Established
2012
Franchise Units
10
Minimum Investment
$450,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$750,000
Home Based
No
Description
Sauce on the Side is a fast-casual restaurant brand built around one simple but powerful idea: reinventing the calzone. Founded in the Midwest, the brand has carved out a strong niche in the competitive fast-casual dining segment by offering handcrafted calzones made with fresh dough, premium fillings, and house-made sauces—served quickly, consistently, and at an accessible price point.
Unlike traditional pizza or sandwich concepts, Sauce on the Side differentiates itself through menu focus and operational efficiency. The streamlined offering allows franchisees to deliver high-quality food with faster throughput, lower waste, and simplified kitchen workflows. Guests appreciate the bold flavors, generous portions, and customizable options, while operators benefit from a repeat-driven business model anchored in dine-in, takeout, and third-party delivery.
In the U.S. market, Sauce on the Side is positioned as a scalable, brand-forward fast-casual franchise with strong unit economics and broad demographic appeal. From urban downtowns and college towns to suburban trade areas, the concept resonates with lunch crowds, families, and evening takeout customers alike—making it a compelling opportunity for multi-unit and single-unit franchise investors.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in Sauce on the Side offers a blend of brand differentiation, operational simplicity, and consumer demand for high-quality fast-casual food.
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Distinctive calzone-focused concept with limited direct competition
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Strong brand identity and loyal customer following in existing markets
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Streamlined menu supporting faster service and easier staff training
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Flexible revenue mix including dine-in, carryout, and delivery
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Lower operational complexity compared to full-service restaurants
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Scalable model suitable for single-unit or multi-unit growth
Background
- Established Year: 2012
- Founders: Matt Skogen and Chris Newgent
- Industry Category: Fast-Casual Dining / Italian-Inspired Restaurant
- Franchise Active Units: 10
Sauce on the Side was founded in St. Louis, Missouri, with the goal of modernizing the calzone experience. From its first location, the brand gained rapid local traction thanks to its made-from-scratch approach, creative flavor combinations, and efficient service model. Over time, the concept expanded across multiple U.S. states, refining its systems and operations before offering franchising opportunities.
Support Training
Sauce on the Side offers a comprehensive support system designed to guide franchisees from initial onboarding through long-term operations.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and market analysis
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Restaurant layout, kitchen design, and build-out specifications
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Assistance with vendor sourcing and equipment procurement
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Pre-opening marketing and launch planning
Training Programs
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Hands-on operational training at certified locations
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In-store training covering food preparation, quality control, and service standards
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Management and leadership training for owners and key staff
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POS systems, inventory management, and cost controls
Operational & Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise support team
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Ongoing operations consulting and performance benchmarking
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Marketing strategy execution and promotional calendar support
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Menu innovation, product testing, and seasonal offerings
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Continuous system updates and best-practice sharing
This structured support framework helps reduce risk for first-time operators while enabling experienced restaurant owners to scale efficiently.
Ideal Candidate
Sauce on the Side is best suited for entrepreneurs and investors who value operational excellence and brand consistency.
Ideal candidates typically have:
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Experience in food service, hospitality, or multi-unit operations (preferred but not mandatory)
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Strong people-management and leadership skills
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Hands-on or semi-absentee ownership mindset
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Financial capacity to meet investment requirements
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Interest in developing multiple units within a territory
The brand performs especially well in urban centers, suburban trade areas, college towns, and high-traffic mixed-use developments where demand for fast-casual dining is strong.
Financial Detail
| Cost Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $450,000 – $750,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $200,000+ |
| Leasehold Improvements / Build-Out | $250,000 – $400,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & Fixtures | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| Furniture, Signage & Décor | $40,000 – $75,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Training & Pre-Opening Expenses | Included |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $50,000 – $75,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fee | 2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Timeline | 24 – 36 Months |
| Expected ROI | Location & performance dependent |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, Catering |
