1938
70
$404,348
$35,000
$692,748
No
Al's #1 Italian Beef is a Chicago culinary institution that has been delighting taste buds since 1938. Renowned for its authentic Italian beef sandwiches, the brand has garnered over 150 culinary and critic awards, solidifying its position as a beloved staple in the U.S. food scene. With a commitment to quality and tradition, Al's offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to own a piece of Chicago's rich culinary heritage through its franchising program.
Unique Selling Points (USPs):
Award-Winning Legacy: Al's has been featured in top culinary lists, including "Top 50 Things to Eat in Chicago Before You Die" and "One of the Best Sandwiches in America."
Authentic Product: Each sandwich is crafted from scratch, ensuring a genuine taste that resonates with customers seeking authentic Italian cuisine.
Established Brand Recognition: With decades of operation, Al's has built a strong brand presence, making it a trusted name in the industry.
USA Market Demand & Consumer Trends:
Growing Interest in Regional Cuisines: Consumers are increasingly seeking regional specialties, and Chicago's Italian beef sandwich has gained national attention.
Preference for Authentic Dining Experiences: There's a rising demand for authentic, high-quality food experiences, aligning with Al's commitment to traditional recipes and preparation methods.
Growth Potential & Profitability:
Proven Operational Model: Al's offers a comprehensive support system, from site selection to marketing, ensuring franchisees have the tools for success.
Scalable Business Opportunity: With a range of investment options, franchisees can start with a single unit or pursue multi-unit development, catering to various investment capacities.
Established Year: 1938
Franchise Units: Over 70 locations across the United States
Founders: Albert Ferreri, Frances Pacelli, and Chris Pacelli, Sr.
Brand Journey: From its humble beginnings in Chicago's Little Italy, Al's has expanded its footprint, becoming a nationally recognized brand.
Ownership: Privately owned and operated
Market Presence: Strong presence in major U.S. cities, with a focus on urban and suburban locations
Industry Category: Quick-Service Restaurants (QSR), specializing in Italian-American cuisine
Site Selection Assistance: Franchise experts help identify optimal locations considering foot traffic, demographics, competition, and market demand.
Lease Negotiation Guidance: Assistance with negotiating favorable lease terms and contracts.
Store Design & Build-Out: Support in planning and constructing the restaurant layout to ensure operational efficiency and brand consistency.
Equipment Sourcing: Guidance on selecting and purchasing kitchen equipment, furniture, and fixtures aligned with Al’s standards.
Hands-On Training: Comprehensive training at an existing Al’s location, covering food preparation, sandwich assembly, and operational workflows.
Inventory & Supply Management: Training on inventory control, ordering, and managing suppliers to reduce waste and maintain product quality.
Customer Service Excellence: Instruction on delivering consistent, high-quality customer service aligned with brand reputation.
Health & Safety Compliance: Guidance on maintaining local health codes, sanitation, and safety protocols.
Brand Guidelines: Franchisees receive a clear framework for maintaining consistent brand image, signage, and promotional materials.
Local Marketing Programs: Support with in-store promotions, local advertising campaigns, and social media marketing.
National Marketing Initiatives: Access to national campaigns or collaborations to enhance brand visibility.
Operational Manuals & SOPs: Detailed manuals covering daily operations, food prep, safety, and customer service.
Ongoing Learning: Access to workshops, webinars, or updated training materials for process improvements.
Field Support Visits: Regular visits by franchise consultants to ensure standards are met and provide guidance.
Operational Assistance: Assistance with troubleshooting, staffing, and workflow optimization.
Marketing Updates: Help adapting campaigns to local markets, introducing new menu items, and seasonal promotions.
Technology & POS Support: Training and assistance with POS systems, online ordering platforms, and reporting tools.
Al’s #1 Italian Beef seeks franchise partners who are passionate, capable, and aligned with the brand’s values. The ideal franchisee possesses a combination of business acumen, financial capability, operational commitment, and a passion for delivering high-quality food experiences.
Entrepreneurial Experience: Individuals who have managed or owned a business before, preferably in the foodservice or retail sector.
Operational Skills: Ability to oversee day-to-day operations, manage staff, maintain inventory, and ensure service quality.
Management Capability: Experience in hiring, training, and leading a team efficiently.
Love for the Brand: Enthusiasm for Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches and commitment to delivering authentic, high-quality products.
Customer-Centric Approach: Dedication to creating a welcoming dining experience and maintaining loyal customer relationships.
Investment Readiness: Ability to invest the required capital for franchise fee, build-out, equipment, and working capital.
Financial Management Skills: Competence in budgeting, managing operating expenses, and tracking sales for profitability.
Urban & Suburban Markets: Interest in opening locations in areas with high foot traffic, dense population, or strong local dining culture.
Community Engagement: Willingness to participate in local events and promote the brand within the community.
Adherence to Operational Guidelines: Willingness to follow Al’s procedures, recipes, and quality standards to maintain brand consistency.
Long-Term Vision: Commitment to growing the business over time, potentially expanding to multi-unit ownership.
Resilient & Driven: Persistence in overcoming challenges and achieving business goals.
Adaptable: Flexibility to adapt to evolving market trends, customer preferences, and operational improvements.
Team-Oriented: Ability to build, motivate, and maintain a reliable staff.
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $404,348 – $692,748 |
| Minimum Investment | Varies by location and store size |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Included in total investment; covers kitchen equipment, furniture, fixtures, and signage |
| Marketing Budget | Part of local store marketing contributions; typically 1–2% of gross sales |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 (depends on location and operational scale) |
| Royalty Fees | 6% of gross sales |
| Creative Fund / Brand Marketing | Up to 2% of gross sales |
| Local Store Marketing Fee | 1% of gross sales |
| Multi-Unit Development Fee | 100% of initial franchise fee for first store + 50% deposit for each additional store |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location, market, and management; strong potential due to brand recognition |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 12–24 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering, online sales (e.g., Goldbelly) |
