Founded during the Great Depression, Johnny's Lunch concept has proven resilient, now brings the family business to franchise world
September 30, 2008 // Franchising.com // Toledo, OH - Johnny's Lunch has been dishing up its legendary hot dogs for more than 70 years. And now that its franchising operation is making franchise history, Johnny's Hots™ are hotter than ever.
With seven locations open and nearly 1300 in development, Johnny's Lunch is poised to have people forget the dog and clamor for its "Hots" as Johnny's Hots with its world famous sauce fills the hot dog void in the quick service segment.
Johnny Colera founded Johnny's Lunch in 1936 during the height of the Great Depression, after realizing he could sell more hot dogs for a dime than he could haircuts in one day. "A fast nickel is better than a slow dime," was Johnny's motto, and today his grandsons follow in their grandfather's footsteps keeping value as the core of their business model that is spreading the Johnny's Lunch name across America.
CEO Tony Calamunci and Vice President A. John Calamunci, third-generation owners, have teamed with franchise veteran pro George Goulson, who pioneered expansion plans for A&W Restaurant Chain and Little Caesar Enterprises, to bring their grandfather's legacy to the masses.
"Operating in the exciting quick service restaurant category, we are capitalizing on developing the hot dog segment with our popular 1930's restaurant. Our family has been in the restaurant business for over 71 years, serving delicious food fresh, hot and fast. It is time to share our knowledge, passion and successful concept," said Tony Calamunci.
Pizza, subs, chicken, tacos - those markets are saturated. And although the hot dog is a popular American staple, the hot dog quick service industry is wide open. But not for long. With seven stores open and a staggering 1292 in development, Johnny's Lunch is bursting into the quick service restaurant scene with the largest development deal in franchise history for the entire West Coast at 1005 stores.
"Our goal is to share Johnny's great products, value positioning and 'world class' brand with passionate franchise owners to serve customers everywhere," Tony Calamunci said.
Born in the Great Depression, Johnny's Hots has already proven that it can weather any economy. A Johnny's Lunch franchise is an affordable investment that can deliver big results with a $230-280,000 investment for a1400-1600 square-foot space. Leasing options available for the right franchisee will reduce the out of pocket investment to less than $100,000. Johnny's Lunch's turnkey approach to franchising and established systems make it easy to grow right along with the concept.
With a 1930's flair and feel, Johnny's Lunch makes its guests feel comfortable and at home right when they step in the door. It is the soda shop for the next generation, and the in-store branding proves it with classic signage and menu boards and an interior decorated in red, white and black with chrome accents.
But it's the sauce that really separates Johnny's Lunch from the crowd. Great on its Hots, mouthwatering burgers or fries, the legendary 100% beef-based Johnny's Famous Sauce™, created by trial and error by the owners' grandparents 70 years ago, is what makes customers come back again and again. The unique flavored beef sauce has only 20 calories per serving and only 5 of those calories are from fat. Add to that Johnny's critically acclaimed shakes, rice pudding, salads and chicken sandwiches and you have great value served FRESH, HOT, FAST™.
About Johnny's Lunch
Founded in1936 by the grandfather of CEO Tony Calamunci and Vice President A. John Calamunci, Johnny's Lunch continues to bring to the table what made it a success two generations ago - quality, quantity, price and service. But with seven stores open and a staggering 1292 in development, Johnny's Lunch is making quick service restaurant franchise history and bringing its "Hots" mainstream. Partnering with franchise veteran pro George Goulson, who pioneered expansion plans for A&W Restaurant Chain and Little Caesar Enterprises, Johnny's Lunch is strategically and methodically planning to aggressively dominate the underserved hot dog category. With great systems in place, an established network of area developers, and its turnkey approach to franchising, Johnny's Lunch is poised to blast into the quick serve scene and bring America the hots it is craving. For more, visit www.johnnyslunch.com.
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