News

Giovanni's pizzeria wants to be a non-franchise franchise company

March 16, 2005

Sacramento Business Journal: The owners of Giovanni's Old World New York Pizzeria restaurants in Sacramento are considering letting entrepreneurs open other Giovanni's.

Sounds like franchising, right? Not exactly.

"We're looking for owner-investors to be owner-operators of their own Giovanni's restaurant," said Carlo Grifone, a co-owner, along with wife Allison Grifone.

The owner-partner strategy makes sure that someone interested in opening a restaurant is focused on it, added John Ruffaine, who along with wife Jenny are the other owners of Giovanni's.

"This is their income. The owner concept is a good thing. If they are operating it, they are going to make sure it does well." John Ruffaine said. "You have to be hands-on."

Depending on the lease, Carlo Grifone estimates it costs about $200,000 to $250,000 to open a Giovanni's. The restaurant doesn't need an elaborate kitchen, just a pizza oven, chicken rotisserie, preparation area and a walk-in refrigerator. "We supply all of the ingredients, work with them to get it started and train them."

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