WHY FRANCHISE? – TULSA’S SUCCESS SAYS IT ALL!

October 16, 2013

There’s a statistic floating around the Internet that professes 60 percent of new restaurants fail in the first three years. Why do so many well-intended dining establishments go belly-up? Maybe it’s the lack of marketing experience, lack of capital, lack of support, steep learning curve or possibly a combination of all these factors and more. Perhaps the owner did not spend an adequate amount of time testing the menu, or maybe he or she didn’t have enough experience in the restaurant business to be able to accurately predict food and labor costs. Maybe they were not skilled at negotiating the lease space and paid more than necessary? The curse of being in business alone…

These concerns are why so many savvy restaurateurs decide to invest in franchises, and why Richard Martinez, a Tulsa restaurateur, decided to invest in a proven concept – Russo’s. A prime example of this reality is Russo’s latest opening in Tulsa, Okla. The team Tulsa franchisee Richard Martinez heads brings exceptionally high numbers – and they’ve seen success from day one. Averaging $50,000 per week with 22 percent food costs and 27 percent labor costs, Tulsa’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen is sitting pretty in Russo’s goal profit margin between 18-26 percent. In fact, they’re so successful that they’re projected to make $2.5 million annually. Right now, they’re bringing in about $720 per square foot. All for a total investment cost (franchisee fee, construction, equipment, working capital, etc.) of less than one third projected sales. How many concepts have that type of investment and profit opportunity?

“What attracted me to Russo’s are the family recipes,” said Martinez. “The menu is so unique, and there was no need for me to come up with my own recipes. Russo’s has developed a simple system using fresh ingredients.”

Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen in Tulsa is 3,200 square feet and employs 22 people. Equipped with indoor and outdoor seating for more than 150 guests, the restaurant is stunning local diners with its open kitchen concept and sophisticated wine bar. With dine-in sales as well as delivery and catering, the opportunities are endless.

With more than 30 years of experience in restaurant management and ownership, Russo’s Restaurants has perfected the classic Italian dining experience, and the brand is making it easier than ever to get started on this journey yourself. For franchise information please contact Russo’s at  nypizzeria.com.

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