Question 1

How much money will I make?

Accepted Answer

The Pizza Hotline Corporate Office is not able to furnish any information concerning potential sales or net earnings for your location, as actual results vary from restaurant to restaurant and we are not able to provide estimates for any particular location. We do, however, encourage you to reach out to Pizza Hotline Franchisees to speak to them about their experiences as unit-operators.

Question 2

How much does it cost to open a Pizza Hotline Franchise?

Accepted Answer

The costs associated with opening a Pizza Hotline Franchise can be generally grouped into 3 parts: the Franchise + Training Fee, the Working Capital, and the Store Construction. Our Franchise + Training Fee costs $30 000.00 (with $6000 added per additional trainee) which must be paid at the completion of Franchise Disclosure. We ask that Franchisees have at least $30 000.00 on-hand for Working Capital costs, and while Store Construction varies depending on the market, the specific restaurant size, local costs of construction, and other factors, we estimate total Construction Costs (including equipment) in pre-existing buildings at being between $200 000-450 000.00. Financial requirements may be lower or higher than those stated above depending on the transaction type.

Question 3

What is the standard Franchise + Training Fee?

Accepted Answer

Out standard Franchise + Training Fee is $30 000.00, which is paid in full at the completion of Franchise Disclosure. This includes the full training of one declared Franchisee.

Question 4

What does 'Working Captital' mean?

Accepted Answer

Working Capital is the money that is used to fund the day-to-day operations of your location until it is cash-flow positive (it earns more in a day than it spends). We require that a Franchisee have a minimum of $30 000.00 cash on hand to go towards working capital needs including, but not limited to: grand opening costs, first round(s) of inventory purchases and payroll, etc. This money needs to be available to the Franchisee at time of signing a formal franchise application, in addition to the Franchise + Training Fee, and must remain accessible to the Franchisee throughout their store construction, grand opening, and first two years of operation.

Question 5

How much money do I need on-hand to start?

Accepted Answer

In order to be considered eligible for Franchising, Prospective Franchisees must have at least $60 000.00 cash on-hand, and be able to obtain approximately $200 000.00 - $450 000.00 in financing.

Question 6

What is the standard Royalty Fee?

Accepted Answer

Pizza Hotline reserves the right to change royalty fees as needed from time to time in their sole discretion. Current royalty fees are 6% of gross sales, charged on a weekly basis through pre-authorized electronic fund transfer.

Question 7

What are the Marketing and Advertising Fees?

Accepted Answer

Pizza Hotline Franchisees contribute to marketing initiatives through both an Advertising Fund and a Local Store Marketing Fund, both of which are percentages of gross sales. The specific proportions of contributions to either fund changes on a market-to-market and store-to-store basis, but Franchisees should expect to contribute approximately 7% in gross revenues to various marketing initiatives each year. Pizza Hotline reserves the right to change the Marketing and Advertising fees as needed from time to time in their sole discretion.

Question 8

I would like to suggest a new market for Pizza Hotline. Who should I reach out to?

Accepted Answer

Pizza Hotline Corporate conducts feasibility studies to determine whether a specific market is viable for one or multiple locations. From time to time we may advertise specific markets that we are seeking Franchisees for. However, if you have not seen us advertise the market you are interested in we may still be interested. In these cases, please request a Preliminary Franchise Application so that we can review your qualifications as well as the site you are recommending so that we can make a holistic decision.

Question 9

How secure is the information that I provide to you in the Franchise Inquiry Process?

Accepted Answer

All of the information that you provide to Pizza Hotline for the purposes of franchising inquiries are kept strictly confidential within the Franchise department of the Pizza Hotline Corporate Support Office. We do not sell your personal information to third parties, but may share it with service providers that we use in our discretion to help in the Franchise Development process (for example, in our market feasibility assessments).

Question 10

I submitted a Preliminary Franchise Application but haven't heard back. Do I need to reapply?

Accepted Answer

If you have submitted a Preliminary Franchise Application to us and you have not yet heard back from a member of our Franchising department than you do not need to reapply. While we try our best to reach out right away, it is possible that we have not had time to review your application yet and will do so as soon as we are able. Alternatively, you are able to e-mail us at franchise@pizzahotline.ca with any additional inquiries.

Question 11

I have real estate that I would like to suggest to Pizza Hotline. Will you review it?

Accepted Answer

Pizza Hotline consistently searches for new markets in which to grow. If you have a specific site that you believe would be optimal for Pizza Hotline, please reach out to us using our Landlord Submission Form.

Question 12

Do Pizza Hotline Franchisees have to buy all of their supplies from Corporate? Or do we find our own?

Accepted Answer

The Pizza Hotline Corporate Office works hard to ensure that our Franchisees are able to order all inventory items at the best quality and price in an easy of a process as possible. As such, we require all Franchisees to order food and other inventory items from approved food distributors that we have formally engaged with to offer the best price/value and highest quality and consistency standards.

We also actively encourage our Franchisees to work with our Corporate Purchasing & Supply Chain Department to aid in these initiatives. If our Franchisees come across food or other inventory items that they believe can enhance the quality of our offerings and provide additional savings to the Franchisees, they are encouraged to present these items to the Corporate Office for thorough review.

Question 13

Are there any existing restaurants for sale?

Accepted Answer

At any given time there may be opportunities to purchase existing restaurants from the Corporate Office or existing Franchisees. If you are interested in pursuing the purchase of an existing location, please indicate this on your Preliminary Franchise Application as well as your ideal markets, and if opportunities exist a member of our Franchise Development Team will reach out to explore at the time of review.

Question 14

Who decides where my location should be opened?

Accepted Answer

Pizza Hotline works cooperatively with Franchisees to establish the optimal location for their store. From time to time we may advertise for specific markets that we want to expand our Franchise reach in. As well, if a Prospective Franchisee has specific markets in mind that they want to open in, our Franchise Development Team will conduct a market feasibility study on those markets and then work collaboratively with the Franchisee to find a specific piece of real estate, negotiate leasing, etc. Ultimately, while Pizza Hotline retains the right to approve or disapprove of any site in their discretion, we want our Franchisees to feel excited and recognize the opportunity in the site that they select, so we work with you collaboratively to find the perfect location for your store.

Question 15

I don't have construction or design experience. How do I make sure that my Pizza Hotline is built according to specs?

Accepted Answer

Pizza Hotline offers 100% turnkey store construction/renovation packages for Franchisees, so that you can focus your time on what matters most – making sure that you are confident and excellent in our systems. From finishes to equipment packages, our Corporate Support Team guides you every step of the way through the construction process in our truly innovative construction process to make the process hassle-free for you.

Question 16

What markets are Franchising Opportunities available in?

Accepted Answer

Franchising Opportunities are available in virtually every market in Canada and the United States. We also may be interested in exploring Territory Agreements outside of North America on a case-by-case basis.

Question 17

Does Pizza Hotline Corporate stay involved once my store is open? Or am I on my own?

Accepted Answer

Pizza Hotline is extremely proud of our ongoing supports for Franchisees after Grand Opening. Our supports touch on virtually every element of continued Franchise operations, and we are always ready and able to help our Franchises. To see more of our unbeatable supports, please visit the Supports section of our Franchising webpage, and if you have specific questions reach out to us, we’d love to talk.

Question 18

I don't have any prior restaurant experience. Can I still open a Franchise?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Pizza Hotline prides ourself on our unparalleled commitment to training and developing our Franchisees. With mentor-based custom-curated training for each and every Franchisee, our system ensures that you know the ins and outs of Pizza Hotline management before you open your store. From making product, to managing teams, to local-store marketing and more, our training and master classes will ensure that you start your business with a strong leg up on the competition, which will continue to be supported by our strong field supports and continuous education programs.

Question 19

I am interested in an International Franchise (outside Canada and the United States). Is this possible?

Accepted Answer

International franchising, outside of Canada and the United States may be possible and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in this process we ask that you complete a Preliminary Franchise Application and state your intention to open internationally. At this point a Franchise Development Team Member will reach out to you to discuss further.

Question 20

How long does it take to go through the Application Process?

Accepted Answer

The first step of the application process is the completion of a Preliminary Franchise Application. Once this is reviewed, and if you meet minimum requirements for franchising we will engage in an Interview and Assessment process that takes approximately 2-4 weeks. Upon completion of this Assessment Process we enter into Franchise Disclosure, which also takes 2 weeks. Upon completion of Franchise Disclosure and signing of the Franchise Application and Franchise Disclosure Documents you are officially a Pizza Hotline Franchisee in Training!

Question 21

Does Pizza Hotline provide training?

Accepted Answer

Pizza Hotline offers best-in-class training for Franchisees, including mentor-based learning, masterclasses, hands-on in-store skill building, and a virtually deployed curriculum. This process typically takes between 1-3 months, with ultimate certification granted upon successful completion of a variety of skill and knowledge assessments. Our Training Program is unparalleled in its thoroughness and comprehensiveness, ensuring that anyone with the right attitude regardless of prior experience can become an excellent operator upon completion.

Question 22

Can I convert my existing pizza place into a Pizza Hotline?

Accepted Answer

Pizza Hotline does offer conversion packages to Franchisees or independent pizza place owners, as long as there are no legal or other restrictions on your side for entering into a conversion (prior non-competition agreements, etc.). We will complete a thorough assessment of your current location and equipment, as well as a personal assessment, to identify your eligibility as a Franchisee. From this we will create a custom transition package that will allow you to fold your current business into the Pizza Hotline brand.

If you are a current pizza place or other type of restaurant operator looking to boost your sales, or benefit from a strong brand and time-tested systems we encourage you to reach out by requesting a Preliminary Franchise Application to talk about this further.

Question 23

I own my own restaurant right now. Can I still open my own Pizza Hotline?

Accepted Answer

Pizza Hotline Franchisees are not allowed to operate any other food brands or competing businesses while they are engaged as Franchisees or afterwards. We do offer packages for business conversions on a case-by-case basis, which allow you to transition a current restaurant operation into a Pizza Hotline model. If you are unsure whether or not you are eligible to open a Pizza Hotline location we encourage you to reach out by submitting a Preliminary Franchise Application, where one our Team Members can review your circumstances and reach out to discuss potential next steps.

Question 24

Once I meet the criteria, what is the waiting period for a Franchise? Am I put in order on a list?

Accepted Answer

Pizza Hotline reviews all Preliminary Applications on a case-by-case basis based on the information presented by the candidate in said application. We aim to reach out to all interested parties as soon as possible from time of reception of such Preliminary Application.

Question 25

I don't have all of the required cash on-hand. Can I still own my own Franchise?

Accepted Answer

Pizza Hotline is extremely proud of our Special Consideration opportunities which are offered from time-to-time to Prospective Franchisees. These opportunities allow for reduced cash-on-hand requirements on the part of the Prospect, and may or may not be available at present time in a market or number of markets. If you believe you have what it takes to be eligible for Special Consideration, you should review this section on our Franchise webpage and submit a request for a Preliminary Application, where you can highlight specifically why you believe you are eligible.

Question 26

I have the money to finance a store, but I don't have a partner who will operate it. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Pizza Hotline prides itself on our Owner-Operator Franchisees, meaning people who both own the business and work in it in a full-time capacity. If you believe that Pizza Hotline can be a positive investment for you, but don’t have a partner who will commit to full-time operation, we ask that you complete a Preliminary Franchise Application and indicate this to us, so that a Team Member can reach out and discuss potential steps forward. Opportunities for investment may or may not arise on a case-by-base basis.

Question 27

Does Pizza Hotline offer financing?

Accepted Answer

Pizza Hotline may offer financing packages to individuals as part of our Special Consideration pool. Please note that this pool is reserved for individuals who have already worked in our company for an extended period of time and have shown high passion and excellence in store-level operations.

Question 28

Does Pizza Hotline help with lease negotiations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide support during the lease negotiation process.

Question 29

Are there any renewal fees?

Accepted Answer

Yes, renewal fees are 50% of the then-current Franchise Fee.

Question 30

What is the average profit margin for a Pizza Hotline?

Accepted Answer

Profit margins vary depending on the attention and skill with which a Franchisee operates their location(s). Pizza Hotline provides you with a variety of cost targets as well as extensive training and ongoing support to hit these targets, however ultimately the amount of profit margin your business generates will be up to you.

Question 31

How many employees do I need to hire? Does Pizza Hotline help me with this?

Accepted Answer

Staffing depends on store size and volume, but typically ranges from 5-10 Kitchen Team Members and Managers. Delivery Drivers will be in addition to this number and again depend on volume.

Pizza Hotline does not directly manage or take part in your store's Human Resource initiatives, but we do supply you with extensive training and ongoing resources that you can use to manage these initiatives.

Question 32

Where does franchise training take place? Are accommodations included?

Accepted Answer

Franchisee training takes place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It is in-person, daily, and comprised of a mix of in-store and classroom settings. Accommodation, travel, and local expenses are not included in your training fees.

Question 33

How long does it take to build and set up a Pizza Hotline?

Accepted Answer

Pizza Hotline has created a best-in-class construction standards package that provides Franchisees with everything they need to build a compliant and effective location. While every market is different, generally the process of site selection, build-out, and setup takes between 3-6 months.

Frequently asked questions