1902
40
$100,000
$25,000
$500,000
No
Amato's Sandwich Shops, a cherished institution in New England since 1902, offers a compelling franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs eager to be part of a rich culinary tradition. Founded by Italian immigrant Giovanni Amato in Portland, Maine, the brand introduced the iconic "Real Italian" sandwich, a unique creation that blends Italian flavors with local ingredients. Over the years, Amato's has expanded its menu to include pizzas, pastas, and salads, all crafted with the same commitment to quality and authenticity.
With a strong presence in Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire, Amato's is now seeking passionate franchisees to help grow the brand across the United States. The franchise model is designed for scalability, offering a proven system, comprehensive support, and a menu that resonates with a wide customer base. Whether you're an experienced restaurateur or a first-time business owner, Amato's provides the tools and guidance to ensure your success in the competitive foodservice industry.
Proven Legacy: Over a century of culinary excellence and brand recognition.
Unique Product Offering: The "Real Italian" sandwich is a distinctive menu item that sets Amato's apart.
Scalable Business Model: Flexible store formats, including traditional locations and Amato's Xpress in-store concepts.
Comprehensive Support: Extensive training and ongoing operational assistance.
Established Brand Loyalty: A dedicated customer base and strong regional presence.
Established Year: 1902
Franchising Since: 2002
Franchise Units: Approximately 40 locations across Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
Founders: Giovanni Amato (Founder), Dominic Reali (President), Pasquale Troiano (CEO)
Ownership: Private company corporation
Market Presence in the USA: Strong foothold in northern New England with plans for national expansion.
Industry Category: Foodservice, Fast Food Franchising
Amato's journey began in 1902 when Giovanni Amato started selling fresh baked rolls filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables to fellow Italian immigrants working the docks in Portland, Maine. This humble beginning laid the foundation for what would become a beloved regional chain. In 1972, Dominic Reali, who had worked at the original shop, acquired the business and expanded it into a franchise, introducing signature ingredients like Greek olives, sour pickles, and a special oil blend that enhanced the "Real Italian" sandwich. Today, Amato's continues to honor its heritage while innovating to meet modern consumer tastes.
1. Pre-Launch Support
Before your Amato’s store even opens, the franchise provides guidance to ensure a smooth setup:
Site Selection Assistance: Experts help identify high-traffic locations that match the brand’s demographic and operational requirements.
Lease Negotiation Support: Guidance on negotiating lease terms to secure favorable conditions for your store.
Store Design & Build-Out: Assistance with layout planning, décor, equipment selection, and compliance with brand standards.
Permits & Licenses: Help in navigating local regulations, health inspections, and necessary permits.
2. Comprehensive Training
Amato’s ensures franchisees are fully prepared to operate efficiently:
Operational Training: Hands-on training covering food preparation, kitchen workflows, inventory management, and daily operations.
Customer Service Training: Best practices for delivering excellent service that builds brand loyalty.
Management Training: Guidance on staffing, scheduling, cost control, and reporting systems.
Safety & Sanitation: Instruction on food safety, hygiene protocols, and compliance with health codes.
3. Marketing & Brand Support
To help drive customers and increase visibility:
National Marketing Campaigns: Access to brand-wide advertising, promotions, and seasonal campaigns.
Local Marketing Assistance: Guidance on local social media campaigns, events, and community engagement.
Brand Materials: Ready-to-use templates, signage, and promotional tools to maintain brand consistency.
4. Ongoing Operational Support
Franchisees receive continuous assistance to optimize performance:
Field Support: Regular visits from regional managers to review operations and provide hands-on guidance.
Business Reviews: Periodic performance evaluations to identify growth opportunities and operational improvements.
Problem-Solving Assistance: Help addressing operational challenges, staff issues, or customer concerns.
5. Supply Chain & Inventory Assistance
Amato’s streamlines operations with:
Approved Suppliers: Access to vetted suppliers for quality ingredients and equipment.
Inventory Management: Guidance on ordering, stock control, and minimizing waste.
Product Consistency: Ensures every store maintains the same high-quality standards in menu items.
Amato’s seeks franchisees who have strong organizational and managerial skills:
Ability to oversee day-to-day operations efficiently.
Experience in managing staff, scheduling, and workflow.
Capability to analyze sales data and make informed business decisions.
Comfort with adhering to established operational standards while maintaining profitability.
A genuine interest in the foodservice industry and delivering high-quality, authentic Italian cuisine.
Commitment to exceptional customer experience, ensuring repeat business and brand loyalty.
Enthusiasm for maintaining the brand’s heritage and reputation in the community.
Ability to meet the initial investment requirements ($380k–$500k) and maintain adequate working capital.
Comfortable managing royalty fees, marketing contributions, and operational costs.
Prepared to invest not only financially but also time and effort to grow the business.
Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of taking ownership of a business.
Adaptable to market trends and willing to innovate within the franchise framework.
Determined to achieve long-term growth and profitability.
Preference for high-traffic areas or regions where Amato’s brand has potential for growth.
Willingness to actively engage with the local community to build a loyal customer base.
Prior experience in restaurants, retail, or customer service is beneficial but not mandatory.
Training and support are provided to ensure even first-time franchisees can succeed.
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $380,000 – $500,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $100,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of monthly sales |
| Advertising / Marketing Fee | Up to 4% of monthly sales |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Included in total investment; depends on location size and design |
| Working Capital | Part of total investment; recommended reserve for first 3-6 months of operation |
| Break-Even Time | 18–24 months (depending on location and management) |
| Revenue Streams | In-store sales, catering, potential branded products |
| Term of Franchise Agreement | 10 years with two 5-year renewal options |
| Expected ROI | Moderate to high; depends on location, traffic, and operational efficiency |
| Franchise Units in USA | ~40 units across Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire |
