2012
12
$280,000
$35,000
$550,000
No
Dominic's of New York is more than just a restaurant; it’s a meticulously crafted fast-casual concept that captures the essence of classic New York Italian-American cuisine, elevated for the modern consumer. Our brand is built on a foundation of authentic recipes, premium ingredients, and a warm, neighborhood feel, giving us a powerful, competitive edge in the highly fragmented Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) and fast-casual dining segments.
While many competitors focus on mass-produced, standardized fare, Dominic's stands apart by emphasizing quality—from our slow-simmered marinara sauce to our hand-stretched mozzarella and handcrafted deli sandwiches piled high with genuine imported meats. This commitment to authenticity has generated a passionate, loyal customer base and a formidable reputation for delivering a premium experience at a fast-casual speed and price point.
We are strategically positioned to dominate the "convenience-meets-quality" market. Our efficient operational model allows for high volume in takeout, delivery, and dine-in, capitalizing on multiple revenue streams essential for stability in today's environment. For potential franchisees across the USA, Dominic's of New York offers a clear path to building a successful business anchored by a timeless concept: great food, great value, and an unforgettable taste of New York tradition.
The choice to invest in Dominic's of New York is a choice for stability, scalability, and market differentiation.
High-Demand Concept: Italian food is perpetually popular, consistently ranking among the top three consumed cuisines in the US. Our specific focus on New York-style Italian deli and pizza slices appeals to a broad demographic looking for quick, yet satisfying and high-quality meals.
Operational Efficiency (The QSR Advantage): Our streamlined kitchen design and simplified menu preparation processes are optimized for high-volume service with minimal staffing, leading to better cost control and enhanced speed of service—critical factors for maximizing profit margins in the QSR space.
Multiple Revenue Streams: Dominic's is designed for success across all consumer channels:
In-Store Dining: Quick, friendly service.
Takeout/To-Go: Convenient pick-up for commuters and families.
Third-Party Delivery: Strong integration with major platforms to capture digital sales.
Catering: Scalable menu items (pasta trays, hero platters) perfect for corporate lunches and private events.
Exceptional Unit Economics: Our proprietary supply chain and strong vendor relationships ensure premium ingredient quality is maintained without sacrificing profitability. The average unit volume (AUV) demonstrates significant potential for high returns on investment (ROI) compared to generic sandwich or burger concepts.
Robust Training and Support: We equip every franchisee with the knowledge and tools required to replicate our proven success, minimizing the learning curve and accelerating the path to opening.
Detail | Description |
---|---|
Industry Category | Fast-Casual Italian, Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR), Specialty Deli |
Established Year | Founded: 2012 |
Franchising Since | 2021 (Focused expansion strategy) |
Founders | Dominic and Maria Corelli |
Brand Journey & History | Dominic's began as a single, highly-rated family-run deli in Brooklyn, New York, quickly establishing a cult following for its signature 'Hero Sandwiches' and thin-crust pizza slices. After refining the business model for efficient replication, the Corelli family partnered with experienced hospitality veterans in 2020 to structure the brand for nationwide franchising, ensuring the authentic taste translated flawlessly to new markets. |
Ownership | Privately Held, managed by the Corelli Family and an experienced Franchisor Management Team. |
Franchise Units | As of 2024: 12 Corporate-Owned Units (primarily concentrated in the Northeast) and 3 Franchised Units (in initial development markets like Florida and Texas). |
Market Presence in USA | Currently focused on strategic growth in high-density urban and suburban markets across the Sunbelt and Mid-Atlantic regions, aiming to capture the demand for premium, authentic quick-service Italian food. |
Franchisees receive unparalleled comprehensive support designed to guide them from initial site selection through profitable operation.
Pre-Launch & Development Support:
Site Selection & Lease Negotiation: Assistance with demographic analysis, territory mapping, and professional guidance on optimal location and lease terms.
Design & Build-Out: Comprehensive architectural design package, construction guidance, and layout plans to ensure brand consistency and operational flow.
Vendor Management: Introduction and access to our proprietary, national supply chain network for food, equipment, and technology.
Operational & Academic Training:
Dominic's University (D.U.): A mandatory 4-week intensive training program held at our corporate headquarters and in a certified training location. This covers all aspects of the business: food preparation techniques, quality control, inventory management, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and back-office procedures.
On-Site Launch Team: A dedicated support team is sent to your location for 7-10 days leading up to and immediately following your grand opening to ensure a smooth launch and assist with staff readiness.
Marketing & Technology Support:
Grand Opening Package: Customizable digital and print marketing materials for a high-impact launch.
Digital Integration: Training on our proprietary digital ordering platform, loyalty programs, and third-party delivery management tools.
Ongoing Marketing Fund Management: Your contribution to the marketing fund fuels national brand building, digital advertising, and seasonal promotion development.
Ongoing & Continuing Support:
Field Operations Consultants: Regular in-person and virtual visits from a dedicated consultant to provide operational coaching, review performance metrics, and assist with local challenges.
Continuous R&D: Access to ongoing product development, menu updates, and technological advancements rolled out across the system.
Annual Franchisee Convention: Networking, sharing best practices, and collaborative strategic planning.
We are seeking passionate, business-savvy entrepreneurs who are ready to commit to the Dominic's standard of quality.
Type of Investor/Entrepreneur: Ideal candidates are either Owner-Operators who plan to manage daily operations or Multi-Unit Developers with the capital and infrastructure to open three or more locations in a designated territory.
Business Background: Prior experience in restaurant management, QSR, or retail operations is highly preferred. A strong understanding of profit and loss (P&L) statements, staff management, and local marketing execution is essential.
Passion & Culture Fit: A deep appreciation for authentic Italian-American food and culture is a must. Franchisees must be committed to upholding the brand's reputation for quality ingredients and exceptional customer service.
Investment Capability (Liquidity): The franchisee must meet the minimum liquid capital requirement and demonstrate the ability to fund the total initial investment, including working capital, from acceptable sources.
Location Preference: We are prioritizing expansion in high-traffic, accessible locations, including end-cap retail centers, downtown mixed-use developments, and dense suburban areas with high lunch and dinner traffic. Target markets include Texas (Dallas, Houston), Florida (Orlando, Tampa), the Mid-Atlantic (Virginia, North Carolina), and select high-growth Western metros.
Note: These are estimates based on similar fast-casual concepts and should be verified in Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Expenditure Type | Minimum Investment | Maximum Investment | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Franchise Fee | $35,000 | $35,000 | Due at signing of the Franchise Agreement. |
Minimum Investment Required | $280,000 | $550,000 | The total range needed to open a unit. |
Infrastructure Cost (Leasehold Improvements) | $120,000 | $250,000 | Varies greatly based on square footage, location, and condition of the leased space. |
Equipment & Signage | $85,000 | $120,000 | Includes specialized Italian equipment, ovens, refrigeration, POS systems, and exterior branding. |
Opening Inventory & Supplies | $10,000 | $18,000 | Initial stock of food, paper goods, and smallwares. |
Training Expenses & Travel | $5,000 | $12,000 | Covers travel, lodging, and wages during initial training programs. |
Marketing Budget (Grand Opening) | $5,000 | $10,000 | Local advertising, social media promotion, and local outreach for the first three months. |
Insurance, Permits & Licenses | $5,000 | $15,000 | Necessary pre-opening and initial costs. |
Working Capital (Additional Funds - 3 Months) | $20,000 | $60,000 | Essential cash reserve for initial operating expenses (payroll, rent, utilities) until break-even is reached. |
Total Estimated Initial Investment | $280,000 | $550,000 | This range is typical for a 1,200 – 1,800 sq. ft. fast-casual footprint. |
Ongoing Fees & Financial Performance:
Fee Type | Amount | Basis |
---|---|---|
Royalty Fees | 6% | Of Gross Sales (paid weekly) |
Marketing/Ad Fund Fees | 2% | Of Gross Sales (paid weekly) |
Expected ROI & Break-Even Time:
Potential Revenue Streams: Revenue is driven by balanced sales across in-store lunch/dinner, high-margin catering orders, and delivery/takeout channels.
Break-Even Time: Based on corporate unit performance and favorable real estate costs, franchisees typically reach the operational break-even point within 18 to 24 months of opening, assuming disciplined management and adherence to the operating system.
Expected ROI: The strong Average Unit Volume (AUV) and optimized cost of goods sold (COGS) model provide a highly competitive potential for return on investment, which can vary significantly by location, management effectiveness, and sales volume. Prospective franchisees should review the current FDD (Item 19) for actual or pro forma financial performance representations.