Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to get started?

The average initial investment to open a single Gandolfo's New York Delicatessen ® restaurant ranges from $302,450 to $558,950. These costs include franchise fee, lease deposits, leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment, miscellaneous suppliers, opening inventory, initial advertising, signs and working capital.

Is financing available?

Gandolfo's New York Delicatessen ® does not offer financing. Bank and SBA loan finance programs have been utilized by financially qualified franchises to finance their restaurants.

How long will it take to get my Gandolfo’s Deli ® franchise open?

Each location is different, depending on a variety of factors, including site selection, build-out requirements and training. However, it typically takes approximately ten months from signing the franchise agreement to opening day at your Gandolfo's restaurant.

What fees will I be paying in terms of royalties and/or advertising?

The monthly royalty is 6% of net sales (gross sales less sales tax).  Building regional and national recognition of the Gandolfo's New York Delicatessen ® name and reputation is an essential objective of the system. Each store expends a minimum of 2% on local advertising in their local markets using approved materials. Additionally, the national advertising fund established requires you to contribute an additional 1% of monthly net sales to that fund.

How much money can I make as a Gandolfo’s Deli ® franchisee?

The Federal Trade Commission, through the Franchise Disclosure Document contract, prohibits Gandolfo's New York Delicatessen ® from making specific profit projections. We encourage you to learn more about our restaurants by speaking with our franchisees. Our franchisees were once in your position of investigating our franchise program and had many of the same questions you probably have now.

Do I receive training by Gandolfo’s Deli ® ?

Prior to your restaurant opening, we will furnish initial training on the operation of a Gandolfo's New York Delicatessen ® restaurant. The training lasts for four weeks in an operating deli.  We require that two people attend training prior to the store opening.

What form of continuing support will I receive?

Gandolfo's corporate will offer you continuous marketing support, emphasizing a neighborhood marketing strategy.  We have a Marketing Coordinator in the corporate office who will work hand-in-hand with you to create a marketing plan that is not only something that will work for your deli, but that is also something you feel comfortable with.  We want to make sure that every program you implement is something that will be successful for you.  Effective marketing is crucial to the profitability and growth of any business; our Marketing Coordinator will help you track your sales and evaluate the success of every promotion.  You will also benefit from the on-going training offered by our corporate trainers and the information found from the research and development of current and future products.  Gandolfo's operates with an open-door policy, meaning that you have a direct line to any person in the company who may be able to help you in your daily operations.

How do I get started?

The first step is to return the online application or print and fax an application to us. This does not obligate you or Gandolfo's New York Delicatessen® in any way. Upon receipt and review, we will contact you to arrange a meeting and address your questions. Our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) contains information required by the Federal Trade Commission and the particular state in which your Gandolfo's New York Delicatessen® restaurant will be located. A copy of our franchise agreement is contained in this document. The FDD will enable you to diligently investigate our franchise program.

Do I need prior food or restaurant experience to own a Gandolfo’s?

While it does help to have prior food or restaurant experience, Gandolfo's does not require it.  We have franchisees from all walks of life.  What is most important to us is that we have franchisees with a willingness to work hard and a passion for their business.

How many employees will I need?

Each Gandolfo's needs a staff of approximately 12 people, including 10 part-time employees and 2 full-time employees in order to uphold Gandolfo's high customer service standards and efficiently exceed the customers' expectations.