Established
1977
Franchise Units
7
Minimum Investment
$167,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$535,500
Home Based
No
Description
Antioch Pizza Shop offers a compelling franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to invest in a community-centric, family-owned pizza brand with a rich history and a proven business model. Founded in 1977 in Antioch, Illinois, the brand has grown from a single location to a thriving franchise network, known for its commitment to quality, consistency, and community engagement.
The franchise model includes various formats—Dine-In, Express, and Food Truck—allowing flexibility to suit different market needs and investment levels. With an average annual gross sales of over $1 million per unit, Antioch Pizza Shop presents a lucrative opportunity for investors looking to enter the foodservice industry.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in Antioch Pizza Shop means aligning with a brand that combines traditional pizza-making with modern business practices. The franchise offers:
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Proven Business Model: Established in 1977 and franchising since 2016, Antioch Pizza Shop has a track record of success.
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Community Engagement: Active participation in local events, school sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives, fostering strong community ties.
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Flexible Franchise Options: Choose from Dine-In, Express, or Food Truck formats to match your investment capacity and market conditions.
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Comprehensive Support: Extensive training and ongoing operational support ensure franchisee success.
Background
- Founded: 1977
- First franchise: 2016
- Franchise Units: 7
- Founders: Original local owners; currently led and expanded by Art and Karen Wicklein.
- Headquarters: Antioch, Illinois
- Industry Category: Fast Casual / Full-Service Pizza & Italian Eatery
- Market Presence: Established presence in the Midwest with an aggressive expansion strategy across the USA.
The story began in a small shop in Antioch, IL, where the focus was simple: better ingredients and more of them. When Art and Karen Wicklein took the reins, they didn't just maintain the quality; they systematized the passion. They transformed a local favorite into a scalable franchise system without losing the "soul" of the brand. Today, Antioch Pizza Shop is recognized as a rising star in the American pizza landscape, known for maintaining high standards of quality control even as the unit count grows.
Support Training
We believe our success is strictly tied to yours. We provide a comprehensive support ecosystem that covers every stage of your business journey:
1. Pre-Launch & Site Selection
We don't just tell you to find a building. Our real estate experts help you analyze demographics, traffic patterns, and visibility to ensure you land in a high-conversion location. We assist with lease negotiations and provide a standardized build-out plan.
2. Initial Training (Antioch Academy)
You and your management team will undergo an intensive multi-week training program. This covers everything from dough preparation and secret sauce recipes to inventory management, POS systems, and staff hiring practices.
3. Marketing Powerhouse
You’ll have access to our national brand assets and a localized marketing playbook. We help you manage social media, local search optimization, and grand opening events to ensure the community is buzzing before the ovens even turn on.
4. Ongoing Operational Support
Field consultants provide regular check-ins to help you optimize labor costs, food waste, and customer service scores. We are always a phone call or an email away.
Ideal Candidate
We aren't looking for "silent investors"; we are looking for partners. The ideal Antioch Pizza Shop franchisee is:
A People Person: You enjoy interacting with staff and customers. You understand that hospitality is just as important as the food.
A Disciplined Leader: You can follow a proven system. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel; you just need to keep it spinning perfectly.
Community-Minded: You want to be the person who sponsors the local Little League team and becomes a fixture in the neighborhood.
Financial Capability: You should have a minimum liquid capital of $100,000 - $150,000 and a net worth of at least $500,000 to ensure a healthy launch.
Background: While restaurant experience is a plus, it is not required. We value military veterans, former corporate executives, and multi-unit operators who understand management and scale.
Financial Detail
- Initial Franchise Fee: $35,000
- Total Initial Investment: $167,000 – $535,500
- Royalty Fee: 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee: 1%
- Agreement Term: 10 years
- Renewable?: Yes