Flying Wedge Frequently Asked Questions:
Starting a Business can be a daunting experience full of uncertainties. At Flying Wedge we understand this. To assist you further we have compiled a list of the commonly asked questions regarding purchasing a Flying Wedge Pizza Franchise. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.

How does The Flying Wedge select a location?
Flying Wedge works closely with a team location expert to examine every single location of interest.  Since 1989, Flying Wedge has reviewed hundreds of potential sites of all shapes and sizes.  The result?  The selection and lease process is so selective that Flying Wedge rejects more sites than it approves.  While no location is ever guaranteed success, Flying Wedge strives to get the best locations, best lease rates and best terms possible.  As a result, Flying Wedge has secured the kind of locations that has made us well known to date.

Does Flying Wedge look for and find the location or can I?
Flying Wedge is constantly looking for the best locations, often before a location becomes available to the general public.  However, some areas can have such high retail demand that there maybe an extended wait period.  In these instances we work closely with the franchisee to determine the best decision given the conditions.  At any time the franchisee is free to look for a potential location.  Although, Flying Wedge must give final approval, you will be involved in the site selection process.  Once a location is found, Flying Wedge will work to negotiate the best terms possible.

How much will it cost me to acquire a Flying Wedge Franchise?
Your initial investment to acquire a license to operate a Flying Wedge franchise is $35,000.00.  For this initial investment, you will receive:  Training and orientation prior to the store opening for business, support, development assistance and the operating manuals necessary to start up and run the restaurant.  Your total investment will vary from project to project, but a present estimated range is from $275,000 to $339,000.  The following are key factors that determine what this amount will be:

• a conversion of an existing restaurant versus renovating a non restaurant location
• the cost of development and construction in your particular market
• the size of the store and system options that are chosen
• the efficiency of the construction manager
• the equipment and package options chosen

Our Development Department can prepare an estimate based on your specific circumstances.

What will be my ongoing royalty fee?
The royalty fee is 6% of gross sales.  This fee provides you with the use of The Flying Wedge Pizza brand name and operating system as well as ongoing support, training, system research and development.

What will be my advertising contribution?
A franchisee is required to contribute to an Advertising Fund equal to 3% of gross sales that will be used to advertise the business.  Franchisee’s are also required to contribute to the Promotions and Research Development Funds equal to an additional 1.5% of gross sales towards larger market awareness campaigns, promotion collaterals and system development initiatives required for further advertising & exposing the Brand.

What can I expect for a return on my investment?
Your return will be dependent on a number of factors:  your skill and abilities, how much time you actually spend to working inside your store operation, how much time you spend promoting the business to your local community, your local competition, interest rates, the economy, inflation, labor and supply costs, lease terms and the marketplace in general.  As you proceed, we can show you industry average figures based on various sales levels.

What support will be given to my Franchise?
Our franchise organization is designed to provide you with the tools and support you need to make your restaurant the first choice for people who love Quality Pizza and more of it!  The support begins before you open your store.  Our development team will assist in creating The Flying Wedge environment; everything from coordinating design and construction, installation and final store fit out to training so you can oversee, manage and train your staff on how to provide customers Award Winning Pizza.  Once your store is open, follow up support will be provided to ensure that Flying Wedge systems are in place and being monitored.  Ongoing support will provided with respect to budgeting, marketing, menu development and human resource recommendations.

Do I need previous restaurant experience?
No.  However, any experience you have gained in any area of food service always helps.  More than anything else,  your sound business sense, ability to follow through and complete tasks efficiently, marketing skills and your unwavering commitment to making and serving the Best Pizza possible are the qualities that will help you succeed as a Flying Wedge Franchisee.  If you don’t have full service restaurant experience, we insist that you have a day-to-day exposure to customer service and or a history of proven management results.

Will Flying Wedge provide training for me and my people and what will it cost?
Training for you and or a designated manager is detailed.  We will train you and or your manager one of our locations.  We will provide you hand on support to assist you in the training of your staff.  Other than travel, accommodation and meals, there is no cost to you for the opening team.  You can open your restaurant with the confidence and knowledge that you have received adequate training to specifications.  The more thorough you are in completing and following up on all your training tasks the smoother your operations will run.  In case you are still a little nervous on opening day, Flying Wedge will be there with you, monitoring, supporting and checking up on you during set scheduled visits for over 160+ hours.

What standards will The Flying Wedge set for me?
You will find that we have taken care of every aspect of The Flying Wedge experience for you including:  interior design, layout, menu, food suppliers, recipe layout, product specification, health issues, safety standards, marketing and advertising.  Your adherence to these standards is what will make your Flying Wedge franchise a success.  Inconsistent follow through and poor follow up with your staff will create problems that will affect the business.  We look for individuals that are deeply committed to upholding quality standards above all else and are prepared to execute these as a core belief.  It is the consistency and quality of these standards that reinforces our Brand, and ensures that every single customer who comes to Flying Wedge is consistently satisfied.

How long will it take for me to be approved and build my store?
The application process from the date of you initial inquiry to the executive approval will take from 2 to 6 weeks.  Once your application has received executive approval, the time frame to opening day will depend on whether it is a conversion of an existing restaurant, retail space or a new construction.  This can take from 3 to 6+ months, and will depend largely on the time required for building and related permit application in your jurisdiction.

What do I do next?
If you wish to investigate The Flying Wedge opportunity further, please complete the Franchise Question Form and the Confidential Statement of Affairs.  Forward this information The Flying Wedge Corporate Head Office.  Once it is determined that you do qualify, the franchise application process starts.  You will be contacted for an interview and the exchange of information will begin so that you can make fully informed business decision after seeking your won legal and accounting advice.

Do you qualify?

• You have successfully operated or managed a small business or department, the size and scope of The Flying Wedge.  Although restaurant experience is preferred, your excellent management skills can be adapted through The Flying Wedge training programs.

• You have a thorough knowledge of the market in which you wish to open your franchise.  It is preferable that you have lived in the city and area, as will as knows the business conditions and cultural climate.

• You and/or your group need to have sufficient unencumbered capital.  Although the amount will vary form location to location depending and the size of the specific location, you should be prepared to have a minimum of $90,000-$125,000 to invest into the location.  With a minimum of this amount going into the business, an approved bank loan can be arranged to cover the balance.  Our cost estimates anticipate and cover all the times required to build an open a store.  A small estimated budget for opening expenses is usually in addition.  Upon opening we recommend you have an additional operating capitol or a line of credit facilities for contingency and cash flow purposes.

• You have a desire to be a part of a successful franchise group and must be committed to working full time sometimes 10-16 hours in the store building customer relationships and goodwill thru direct one on one, hands-on follow up with all of your staff.

• If you are interested in a territory or multiple stores, the following additional criteria must bin place:

• (a) A development agreement which will specify the number of sites and the time period in which they must be built

• (b) The financial ability to operate more than two stores

• (c) The management capability and personnel to operate the desired number of stores in the territory or multiple stores.

• You will be required to submit a proposal detailing all aspects of your business plan and management, shareholder and operating structures.  Your plan must include:

A projected operating statement of revenue and expenses;

A financial plan of construction of your restaurant, including a rough timetable for completion;

A personal employment history and business history of all proposed shareholders and operating managers;

Detail on your proposed operating management team.

Thank you for interest in a Flying Wedge Franchisee, we hope that these questions have helped clarify whether owning and operating a franchisee is the right option for you.  As this process can take time for you, we are available to answer any additional questions you may have.  Please contact Yvette Pepper at our Corporate Office (604) 681-1288, should you need further assistance.