Frequently Asked Questions
What is an "Italian?"
An Italian is the signature sandwich invented by Giovanni Amato over 100 years ago. It starts with freshly baked bread and is layered with meat, cheese, tomatoes, green peppers, spicy pickles, Greek olives, onions, a specially blended oil and salt and pepper.
What makes Amato's a unique franchise opportunity?
- 100 year old concept
- Two distinctive day part menu offerings
- Lunch - Sandwiches, Salads
- Dinner - Pasta, Pizza
How do I become an Amato's franchise candidate?
First you must complete the confidential franchise qualification profile form and return it to us. Upon financial approval of your application, you meet with an Amato's representative and receive a copy of Amato's Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC).
What do you look for in a potential franchisee?
Potential franchisees should be motivated, high-energy individuals who demonstrate a love and enthusiasm for the Amato's product and concept.
Are franchisees required to have restaurant experience?
Restaurant experience, while desirable, is not absolutely necessary, particularly if you have other business skills that are applicable. However, if not, you must partner with a professional restaurant manager who also has a vested interest in the business. A quality restaurateur must be closely associated with any potential franchisee.
How much will it cost?
- Fees and royalties:
- Franchise fee is $25,000
- Royalty is 6% of gross sales
Initial costs and outlays:
Start-up costs range from $380,000 to $500,000.
How much of this investment would have to be in cash?
Depending upon your financial situation, you should be able to finance 60-70% of your investment
What rights and support do I get for these Fees?
You get the right to own and operate an Amato's Sandwich Shop for ten years with two five-year renewal options.
In addition you receive:
- The right to use Amato's trademarks and proven successful operating methods as outlined in our Operations Manual
- Enrollment in our training program
- Site selection support
- A full set of operation and training manuals and materials
- On-site training assistance
- The benefit of our proprietary, trade secret formulas and recipes
What locations are best for a Amato's?
The most desirable sites are those with high traffic, good visibility, and high residential and daytime population density.
What should I look for in a site?
- A typical site requires approximately 2500 square feet
- Parking Minimum of 25 spaces
- Front Line minimum of 40 feet
Once I become a Franchisee, how long does it take to open?
Approximately 4 to 6 months, from securing a site.
What is required prior to opening?
- Select the site
- Receive prototype building plans
- Negotiate and obtain approval of the lease of site
- Submit building plans for approval to Amato's Franchising
- Complete construction
- Schedule training for management
- Complete other pre-opening activities including promotion planning and marketing
How much money can I make?
We recommend that prospective franchisees make their own independent investigation to determine whether or not the franchise will be profitable. Actual results vary from store to store, and we cannot estimate the results of a particular franchise.