How to Buy a CiCi's Pizza Buffet Franchise

Are you looking to buy a pizza franchise? Consider CiCi's Pizza Buffet! CiCi's Pizza Buffet offers buffet style pizza, salad, breadsticks and desert, for just over $5 a person. In today's tough economy, people are looking for economical choices when dining out, so $5 is a great selling point. And CiCi's offers a kid and family friendly atmosphere that is worth every penny of the price.

There are three ways to get involved in a CiCi's Franchise.

Step One: Buy a Franchise

According to CiCi's website, a CiCi's owner/operator serves as the General Manager of their restaurant, devotes their full time and attention to their CiCi's business, and may not have any other business interests. You must be a high-energy person who is motivated to serve others, communicates effectively, and has a successful track record in business and management at the level required to operate a high volume CiCi's. Physically, you must be able to set the pace in a very fast moving environment and have the stamina to do so for very long periods of time. CiCi's is seeking proven leaders, whose characteristics and traits adapt well to a CiCi's environment.

Step Two: Invest in a Franchise

Want to invest in a franchise but don't necessarily want to be tied to a pizza shop 8 hours a day? Then CiCi's suggests you become an investor. CiCi's will match you up with someone who wants to manage and run the store. By investing with another interested franchisee, you are creating a partnership that is beneficial to both parties. The amount of money needed to invest is generally less, which means making profits without risking as much money. Plus, the other franchisee does all the work, and you still get a portion of the profits. While they are sweating in over the hot pizza oven, you are out playing golf or reading a book on the beach. Sounds to me like a win-win!

Step Three: Become a General Manager

What if you don't yet feel as if you have the experience to run a full-blown business. Or what if you have no formal restaurant experience? This doesn't mean you can never own a CiCis! In fact, CiCi's suggests you work as a General Manager for an established CiCis. This will also help you to see if you really like the working environment. Do you enjoy the work? Can you see yourself working here, at your own store? Becoming a general manager is a great way to ease yourself into becoming a pizza franchise owner.

How Much Does it Cost?

The initial investment for a CiCi's is somewhere between $500,000 and $750,000. At least 30% of that must be in cash. Although CiCi's does not offer financing itself, they will help match you up with someone who can finance the rest of the balance (perhaps an investor from step 2?). A franchisee pays a royalty fee of between 4-6% on weekly gross sales, as well as approximately 5% in an advertising fee.