Franchise Opportunities

You want to join our family, benefit from our proven system, our name and our history, so you are wondering what steps are involved. Investing in any business is an important decision, and we want to help you make sure it’s right for you. We are committed to the success of our franchisees so we want to make sure that you will fit in. We’ve carefully created the following informational steps that will move the initial process forward.

Step 1: Complete the Request for Information form and submit it to us.

Step 2: We will contact you within 72 hours. This will be a chance for each of us to ask questions, and to find out if there is a match between your interests and our franchise opportunity.

Step 3: If you’re still interested in pursuing a franchise and if we feel you are a match, we’ll ask you to complete our more complete form called the “Confidential Request for Consideration ”. This form provides more detailed questions about your qualifications. You will also be asked to complete an assessment form that will be emailed to you.

Step 4: We will review your completed “Confidential Request for Consideration” and the assessment forms. If we feel that there is a match, we will invite you to meet us at one of our locations.

Step 5: During this visit we will give you a copy of our Federal Disclosure Document (FDD), which explains in detail all the aspects of our franchise opportunity. We will set a follow up telephone call or a personal appointment to answer any questions you may have about the information included in the FDD.

Step 6: You will have the opportunity to review our FDD at your leisure. During the follow up appointment we will answer any questions you may have about the information included in the FDD.

Step 7: After we have answered all your questions you can sign the franchise agreement.

Step 8: Pre-Training begins. During this step you will be assisted in finding the appropriate location for your store. Once we approve your location, your build out will commence.

Step 9: Classroom and hands on training takes place once your store is 3 to 4 weeks from being completed. You will also hire and train staff.

Step 10: Store opens for a period of what we term the “soft opening” until everything is running smoothly. Once you reach this point you will hold the official Grand Opening and be on your way to success by following our proven system and working hard.

People interested in our franchise model often ask us good questions like these:

Is a Nardelli’s Grinder Shoppe franchise available in my geographic area?
We have a planned strategy of expansion that begins in the cities and counties closest to our current Connecticut locations in the Greater Waterbury and Naugatuck areas. We plan to expand in a radius from these locations. When you complete the Request for Information questionnaire, please make sure to let us know your Preferred Geographic Area.

Do you help with financing?
We do not provide financing. However, the total investment required for this franchise opportunity is low relative to similar investments. Also, there are many sources of financing for small businesses, such as the Small Business Administration (SBA), Angel Financing through friends and family, second mortgage programs, and personal savings.

How much cash would I need to get started?
We have a reasonable cost of entry. The total investment ranges from $89,000 to $571,000, which includes the initial franchise fee. It is a good idea to have additional funds for personal and living expenses for several months if you do not have another source of revenue during the initial months of the business.

How long will it take me to get started?
After you sign the franchise agreement, you will begin a pre-opening training period and will commence to look for a location. Once we approve your location, build out will begin and you will attend our intensive training program. This usually takes anywhere between 3 to 6 months. Finding the right location is key to the success of the franchise, and thus it usually takes the longest time.

What qualities or job experience do I need to have?
We’re looking for people who want to be in business for themselves, but not by themselves. We’d like to work with people who are passionate about being independent, but who don’t want to reinvent the wheel and who will commit to following our proven system.
A college degree is not necessary, but it is important that you have previous food business experience. You will need the ability to multitask as well as have good management and communication skills. If you have these qualities, along with a strong work ethic and the desire to succeed, then you’re probably a good match.

Can I do this alone, or do I need a partner or employees?
Our business model requires employees and the franchisee to act as the manager. You also may want to have an assistant manager to alleviate your work load. A family member may work in this capacity.

What is the training program like? Where does it take place?
The training program is very comprehensive. It includes pre-training activities, initial classroom training, hands-on training, follow-up training, and ongoing support. Training will take place at our premises and at your store once you open.

Will you help me with finding the right employees?
Yes. In our training sessions, you’ll learn how to search for, select, hire and train your employees. You will also learn the skills needed to manage people in our fast environment.

What kind of support will you provide to me?
We’ll guide you through the process of selecting the right location and outfitting your store. Once you open, we will provide daily support to help you get up to speed quickly. When it comes to our franchisees, support is what we are all about.

What is the next step?
Fill out our Request for Information questionnaire. We will contact you within 72-hours to answer your questions. There is no obligation from either party. During our conversation, we will provide and gather additional information that will help you and us to make a decision about whether we are a good fit for each other.