1994
7
$269,800
$15,000
$437,000
No
Deli Zone brings the authentic taste of New York City delis to the heart of Colorado, offering a diverse menu that includes breakfast sandwiches, paninis, wraps, fresh salads, and catering services. Founded by childhood friends Rod and Ed, who grew up in the NYC area, Deli Zone was inspired by their tradition of dining in neighborhood delis during high school. Their vision led to the opening of the first Deli Zone location in Broomfield, Colorado, which has since expanded to multiple stores in the greater Denver area. The brand is known for its commitment to quality, freshness, and a menu that caters to a wide range of tastes, including vegetarian options.
Proven Concept: Deli Zone has established a strong presence in Colorado, with multiple locations in the greater Denver area, demonstrating the viability and demand for its offerings.
Authentic New York Experience: The brand offers a unique dining experience that brings the flavors of NYC delis to local communities, appealing to customers seeking authentic and high-quality deli food.
Diverse Menu: With a menu that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, as well as catering services, Deli Zone caters to a wide range of customer preferences, enhancing its market appeal.
Supportive Franchise Model: Franchisees receive comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring they are well-equipped to manage and grow their business successfully.
Established Year: 1994
Founders: Rod and Ed, childhood friends from the New York City area. Their shared passion for authentic deli experiences inspired the creation of Deli Zone.
Brand Journey: The founders wanted to bring the genuine taste and culture of NYC delis to Colorado. The first Deli Zone opened in Broomfield, Colorado, in 1994. Over the years, the brand has expanded to multiple locations in the greater Denver area while maintaining a focus on fresh, high-quality deli offerings and exceptional customer service.
Franchise Units: As of 2025, Deli Zone operates 7 locations, including both company-owned and franchised units. The Longmont and Fort Collins locations are operated by franchisees, showing the potential for further franchising growth.
Ownership: Privately owned by the founders, with strategic plans for selective franchising.
Market Presence in the USA: Deli Zone has a strong regional presence in Colorado, particularly in Boulder, Denver, Longmont, and Fort Collins. While currently concentrated in Colorado, the franchise model offers opportunities for expansion into other states.
Industry Category: Fast-casual restaurant / deli sector, focusing on fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, salads, and catering services.
Reputation & Recognition: Known for authentic New York-style deli food, friendly customer service, and community-oriented operations. The brand has cultivated a loyal customer base and a strong local reputation.
Company History Highlights:
1994 – First location opened in Broomfield, Colorado.
Late 1990s – Expanded to additional locations in Denver metro area.
2010s – Introduced franchise opportunities, opening first franchised locations in Longmont and Fort Collins.
2020s – Enhanced menu offerings, catering services, and marketing strategies to meet evolving customer demands.
Deli Zone offers a comprehensive support and training program to ensure franchisee success:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and store design to ensure the location aligns with brand standards and market potential.
Initial Training: A two-week training program at Deli Zone's corporate headquarters, covering operational procedures, customer service, and brand standards.
Operational Support: Ongoing support through dedicated franchise consultants, providing guidance on day-to-day operations, staffing, and inventory management.
Marketing Support: Access to a resource library with marketing materials, promotional strategies, and digital marketing tools to drive customer engagement and sales.
Ongoing Education: Regular updates on industry trends, menu innovations, and best practices to keep franchisees informed and competitive.
The ideal Deli Zone franchisee is an entrepreneur who combines passion for the food industry with strong business acumen and leadership abilities. Key traits and qualifications include:
Business Background: While experience in the restaurant or food service industry is advantageous, it is not strictly required. Franchisees should have a strong understanding of business operations, including staff management, customer service, inventory control, and financial oversight.
Passion for Food and Customer Service: Franchisees must have a genuine interest in providing high-quality, fresh food and delivering an exceptional customer experience. A hands-on approach and attention to detail in food preparation, cleanliness, and service standards are essential.
Investment Capability: Franchisees should have the financial resources to support the initial investment, working capital, and ongoing operational costs. This includes the ability to cover the franchise fee, infrastructure, marketing, and royalty fees until the business becomes self-sustaining.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Candidates should be motivated, proactive, and willing to follow proven operational systems while also contributing ideas to drive local marketing, community engagement, and growth.
Leadership & Team Management: Strong interpersonal and leadership skills are required to recruit, train, and manage staff effectively, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Location Preference: Ideal franchisees are located in high-traffic areas with strong community engagement, ideally within urban or suburban markets where the demand for fast-casual deli dining is high.
Commitment to Brand Standards: Franchisees must be willing to adhere to Deli Zone’s operational guidelines, brand values, and quality standards to maintain consistency across all locations.
Growth-Oriented: Deli Zone favors franchisees who are interested in long-term growth and may consider owning multiple locations as their business matures.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $269,800 – $437,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $15,000 |
| Minimum Cash Required | $60,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | Variable (based on monthly sales) |
| Infrastructure Cost | Included in total investment |
| Working Capital | Included in total investment |
| Expected ROI | Varies based on location, management, and market conditions |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 1–2 years depending on operational efficiency and market demand |
| Potential Revenue Streams | In-store dining, takeout, delivery, catering services |
| Franchise Units Current Number | 7 (Colorado: Boulder, Denver, Longmont, Fort Collins) |
