The Pizza Company Franchise Systems, Inc.
Make Your Future SIZZLE!
Discover the excitement of running your own pizza franchise

Our History

Co-founder Ray Stahl always loved working with the public. He decided to use his skills as a pizza shop manager to open his own restaurant, and his brother Larry Stahl joined him. In 1992, they opened The Pizza Company in the South Park section of Pittsburgh, PA. The public's positive response was immediate and The Pizza Company quickly expanded to three other locations. Through the years, they have perfected a delicious, popular menu and a strong reputation for quality food and friendly customer service. The Pizza Company has also established an in-depth training program that has developed teams of highly professional, productive employees.

Ray and Larry Stahl are eager to bring The Pizza Company's winning recipe to new markets. They are confident that, with their superb menu and training program, The Pizza Company's success can easily be duplicated by other franchises. They are looking for hardworking entrepreneurs who enjoy working with the public and have the ambition and commitment to succeed as The Pizza Company Franchisees.

Typical Questions & Answers

What will my hours be?

Your franchise will be open seven days a week on the following schedule: 11am to Midnight (12am) in Summer, 11am or 10 or 11pm in Winter. However if your franchise is in a mall, the mall management may dictate when your franchise must open and /or close. During all business hours, you and/or a qualified manager must be on site to supervise the operations. As the Franchisee, you should expect to devote at least 20 to 40 hours per week to you business.

	Do I have to quit my present job?
	Although you do not have to quit your present employment, you will be required to devote a minimum of 20 hours a week at you franchise. We also require that during all operating hours, the franchise is supervised by a qualified manager, on who has completed The Pizza Company training. If you choose no to hire a manger, you must be on-site during all operating hours.

	How does financing work?
	The Pizza Company Franchise Systems, Inc. does not offer financing, but we will assist you in developing a business plan that will help you obtain financing.

Do I need any related experience?

A background in management, customer service or the restaurant business is helpful, but not necessary. The Pizza Company Franchise Systems, Inc. will provide the requisite knowledge and experience to help you become a business owner. Furthermore, we will provide all necessary training for owners and mangers, plus ongoing assistance. With you commitment and our expertise, you will quickly acquire the necessary experience. You need several qualities, however, to become a successful The Pizza Company Franchisee: a dedication to success, willingness to work hard and a sociable, energetic personality. You must also posses enough capital and credit to own a business.

	Must I use specific vendors?
	You may purchase franchise equipment and supplies through local vendors of your choice. These vendors, however, must meet specifications outlined by the Franchisor, who will assist in locating approved suppliers as necessary.

May I sell my franchise?

You must notify the Franchsor in writing of your intention to terminate, transfer or sell the business. The Franchisor has the right of first refusal. The Franchisor can also find another qualified Franchisee to purchase the business. If this right is not exercised, you may sell your business as long as the Corporate Officers of The Pizza Company Franchise Systems, Inc. approve the potential buyer. All fee payments must be up-to-date and all proprietary materials must be returned to the Franchisor. There is a $2,000 transfer fee. Fees are nonrefundable.

	Is there a regianl advertising program?
	At this time, The Pizza Company Franchise Systems, Inc. does not yet conduct a regional advertising program. You should design and conduct your own local advertising campaign, following our comprehensive marketing plan. In the future, we plan to institute regional advertising programs, to be paid by franchise fees.

	May I own more than one franchise?
	Yes, you may purchase additional The Pizza Company Franchises after you successfully establish your first franchise. Any additional franchise must be in an area that does not infringe on another The Pizza Company Franchisee.

	What if I want to have partners?
	You may choose to establish your business with as many partners as you think is feasible. Each partner must complete and application and be approved by the Franchisor. A partnership should designate specific duties and roles for each partner and establish one partner as the financial spokesperson.

	What kind of insurance is needed?
	You will need workers compensation and a minimum of $2,000,000 commercial liability coverage. You will also need general business insurance including, but not limited to, fire, disability, business interruption, personal property and automotive for all company owned vehicles. If you are leasing the physical premises for your business, your landlord may also have specific insurance requirements.

	What about the competition?
	The competition may be heavy but, for over 10 years, The Pizza Company has pleased customers with our delicious menu. Our acclaimed name and unique taste will give you a powerful advantage over your competitors.

Support Services

Getting Started

What are you waiting for? Now is the time to get involved in the multi-billion-dollar pizza industry! Pizza remains one of America's favorite meals. In fact, 93 percent of all Americans eat at least one pizza per month. And all projections show that this trend should continue for years to come.

As the newest member of our franchise family, you'll benefit from our superb menu and extensive training program. You'll be in charge of your own future, with our support and guidance always available.

Are you ready to join us - and become your own boss? As soon as your Franchise Agreement is signed, your The Pizza Company Franchise can be made up and running on only three to four (3-4) months.

Follow these initial steps:
1. Complete and return the Franchise Application, which is included in this brochure.
2. Attend an initial "get acquainted" meeting with Franchisor.
3. Determine possible location(s).
4. Arrange financing.
5. Receive and review the Franchise Offering Circular and Franchise Agreement. We suggest that you take at least 10 days from receipt before signing the agreement. Please consider this venture carefully! Ask questions and seek your attorney's advice before signing.
6. All parties and respective attorney's meet for the signing of the Francxhise Agreement and the Receipt (Exhibit D in the UFOC.)
7. Pay the original franchise fee.
8. Together, we finalize the location and order initial supplies and equipment - and you will be ready to begin a great business adventure!

Investment Cost Estimates

The size of a typical Pizza Company franchise is 1,000 to 2,000 interior square feet, plus sufficient outdoor parking if possible. Additional square footage would expand your preparation and storage areas, but you will not need extensive warehouse space.

The initial term of the Franchise Agreement is ten (10) years, with renewal available. There is no additional fee for renewal.

On a semi-monthly basis, the Franchise will pay a royalty fee of 4% of gross sales. This fee helps provide the Franchisee with use of The Pizza Company identity, ongoing menu development, training and unlimited consultations with the Corporate Officers.

I'm Interested! What Happens Next?

It's great that you're interested in becoming a Franchisee of The Pizza Company! Here are the next steps to follow:

1. Complete and return the Franchise Application. Consider possible locations and begin to arrange any necessary financing.
2. We will assess the information you provide, including your financial data. Within 10 to 14 days, we will contact you to arrange a "get acquainted" meeting with The Pizza Company Corporate Officers.
3. After mutual interest is established, we will give you the Franchise Agreement and related documents. You, your partners, if any, and your attorney should review the agreement.

These steps allow us to evaluate your credit and work history, and to assess each other's suitability for this franchise enterprise. Through these steps, we can insure a mutually rewarding business relationship.

Each franchise's performance affects everyone in our franchise family. Your success, therefore, is very important to us. We are committed to assisting you throughout the term of our relationship. When you sign the Franchise Agreement and pay the franhise fee, we will work with you during the entire pre-opening process, including site selection, training, marketing and inventory purchasing. When your business is up and running, we will always be just a phone call away - to answer your questions, offer support and cheer your success!

Call or write us today

We are looking for enthusiastic, dedicated people who are eager to run thei own business. If that is your goal - and you're willing to cimmit the necessary energy and resources - we would welcome you as a Franchisee of The Pizza Company!

Ray and Larry Stahl
The Pizza Company Franchise Systems, Inc.
5200 Brownsville Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15236