2010
00
$100,000
$35,000
$500,000
No
D'Avolio offers a compelling, dual-revenue franchise model positioned at the intersection of the thriving fast-casual dining industry and the gourmet food retail market. We deliver a unique, modern Italian dining experience that emphasizes customization, fresh ingredients, and the unparalleled flavor of our proprietary, ultra-premium olive oils and fine balsamic vinegars. Unlike traditional fast-casual concepts, D'Avolio capitalizes on two distinct profit centers: a customizable menu of pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and antipasto, and an in-house retail boutique featuring our signature oils, vinegars, and related gourmet products.
This hybrid concept provides franchisees with enhanced revenue potential and broader market appeal. Our food menu is designed for today's health-conscious consumer, allowing for "Build-Your-Own" meals with nearly limitless combinations to satisfy picky eaters, healthy diners, and comfort food enthusiasts alike. This focus on personalization, coupled with the proven retail success of our oils and vinegars, establishes D'Avolio as a distinctive and highly defensible brand in the competitive USA food service landscape.
As a D'Avolio franchisee, you're not just opening a restaurant; you’re launching a gourmet destination rooted in authentic family recipes and a commitment to fresh, quality ingredients. We offer a "store-in-a-box" approach, streamlining the launch and operation process, allowing you to quickly capitalize on the growing demand for authentic, customizable, and high-quality fast-casual Italian fare paired with exclusive retail offerings. Join us in bringing this exceptional taste of Italy and proven business model to new markets across the United States.
Unique Dual-Revenue Model: Benefit from two powerful income streams—the high-volume sales of the fast-casual restaurant and the high-margin revenue of the gourmet olive oil and vinegar retail shop—all under one roof. This diversification strengthens financial performance and market stability.
Market Differentiation: The emphasis on ultra-premium, proprietary oils and vinegars used in the dining experience, which are then available for retail purchase, creates a memorable brand experience and drives repeat retail business that complements food sales.
Appealing to Modern Consumers: Our "Create Your Own" menu caters to contemporary trends, including customization, dietary preferences (e.g., keto, gluten-free options, vegetarian), and a focus on fresh, quality ingredients.
Operational Efficiency: The business model is designed for efficiency, utilizing a centralized, national food supplier and a streamlined ordering process for all proprietary ingredients and equipment, ensuring consistency and quality across all locations.
Comprehensive Support System: From site selection and store build-out to ongoing operations and marketing, D'Avolio provides extensive, hands-on support to ensure a smooth launch and successful ongoing management.
Flexible Real Estate: Our model is adaptable, allowing for flexible floor plans that can be custom-fitted to accommodate a wide variety of real estate options, from traditional in-line spaces to non-traditional locations.
Established Year (Approximate): 2010 (The company began as D'Avolio Olive Oil and Vinegar in Williamsville, NY, evolving into the current dual-concept franchise model.)
Founders/Ownership: The concept is a family-owned business, with Owner Dan Gagliardo spearheading the expansion and franchising efforts. The brand is inspired by the founder's grandmother, Mama D'Avolio, who brought family recipes from Italy in 1935.
Brand Journey/Company History: Starting with a focus on retail olive oils and vinegars, D'Avolio successfully expanded its gourmet retail footprint before integrating a custom-designed, fast-casual Italian kitchen. This fusion of gourmet retail and quick-service dining cemented the brand's unique market position, proving the concept in the Western New York market before launching the national franchise program.
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Dining, Italian Food Franchise, Gourmet Retail.
Market Presence in USA (Initial Phase): The brand has established locations in Williamsville, NY, and the surrounding area, and is actively seeking qualified franchisees to expand its footprint throughout the USA.
Franchise Units: The company is currently in its growth phase, inviting new franchisees to secure prime territories. (Specific unit count should be verified in the latest FDD).
D'Avolio is committed to providing a robust and comprehensive support system to ensure franchisee success, even for operators new to the dual-concept model.
Pre-Launch Support (Design & Build-Out):
Real Estate Assistance: Exclusive relationship with a network of experienced realtors to assist in site selection and finding the perfect location.
"Store-in-a-Box" Program: Our designated construction management group oversees the entire design, build-out, and furnishing/decor process to ensure brand consistency, flow, and efficiency.
Academic & Initial Training:
Multi-Stage, Multi-Location Program: A comprehensive training curriculum that covers all aspects of the business, including food preparation, proper use of oils and vinegars, retail sales techniques, staff management, and technology systems.
Operational Manuals: Access to detailed, proprietary manuals covering all daily operations, recipes, inventory control, and customer service standards.
Operational & Ongoing Support:
Supply Chain Management: Relationship with a national food supplier for all menu items and supplies, ensuring consistent quality and special pricing.
Technology Integration: Guidance on using required technology, including POS systems and digital order guides.
Field Support: Periodic visits and remote check-ins from experienced corporate support staff to assist with operational challenges, performance reviews, and quality assurance.
Marketing Support:
Marketing Strategy: Guidance on local store marketing, grand opening campaigns, and leveraging the health benefits of the brand's products (e.g., potential affiliation with health and wellness programs like Weight Watchers).
Branding Assets: Access to professional brand materials, digital assets, and social media guidance to effectively promote the unique dual concept.
The ideal D'Avolio franchisee is a business-savvy individual or team with a passion for high-quality food, exceptional customer service, and the ability to manage a dual-focus operation.
Business Background: An experienced business person who understands how to run and grow a business, with a preference for candidates who have experience in the food & beverage industry or who are committed to hiring a General Manager with this expertise.
Core Competencies: Must excel at customer service, possess strong leadership and team-building skills, pay meticulous attention to detail, and have solid operational and administrative capabilities.
Sales & Marketing Mindset: Must be comfortable and proficient in a sales and marketing role, actively engaging in local community outreach to drive both dining and retail sales.
Passion & Culture Fit: A genuine desire to deliver an authentic, high-quality, and family-oriented customer experience, adhering to the D'Avolio commitment to freshness and selection.
Investment Capability: Must meet the minimum financial requirements necessary for total investment, working capital, and multi-unit development potential is highly desirable.
Location Preference: Seeking qualified investors for development in major metropolitan and high-traffic suburban areas across the USA.
Total Investment Required: $250,000 - $500,000+ (This is an estimated industry range for fast-casual restaurants; actual figures will be detailed in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Minimum Investment Required (Cash): $100,000 - $150,000 (Estimated liquid capital required).
Franchise Fee (Initial): $35,000 - $50,000 (Estimated initial fee).
Infrastructure Cost (Tenant Improvements/Equipment): This constitutes the largest portion of the investment, covering construction, equipment, furniture, fixtures, and the "store-in-a-box" build-out.
Marketing Budget (Grand Opening/Initial): $5,000 - $15,000 (Estimated, often required for local grand opening promotions).
Working Capital: Funds required to cover initial operating expenses before the business reaches break-even, typically estimated for 3-6 months.
Royalty Fees: 5-6% of Gross Sales (Estimated ongoing fee, typical for the industry).
Advertising/Marketing Fees (National/Regional): 1-2% of Gross Sales (Estimated contribution to a system-wide advertising fund).
Franchise Units (Targeted): Multi-unit development deals are encouraged for qualified candidates.
Expected ROI & Break-Even Time: Highly dependent on location, management, and local market conditions. Detailed financial performance representations will be available in the FDD to help inform projections.
Potential Revenue Streams:
Fast-Casual Dining: Sales of custom pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and antipasto (in-store and takeout).
Catering: High-volume sales for corporate events, parties, and family gatherings.
Gourmet Retail: High-margin sales of proprietary olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and related gourmet gifts.
Special Events: Revenue from private cooking classes, special events, and corporate gifts.
