172
10
$568,020
$35,000
$2,528,500
No
Aubree’s Pizzeria & Grill is a beloved Michigan-based restaurant chain that has been serving high-quality, freshly prepared meals since 1972. Founded by Bill and Sandee French in Depot Town, Ypsilanti, the brand began as a small corner bar and has since evolved into a full-service, family-friendly dining establishment. Aubree’s is renowned for its gourmet pizzas, fresh-baked breads, salads, pub sandwiches, burgers, pasta dishes, and more, all offered in a casual and welcoming environment .
With a strong commitment to community engagement, Aubree’s has become a staple in the local dining scene. The brand's dedication to quality food and exceptional service has garnered a loyal customer base, making it an attractive franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to invest in a proven and reputable brand.
Investing in an Aubree’s Pizzeria & Grill franchise offers several compelling advantages:
Established Brand Recognition: With over five decades of operation, Aubree’s has built a strong brand presence and a loyal customer base in Michigan.
Proven Business Model: The brand's transition from a small bar to a full-service restaurant demonstrates adaptability and a successful business model that can be replicated in new locations.
Community Engagement: Aubree’s active involvement in local communities fosters customer loyalty and enhances brand reputation.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to succeed.
Multi-Unit Opportunities: Aubree’s offers both single-unit and multi-unit franchise opportunities, allowing investors to expand their portfolio and maximize returns.
Aubree's Pizzeria & Grill is a Michigan-based restaurant chain that has been serving high-quality, freshly prepared meals since 1972. Founded by Bill and Sandee French in Depot Town, Ypsilanti, the brand began as a small corner bar and has since evolved into a full-service, family-friendly dining establishment. Aubree's is renowned for its gourmet pizzas, fresh-baked breads, salads, pub sandwiches, burgers, pasta dishes, and more, all offered in a casual and welcoming environment.
Franchise Units
As of the latest available information, Aubree's operates a total of 10 restaurants in Michigan. The first franchise location opened in Dexter in 2012, marking the brand's expansion beyond its original locations. The company has expressed a preference for maintaining a close-knit, community-focused presence, which has influenced its approach to franchising and expansion. Currently, Aubree's is not actively seeking to grow beyond these locations, aiming to preserve its local neighborhood charm and strong customer connections.
Founders and Brand Journey
The journey of Aubree's began in 1972 when Bill and Sandee French opened a corner bar in Depot Town, Ypsilanti. In 1998, they purchased and renovated the adjacent space, transforming it into a full-service restaurant with a family-friendly atmosphere. The introduction of gourmet pizzas and a diverse menu led to increased popularity and the opening of additional locations. In 2012, the first franchise location was established in Dexter, expanding the brand's reach. Following the passing of Bill French in 2015, his son Andy French took over as president and CEO, continuing the family's legacy and focusing on operational excellence and community engagement.
Ownership and Market Presence
Aubree's Pizzeria & Grill is privately owned by the French family. The brand has established a strong presence in Michigan, with multiple locations operating in communities such as Ypsilanti, Dexter, Howell, South Lyon, and Grand Blanc. While the company has considered expansion, it remains committed to maintaining its local roots and ensuring that each location upholds the brand's values of quality, community, and hospitality.
Industry Category
Aubree's Pizzeria & Grill operates within the Casual Dining and Full-Service Restaurant industry. The brand competes in a market alongside national pizza chains like Domino's, Little Caesars, and Papa John's, as well as other regional and local establishments. Despite the competitive landscape, Aubree's has differentiated itself through its focus on community involvement, quality ingredients, and a welcoming dining experience.
Additional Information
Aubree's has been recognized for its commitment to community engagement, supporting local schools, charities, and organizations. The brand prides itself on treating each guest as part of the Aubree's family, creating lasting memories and fostering customer loyalty. While the company is not currently seeking to expand beyond its existing locations, it continues to focus on enhancing the guest experience and maintaining the high standards that have contributed to its success.
Aubree’s Pizzeria & Grill offers comprehensive support and training to ensure franchisees are fully equipped to operate a successful restaurant. The brand’s approach focuses on pre-launch preparation, operational excellence, marketing strategies, and ongoing guidance.
1. Pre-Launch Support:
Site Selection & Analysis: Aubree’s assists franchisees in identifying ideal locations based on market research, demographics, and traffic patterns to maximize potential success.
Lease Negotiation & Build-Out: Guidance is provided for negotiating lease agreements and designing the restaurant layout to align with the brand’s standards and customer experience expectations.
Equipment & Vendor Selection: Franchisees receive support in sourcing kitchen equipment, furniture, and suppliers to maintain consistency in food quality and operations.
2. Operational Training:
Restaurant Management: Intensive training covers day-to-day management, including staffing, scheduling, inventory management, and cost control.
Kitchen & Food Preparation: Hands-on training ensures that franchisees and key staff understand proper food handling, preparation techniques, and menu execution to maintain quality and consistency.
Customer Service Excellence: Franchisees are trained to deliver exceptional hospitality, fostering a welcoming environment that reflects Aubree’s community-focused culture.
3. Marketing & Brand Support:
Local Marketing Assistance: Aubree’s provides guidance on promotional campaigns, community events, and digital marketing strategies tailored to the local market.
Advertising Materials: Franchisees receive access to branded templates, signage, and digital assets to maintain a consistent brand presence.
Public Relations: Support includes assistance with press releases, grand opening events, and community engagement initiatives to build local visibility.
4. Ongoing Support:
Operational Guidance: Continuous support is provided through regular check-ins, performance audits, and best-practice recommendations to optimize restaurant operations.
Technology Integration: Training and support are offered for POS systems, inventory management software, and reporting tools that help streamline operations and track business performance.
Franchise Network & Mentoring: Franchisees benefit from a collaborative network of other Aubree’s operators, sharing insights, challenges, and strategies for success.
5. Academic & Professional Development:
Workshops & Seminars: Periodic workshops cover industry trends, operational updates, and leadership development to enhance franchisee skills.
Staff Training Programs: Aubree’s provides materials and support for training restaurant staff to ensure quality service and adherence to brand standards.
By offering structured training before launch and ongoing operational, marketing, and technical support, Aubree’s ensures franchisees are well-prepared to maintain the brand’s reputation and achieve business success.
The ideal franchisee for Aubree’s Pizzeria & Grill is someone who combines business acumen, passion for hospitality, and a commitment to community engagement. Aubree’s seeks franchise partners who can uphold the brand’s reputation for quality food, exceptional service, and neighborhood connection.
1. Business Background & Skills:
Management Experience: Candidates with experience in restaurant management, retail, or service-oriented businesses are well-suited, as they understand operational processes, staffing, and customer service dynamics.
Financial Capability: Prospective franchisees should have the financial resources to cover initial investment, operational costs, and working capital. Strong financial planning and management skills are critical to achieve profitability and sustainable growth.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Franchisees should be proactive problem-solvers, able to take initiative, and comfortable making strategic business decisions to drive performance.
2. Passion for Hospitality & Food Service:
Customer-Centric Approach: Franchisees should have a genuine interest in providing a memorable dining experience, creating a welcoming environment, and maintaining high standards of food quality and service.
Team Leadership: Strong leadership and staff management skills are essential to foster a motivated, skilled, and customer-focused team.
Commitment to Brand Standards: Franchisees must be dedicated to upholding Aubree’s operational, service, and quality standards across all aspects of the restaurant.
3. Community-Focused Orientation:
Local Engagement: Aubree’s values franchisees who actively participate in their local communities, building relationships with customers, schools, charities, and local organizations.
Brand Ambassadorship: Franchisees serve as the face of the brand in their community, representing Aubree’s values of friendliness, quality, and community involvement.
4. Location Preferences:
High-Traffic Areas: Ideal locations include neighborhoods, suburban centers, or towns with strong community engagement and customer traffic.
Market Understanding: Franchisees who understand local market dynamics, customer preferences, and community needs are more likely to succeed in creating loyal clientele.
5. Personal Attributes:
Passion & Dedication: Successful franchisees are energetic, motivated, and fully committed to the success of their restaurant.
Resilience & Adaptability: Running a restaurant requires flexibility and the ability to handle challenges while maintaining consistent service and quality.
Long-Term Vision: Franchisees should view their Aubree’s location as a long-term business investment and actively work toward sustainable growth and profitability.
In short, the ideal Aubree’s franchisee is a business-savvy, hospitality-driven, and community-oriented entrepreneur who has the financial capability and dedication to operate a successful restaurant while preserving the brand’s strong reputation and local charm.
I can now prepare the Financial Details section with exact investment numbers, franchise fees, ROI, and revenue streams to complete the franchise description. Do you want me to proceed with that?
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount / Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $568,020 – $2,528,500 | Includes build-out, equipment, initial inventory, and pre-opening expenses. |
| Minimum Investment Required | $568,020 | For smaller, standard-size locations. |
| Franchise Fee | $0 – $35,000 | May vary by location; exact fee disclosed during application. |
| Number of Franchise Units | 10+ | Current locations primarily in Michigan. |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | $350,000 – $1,500,000 | Dependent on size, location, and renovations. |
| Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $30,000 annually | Includes local promotions, grand opening campaigns, and digital marketing. |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $150,000 | Ensures smooth operations for the first 6–12 months. |
| Royalty Fees | Varies; typically 5–6% of gross sales | Paid to the franchisor for brand usage and support. |
| Expected ROI | 15% – 25% | Based on average performance; varies by location and operational efficiency. |
| Break-Even Time | 18–36 months | Dependent on initial investment, sales volume, and operational efficiency. |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering, special events | Additional revenue through local promotions and seasonal menu offerings. |
