will I have to operate my WHATA LOTTA Pizza?
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While we do not require you to operate your franchise, it is strongly encouraged. Each franchisee is required to attend the initial training. If you choose not to run the day to day operations, you must appoint a Store Manager . Your manager must successfully complete training. |
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I’m ready what’s the next step?
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Submit your Initial Application to begin the process. The sooner you complete the Interview and Verification process the sooner you can complete the franchising process. The sooner you complete the franchising process the sooner you can reserve your territory. |
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WHAT QUALIFICATIONS MUST I HAVE?
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What are the franchisee requirements? |
Do I need previous restaurant experience? |
Do I need pizza experience? |
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What are the franchisee requirements? |
Our ideal franchise candidate is a person with: |
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A strong motivation and drive to achieve success and to serve their community. |
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Confidence and enthusiasm for their product, |
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the desire and ability to learn and is able to motivate and train others. |
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The understanding of the importance of customer service. |
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A minimum net worth of $250,000 |
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Minimum liquidity of $150,000 |
You must complete the franchising process and receive final approval in a timely manner. |
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Do I need previous restaurant experience?
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No, our training and support tools will provide you with all the information and hands-on experience needed to successfully operate your WHATA LOTTA Pizza with confidence. |
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Do I need pizza experience?
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No, our training and support tools will provide you with all the information and hands-on experience needed to successfully operate your WHATA LOTTA Pizza with confidence. |
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HOW DO I GET STARTED?
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What are the steps in starting? |
How quickly can I get my franchise? |
Can I reserve my territory now? |
How do you determine territories? |
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What are the steps in starting? |
Our franchise team will guide you through the following process. The timeline will vary depending upon your availability and diligence. We will always strive to develop a customized plan to fit your situation. The following is an overview of the process. |
Milestones |
Description |
Timeline |
Pre-Qualification |
Preliminary application and follow-up conversation. |
1 week |
Verification Process |
Verify finances and funding. |
1 week |
Interview Process |
Meet with franchise team member, tour a location and receive regulatory documents. |
1 day |
Due Diligence |
Perform your due diligence during regulatory waiting period, receive preliminary approval. |
2 weeks |
L.O.I. |
Meet franchise team member and submit your Letter of Intent. |
1 Day |
Applicant Profile |
Complete online Applicant Profile Questionnaire. |
45 min. |
Final Approval |
Receive final approval of your application. |
1 week |
Join the WHATA LOTTA Pizza Family |
Meet franchise team member, complete. |
2 hours |
Back to Getting Started Category Back to FAQ |
How quickly can I get my franchise?
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The timeline will vary depending on your availability and diligence. You can complete the WHATA LOTTA Pizza requirements in as little as 3 days; however, regulatory mandated waiting periods in the franchising process total 15 business days. Therefore the soonest you can franchise is 3 ½ weeks from the date you submit your Initial Application. Development territories are not reserved. They are assigned on a first come first served basis for those who have completed the franchise process. |
Back to Getting Started Category Back to FAQ |
Can I reserve my territory now?
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No. Territories are assigned to those who complete the franchise process on a first come, first served basis. In the event your first choice is unavailable when you have completed the franchise process our franchise team will strive to offer a suitable substitute. Submitting an Initial Application is the first step toward securing your territory. |
Back to Getting Started Category Back to FAQ |
How do you determine territories?
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Territories are defined by several demographic factors; therefore, geographic areas will vary by territory. People, not land mass, support a business. Upon completing the franchising process a territory will be defined for the number of locations you franchise in the agreed geographic location. |
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WHAT ARE THE FEES? |
What are the Initial Franchise Fees? |
What are the Ongoing Fees? |
What are the Royalties? |
What are the Advertising Fees? |
Where does the creative fund money go? |
Where does the LMC money go? |
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Initial Franchise Fees
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Single Unit Franchise: $10,000 Territory Reservation Fee + $15,000 Franchise Fee |
totaling $25,000. |
Multi Unit Franchise: $10,000 Territory Reservation Fee per location + $15,000 Franchise Fee for your first location.
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Area Developer Agent: $.25 per person located within the Development Area (minimum 1,000,000) and Single Unit Franchise Fees.
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Ongoing Fees
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Royalty: 5% of Gross Revenue (total sales less sales tax)
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Creative Fund: 1.5% of Gross Revenue. Used for creative costs of promotional materials and system wide advertising and promotion.
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Local Marketing Concept (LMC): 2% of Gross Revenue. Used for advertising and promotion in your local marketing area.
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Where does the creative fund money go?
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The creative fund is used for branding and advertising resources including branding and advertising staff and consultants, creating graphics for branding and marketing and, at our discretion, companywide advertising and promotion. |
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Where does the LMC money go?
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LMC funds are used for advertising and promotion in your region or area. |
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WHAT ARE THE COSTS TO OPEN MY WHATA LOTTA PIZZA? |
What is the initial investment to open my first WHATA LOTTA Pizza? |
Do you offer third party financing? |
What are my financing options? |
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What is the initial investment to open my first WHATA LOTTA Pizza? |
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Estimated Amount or |
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Estimated |
Expenditures |
Low |
High |
Initial Franchise Fee |
$15,000 |
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Site Reservation Fee |
$10,000 |
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Leasehold Improvements |
$15,000 |
$35,000 |
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment |
$40,000 |
$75,000 |
First Month’s Rent |
$2,500 |
$7,500 |
Opening Inventory and Supplies |
$1,500 |
$2,500 |
Signage |
$1,000 |
$3,000 |
Training Expenses |
$1,500 |
$2,000 |
Blue Prints, Plans, Permits |
$500 |
$1,500 |
Security Deposits (including lease deposit, utilities, licenses, etc.) |
$2,500 |
$5,000 |
Insurance (monthly) |
$500 |
$2,000 |
Grand Opening Advertising and Promotions |
$1,500 |
$5,000 |
Miscellaneous Opening Costs |
$5,000 |
$10,000 |
Additional Funds – 3 months |
$10,000 |
$35,000 |
TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT |
$106,500 |
$208,500 |
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Do you offer third party financing?
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Currently lease financing is available for your exterior sign and POS system. The leasing company is currently considering expanding leasing to include major equipment. If you qualify SBA financing is available through your bank. |
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What are my financing options?
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Currently our franchisees use their existing credit facilities. Some use the leasing opportunity for exterior sign and POS system. |
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Real Estate-Site Information |
Who selects my site? |
Do you help with site selection? |
What kinds of locations are best? |
What is the average size of a WHATA LOTTA Pizza? |
What are the site guidelines? |
What are the utility requirements? |
How do I design my store? |
How do I build my store? |
What approvals are required in finding and building my site? |
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Who selects my site? |
You select your site. WHATA LOTTA Pizza must approve the site. We provide site selection support and tools to assist you in selecting your site. |
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Do you help with site selection?
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Selection of an ideal location for your WHATA LOTTA Pizza is critical. While we do not find your (missing word) site for you. We are ready to assist you in locating your site. You can use your own broker or interview one from our approved list. Our real estate team member will evaluate the sites you choose based on demographics, market data and site inspection to determine its viability. While we can’t guarantee any site will be great we can eliminate those that provide a less than optimum chance for success. Our real estate team members have years of experience in quick service restaurant site location. |
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What kinds of locations are best?
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WHATA LOTTA Pizza thrives in “B” locations. Will consider space in high energy – high traffic area in any of the following: Commercial Area, Lifestyle Center, Power Center, or Strip Center. |
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What is the average size of a WHATA LOTTA Pizza?
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The WHATA LOTTA Pizza concept is based on operational efficiencies which include lower occupancy costs gained by the type location and low square footage.
While we have approved layouts in less than 800 square feet, the typical WHATA LOTTA Pizza ranges between 880 and 950 square feet.
We will not approve a site greater than 1,200 square feet. |
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What are the site guidelines?
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Site: |
Storefront visibility from street. |
Easy site access from both directions of traffic. |
Safe and easy exit from site. |
Lighted sign above storefront and center sign, if any. |
Center Preferences:
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WHATA LOTTA Pizza thrives in “B” locations. Will consider space in high energy – high traffic area in any of the following: Commercial Area, Lifestyle Center, Power Center, or Strip Center. |
Co-Tenancies:
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Major chain grocers, sandwich shops, fast and/or take out, video rental, high traffic retailers, major retailers. |
Adjacencies:
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Within 1 mile – High traffic retailers, chain retailers, fast food, national pizza chains and pizzerias. |
Demographics:
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Minimum Population-35,000 within 5 minutes drive time. |
Family Households- Minimum 23.5%. |
Average Family Income-$35,000 and above. |
Parking:
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3-4 spaces in front of the entrance. |
WHATA LOTTA generates high traffic to its locations with a low parking requirement.
The average customer is in the store for 3-4 minutes and occupies a parking space for 4-5 minutes. |
Zoning and Permits:
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Quick service/Take-out. In some cities WHATA LOTTA Pizza qualifies as retail rather than restaurant (due to minimal public space, no delivery and no dine-in) which reduces permit processing time. |
Hours:
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Most WHATA LOTTA Pizzas are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 361 days per year. |
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What are the utility requirements?
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The location must have, or capable of having ¾” inch water line; 4” sanitary sewer line, 208v 3-phase 200 amp separately metered 42 circuit panel electrical and 3”, natural gas line; 1 ton per 200 sq. ft. HVAC. |
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How do I design my store?
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We will provide you with a complete facilities manual that will enable your architect to develop plans that meet our specifications and criteria.
We can recommend architects and space designers that are familiar with our requirements, or you can look for these service providers on your own as long as the space design meets our specifications. |
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How do I build my store?
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We will provide you with a complete facilities manual that will enable your contractor to prepare a bid to build your store to our specifications and criteria.
We can recommend contractors that are familiar with our requirements, or you can look for your own as long as the construction meets our specifications. |
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What approvals are required in finding and building my site?
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The location and a preliminary space plan must be approved before submitting your letter of intent to your prospective landlord.
Your letter of intent to the prospective landlord must be approved before submission.
Your lease document must be approved before you sign.
Your space plan and architectural drawings must adhere to the approved preliminary space plan, otherwise any changes must be approved before submitting for permits.
All signage and interior specifications must comply with our specifications otherwise they must be approved before submitting for permits.
Your location must be approved for opening. Requirements for approval include, submitting all specified documents for our file or approval, receipt of final inspections by the city/county, placement of Grand Opening advertising, completion of all required training, inspection of the location. |
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Where do I find food and equipment suppliers? |
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Our food and beverage suppliers are exclusive providers to WHATA LOTTA Pizza. Both have agreed nationwide discount pricing to WHATA LOTTA Pizza. They will call your store every Monday for your order and deliver your food, beverage and supplies for that week. It couldn’t be more simple or easier.
Our food supplier has been providing the finest food, ingredients and supplies to WHATA LOTTA Pizza since 1989.
Pepsi is our exclusive beverage supplier. WHATA LOTTA’s Official Pepsi Refreshment Center offers 25 varieties of the top selling carbonated, non-carbonated and energy drinks.
We can recommend equipment suppliers that are familiar with our requirements and have agreed discounted prices to WHATA LOTTA Pizza franchisees, or you can look for equipment suppliers on your own as long as the equipment meets or exceeds our requirements. |
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What support services will I get? |
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As a WHATA LOTTA Pizza franchisee you will never be alone. Our team will offer support from site location and development through your store opening and beyond. We will visit your store regularly and will offer tools and guidance to help you keep your business running as smoothly and profitable as possible. |
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In addition to support described in the links below, WHATA LOTTA provides support in the form of training, special pricing or access in the following operational areas: |
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Construction |
Insurance |
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Data Collection |
Legal |
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Store Design |
Market Analysis |
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Distributors |
Marketing Programs |
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Equipment Leasing |
Point of Sale Systems |
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Equipment Procurement |
Secret Shoppers |
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Financing |
Signage |
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Fixed Equipment |
Site Analysis |
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Food/Beverage |
Small Wares |
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Gift Cards |
Supplies |
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Grand Opening Programs |
Training |
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Guest Loyalty |
Uniforms |
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Training |
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Site Selection |
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Construction |
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Grand Opening |
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Marketing |
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Ongoing Operational Support |
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Training |
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Your training will begin within days of joining the WHATA LOTTA Pizza family (with a mutually agreed-to schedule) with our 2 week hands-on training in a store. You will learn every aspect of the operation from dough management to cleaning and maintenance. It is informative, effective and fun.
Our Grand Opening Team will provide an additional week of refresher training.
WHATA LOTTA Pizza provides ongoing support in training, operations and marketing through store visits, newsletters and meetings. In addition our support team provides telephone support 7 days a week. |
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Site Selection
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Selection of an ideal location for your WHATA LOTTA Pizza is critical. While we do not find your site for you We are ready to assist you in locating your site. You can use your own broker or interview one from our approved list. Our real estate team member will evaluate the sites you choose based on demographics, market data and site inspection to determine its viability. While we can’t guarantee any site will be great we can eliminate those that provide a less than optimum chance for success. Our real estate team members have years of experience in quick service restaurant site location. |
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Construction
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We will provide you with a complete facilities manual that will enable your architect to develop plans that meet our specifications and criteria. Our equipment lists include the contact information for vendors who have agreed discount prices to WHATA LOTTA Pizza franchisees. |
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Grand Opening
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Our Grand Opening manual provides you with information on proven techniques to open and begin building your customer base.
Your in-store training will be reinforced when our Grand Opening Team arrives at your new WHATA LOTTA Pizza. They will assist you in final set-up, training your employees and give you refresher training. |
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Marketing
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Our branding and marketing team provides direction in the overall marketing activities of the company. You will receive our standard Point of Purchase materials and ad layouts as well as proven methods you can use to build your store traffic. They will work with you to assist in your local marketing efforts.
In addition every new location gets a two hour presence of a leading local radio station on site promoting your new WHATA LOTTA Pizza location. |
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Ongoing Operational Support
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WHATA LOTTA Pizza provides ongoing support in training, operations and marketing through store visits, newsletters and meetings. In addition our support team provides telephone support 7 days a week. |
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How do I learn to run my store? |
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The WHATA LOTTA concept is based on simple efficient systems and procedures that ensure we make the best pizza every time, from every location.
Joining the WHATA LOTTA Pizza family is the first step in your journey of realizing the dream. You have the advantage of having an experienced guide who will provide the guidance, support and the tools for you to use. Your commitment, enthusiasm and dedication combined with our proven systems make your dream more attainable.
As a WHATA LOTTA Pizza franchisee you will never be alone. Our team will offer support from site location and development through your store opening and beyond. We will visit your store regularly and will offer tools and guidance to help you keep your business running as smoothly and profitable as possible.
Our goal is to provide best-in-class support and tools to assist you in realizing your dream, we constantly strive to enhance and improve the systems and tools available to our WHATA LOTTA Pizza family.
Your training will begin within days of joining the WHATA LOTTA Pizza family (with a mutually agreed-to schedule) with our 2 week hands on training in a store. You will learn every aspect of the operation from dough management to cleaning and maintenance. It is informative, effective and fun.
Our Grand Opening Team will provide an additional week of hands on refresher training.
We will visit your store routinely providing ongoing guidance, training and support. |
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What happens once I open?
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WHATA LOTTA Pizza provides ongoing support in training, operations and marketing through store visits, newsletters and meetings. In addition our support team provides telephone support 7 days a week. |
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