Questions People Ask About a Jake's Pizza Franchise (FAQ).

Q: Do I find my own location?
A: Although in some instances Jake's may assist in locating an acceptable site for a franchisee, Jake's is not obligated to provide any site selection assistance. The prospective franchisee locates a suitable site, but Jake's must approve the site before a lease or franchise agreement has been executed.

Q: What monthly payments do I make?
A: Our present royalty fee is 5% of the monthly gross sales. The royalty fee is 4% for franchisees in Illinois. (Gross sales will not include any receipts from the sale of beverages, sales, use or service taxes.) We reserve the right to establish an advertising fund and require you to pay an advertising fee of 2% of the monthly sales.

Q: Will Jake help me obtain financing?
A: No. Jake's neither finances nor guarantees the obligations of our franchises. You must obtain financing on your own credit rating.

Q: May I talk with other Jake's franchisees to find out what I'm getting into?
A: Definitely. We want you to do this, and we want you to talk with some of our competitors too.

Q: Do I have to buy any supplies from Jake's?
A: Jake's currently does not sell any supplies to franchisees. You must purchase certain proprietary products such as flour, dough pack mixes, BBQ sauce, mozzarella cheese, sausage and sauce spice mixes from suppliers designated by Jake's. This is to ensure that these products are manufactured following Jake's trade secret recipes. Other products and supplies you purchase can be purchased from any supplier which meets the standards and specifications developed by Jake's to maintain uniform, high quality products throughout the system.

Q: How long do I have to wait for my store?
A: That depends on the number of variables, including your ability to obtain financing, site availability in a selected marketing area and construction time. The typical length of time between the signing of the franchise agreement and the opening of the business is normally 60 to 120 days.

Q: Am I required to advertise?
A: Yes, You are required to list and advertise the Restaurant in the regular (white pages) and classified (yellow pages). Jake's has the right to require you to spend a certain amount each fiscal year on local advertising and promotions (which can be no more than 4% when combined with the contributions for the advertising fund - if established). Regardless of what is currently being required, we recommend that franchisees advertise in their local market. To be successful you must advertise.

Q: What kind of training will Jake's give me?
A: A training program is available and offered by Jake's for you and, if applicable, any proposed manager. Our classroom and on-the-job training program will cover all aspects of the business and currently lasts for approximately 4 weeks.

Q: Must I have prior experience in the restaurant industry?
A: No. As a matter of fact, very few of our franchisees have been associated with the food industry
in any form before coming with us. What it takes is a head for business, a "feel" for people, the desire to get ahead on your own, and the willingness to work hard for success.