How do I become an Old Chicago Franchise candidate?
First, you may wish to review the “Financial Requirements” information sheet to ensure that you are able to meet the investment requirements. A fully completed application form must be submitted to Old Chicago Franchising Corporation. Once we have reviewed your information, a Franchise representative will contact you to discuss the next steps in our approval process. An overview of the steps required to obtain a Franchise is outlined in the “Next Steps” information sheet.

What is the initial investment required?
An Old Chicago restaurant can be opened with an initial investment ranging from $1,322,000 to $1,949,000, not including the purchase of real estate. This range of investment is due to wide variations in markets, site costs, construction labor and materials, and design.

Is financing available?
Old Chicago Franchising Corporation does not offer direct or indirect financing, nor do we guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations. However, we have established a list of lenders who have expressed an interest in working with our Franchise Partners, which we can provide to you.

Will Old Chicago provide assistance with real estate selection?
While we do not select a site for you, we provide guidelines to assist you in finding an ideal location, and our experienced development team will help you evaluate the chosen market.

Are franchisees required to have restaurant experience?
Yes, Old Chicago is currently seeking experienced multi-unit restaurant operators that can develop stores within an exclusive trade area such as a DMA or state. Each franchise candidate who meets the requirements will be evaluated based on a combination of restaurant industry experience, market knowledge, general management experience, and business acumen.

What is the term of the agreement?
Our Franchise Partners actually enter into two types of agreements with us. They sign an Area Development Agreement which obligates them to develop a specific number of stores over a specific period of time. The number of stores and the term of the agreement varies.

They also sign a Franchise Agreement for each store developed within their territory. That agreement has a fifteen year term with renewal options.

After I am approved as a Franchise, what is required prior to opening an Old Chicago restaurant?
The following is a partial list of the steps you must complete prior to store opening:

1. Select the restaurant site.
2. Design a conceptual site and building plan.
3. Negotiate and obtain approval of the lease or purchase of the site.
4. Submit building plans for approval to Old Chicago Franchising Corp.
5. Turn conceptual plans into construction documents.
6. Complete the local government approval process.
7. Complete restaurant construction.
8. Train staff and management.
9. Complete other pre-opening activities including promotion planning and marketing.