How did you get into the restaurant industry?

I have been in the Food & Beverage industry since 1980. I started in the Family business in the back of house in St Pete Beach, FL, then moved in the front of the house in 1987 running a upscaled family restaurant in Pinehurst NC. In 1989, I started a career in the Hotel business holding positions of Fine Dining restaurant manager, Sommelier, Convention Service Manager, Room Service Manager, Banquet Director and Food & Beverage Director. Worked with several brand as Hilton, Westin, Ritz Carlton. Westin, Renaissance, Stouffer, Privately owned Resort and Country Clubs. In 2017, working in Aiken SC for a Private Club in the capacity of Food & Beverage, my wife and I decided to open a restaurant of our own. Absolutely CheeZee was born, in Ormond Beach, FL, Now opened for almost 3 years and very successful. 

What’s new in the business or in the franchise model?

Our model is very unique and upcoming. We have converted over 50 popular sandwiches into Grilled Cheeses that we rotate on our menu.

Where do you See Opportunities or Challenges for the Absolutely Cheezee Franchise/Business Moving Forward?

The biggest challenge for a Franchisee will be to remain consistent in regard to homemade recipes and building of each Grilled Cheeses. As in every business, labor will need to be tight and the owners will have to be heavily involved in the day to day operation.

What is your Goal for the Business Moving Forward?

Bring our concept to several locations within Florida, then expand to the rest of the country from here.

Talk to us About Training and Support, How Do You Help New Restaurant Franchisees?

We will provide whatever support is necessary for a Franchisee to be successful in their own restaurant. It is important to us that all involved are fully trained and follow all of our recipes and guideline carefully. Support will be on going and as necessary based on the performance of each Franchisee. 

Your most difficult moment in the Absolutely Cheezee Franchise Business?

The ability to handle large volume in a reasonable amount of time.  We are transitioning away from being full time restaurant operators to being franchisors, it takes time and focus, but we are enjoying the heck out of it.

How is your Franchise Model Structured?

A.    Training and Support Model

Training will take place at the corporate location for approximately 2 weeks or until the Franchisee is ready to run their own location. We will be present for any opening of new Franchise for support and will be there on going based on performance and any needs for additional training. 

B.    What is the Fee Structure

Franchise Fee $25K for 1 store, $20K for additional 

$1.5K Logoed Wear, Apparel and Merchandise to start per location 

6 % Royalty fees paid weekly. 

2 % Local Marketing Fees Paid Weekly 

1 % Global Marketing Fees Paid Weekly 

C.   Territory Definition

Territory will have a population of approximately 50,000-100,000 people. Your territory will usually be specified as a radius around your location; however, we may use other boundaries (such as county lines or other political boundaries, streets, geographical features, or trade area).  

D.   Day in the life of a Franchisee

Franchisee will ensure that all products is served according to specification and that customer service is a priority. Franchisee will also monitor, inventories of Food, Beverage and paper supplies. Monitor Food Preparations, handle cash handling at beginning and end of day, monitor cleanliness of the front and back of the house.

What does your franchisee do in the business every day?

We expect Franchisees, just like us to be part of all areas of operation. Front and Back of the house and if you have the right personality, you literally LOVE what you do! 

Who is the Ideal Franchise Candidate?

The Ideal Franchise Candidate would have some F&B experience in a management capacity and some cooking experience. Someone that will be involved in the operation and run the day to day business.  Mainly, we want people who are willing to work hard and put in the effort that we have in building this brand.  It’s our life’s work and we are excited to share this with others who would like to build a fun, exciting and different restaurant franchise.

What Goals Do You Have for the Absolutely Cheezee Franchise Model in the Future? 

Our goal is to expand our Franchise model nationwide, we want to focus on high quality operators who see the vision and are excited to be part of this brand with us.

For more information on the Absolutely Cheezee Franchise system, visit the restaurant franchise site here: http://absolutelycheezeefranchise.com/