Mr Gatti's Pizza Franchising
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How to Start a Family Entertainment Center Business

November 6, 2023

If you are an entrepreneur trying to figure out how to start a family entertainment center business, you should first learn about the available options. You could start the business on your own by following a traditional small business model. However, you may find that doing so leaves you a step behind the other major players in the family entertainment center (FEC) industry.

Competitors will likely have brand awareness and a customer base that can be hard for new FECs to contend with. Franchising with a well-known brand that has an established loyal customer base within a competitive market may be the better choice. Mr Gatti’s Pizza has demonstrated for decades that we know how to start a family entertainment center business.

Our approach combines delicious pizza and an engaging environment for all guests to enjoy. Since we first opened in the 1960s, Mr Gatti’s has helped countless community members create happy memories that inspire them to return to our FEC locations repeatedly.

Things to Do Before You Open an FEC Franchise

With our experienced team to guide you, entrepreneurs like you can be confident in the chances of success for your FEC business. Unlike some other FEC brands, Mr Gatti’s does not exclusively tailor our family fun experience to young children. Doing so can limit your location’s earning potential, as most guests will only visit for special occasions like kids’ birthday parties.

Mr Gatti’s focuses on serving high-quality pizza and other menu items while also providing a number of arcade games that appeal to all ages. Our team has witnessed firsthand how this approach motivates community members to regularly visit our FEC franchises. If you’re considering franchising with an FEC brand, here are some initial steps you should take:

Brand Research

Before embarking on the FEC journey, it's crucial to conduct thorough research on the brand you're considering franchising with. Start by delving into the brand's history and reputation with the consumers in your target base. Understand the brand’s mission and values and how they connect with their audience. Analyze and compare their:

  • Financial stability
  • Growth trajectory
  • Competitive differentiators
  • Franchise support system
  • Training programs
  • Marketing resources

Seek honest opinions from other entrepreneurs on the brand's leadership, training, and overall support. Understand the challenges they've faced and how the franchisor has assisted them. Remember, franchising is a significant investment, and choosing the right brand is paramount to your success.

By conducting comprehensive research, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision that sets you on a path toward long-term success.

Identify a Market

Selecting the ideal location for your FEC franchise is a critical decision that can make a world of difference in your chances of success. To ensure your venture thrives, research the following market factors:

Demographics

Analyze the age distribution and family structure of the potential area. A thriving FEC franchise requires a strong concentration of consumers that align with your brand’s target audience.

Competitive Landscape

Evaluate the presence and success of existing FEC businesses in the area. Assess their offerings, pricing strategies, and customer base to identify potential gaps or opportunities.

Economic Indicators

Assess the economic health of the region. Consider factors like household income, employment rates, and purchasing power to determine the area's ability to support your business.

Foot Traffic and Accessibility

Choose a location with high foot traffic and easy accessibility for guests. Consider proximity to residential areas, schools, and shopping centers to maximize visibility and attract customers. A franchisor that can assist you with this will reduce the major workload of starting a new business. Mr Gatti’s Pizza has proven that we are capable of putting our franchisees in a position to quickly build positive momentum when they open.

Addressing Important FEC Startup Costs

Another benefit of franchising with Mr Gatti’s Pizza is that franchisees won’t have to handle all their FEC startup costs on their own like they would under a small business model. Below are the investment expenses (per location) that each Mr Gatti’s franchisee is responsible for*:

  • Franchise fee: $50,000
  • Estimated initial investment: ranging from $2,185,973 - $3,660,900

As your franchisor, we also provide valuable training and support efforts to help you get your new FECs off the ground. Our new franchisee training program is structured around two main goals. The first is to educate you on what your life will be like as a Mr Gatti’s franchisee.

This includes in-person instruction and immersion in the day-to-day responsibilities and operations at a Mr Gatti’s FEC. The second goal is to familiarize you with what Mr Gatti’s Pizza does differently than other FEC brands on the market. Once you complete this training, you will have a better understanding of how to leverage our competitive differentiators to create the best FEC experience possible for customers.

Ready to start an FEC franchise of your own? Reach out to the Mr Gatti’s team to discuss if we are a good fit!

*Based on the 2023 FDD for Mr Gatti’s Pizza. Please reach out to us to request an updated copy if you are interested in our franchise opportunities.

Open a New Mr. Gatti's Franchise

How to Start a Family Entertainment Center Business

How to Start a Family Entertainment Center Business

If you are an entrepreneur trying to figure out how to start a family entertainment center business, you should first learn about the available options. You could start the business on your own by following a traditional small business model. However, you may find that doing so leaves you a step behind the other major players in the family entertainment center (FEC) industry.

Competitors will likely have brand awareness and a customer base that can be hard for new FECs to contend with. Franchising with a well-known brand that has an established loyal customer base within a competitive market may be the better choice. Mr Gatti’s Pizza has demonstrated for decades that we know how to start a family entertainment center business.

Our approach combines delicious pizza and an engaging environment for all guests to enjoy. Since we first opened in the 1960s, Mr Gatti’s has helped countless community members create happy memories that inspire them to return to our FEC locations repeatedly.

Things to Do Before You Open an FEC Franchise

With our experienced team to guide you, entrepreneurs like you can be confident in the chances of success for your FEC business. Unlike some other FEC brands, Mr Gatti’s does not exclusively tailor our family fun experience to young children. Doing so can limit your location’s earning potential, as most guests will only visit for special occasions like kids’ birthday parties.

Mr Gatti’s focuses on serving high-quality pizza and other menu items while also providing a number of arcade games that appeal to all ages. Our team has witnessed firsthand how this approach motivates community members to regularly visit our FEC franchises. If you’re considering franchising with an FEC brand, here are some initial steps you should take:

Brand Research

Before embarking on the FEC journey, it's crucial to conduct thorough research on the brand you're considering franchising with. Start by delving into the brand's history and reputation with the consumers in your target base. Understand the brand’s mission and values and how they connect with their audience. Analyze and compare their:

  • Financial stability
  • Growth trajectory
  • Competitive differentiators
  • Franchise support system
  • Training programs
  • Marketing resources

Seek honest opinions from other entrepreneurs on the brand's leadership, training, and overall support. Understand the challenges they've faced and how the franchisor has assisted them. Remember, franchising is a significant investment, and choosing the right brand is paramount to your success.

By conducting comprehensive research, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision that sets you on a path toward long-term success.

Identify a Market

Selecting the ideal location for your FEC franchise is a critical decision that can make a world of difference in your chances of success. To ensure your venture thrives, research the following market factors:

Demographics

Analyze the age distribution and family structure of the potential area. A thriving FEC franchise requires a strong concentration of consumers that align with your brand’s target audience.

Competitive Landscape

Evaluate the presence and success of existing FEC businesses in the area. Assess their offerings, pricing strategies, and customer base to identify potential gaps or opportunities.

Economic Indicators

Assess the economic health of the region. Consider factors like household income, employment rates, and purchasing power to determine the area's ability to support your business.

Foot Traffic and Accessibility

Choose a location with high foot traffic and easy accessibility for guests. Consider proximity to residential areas, schools, and shopping centers to maximize visibility and attract customers. A franchisor that can assist you with this will reduce the major workload of starting a new business. Mr Gatti’s Pizza has proven that we are capable of putting our franchisees in a position to quickly build positive momentum when they open.

Addressing Important FEC Startup Costs

Another benefit of franchising with Mr Gatti’s Pizza is that franchisees won’t have to handle all their FEC startup costs on their own like they would under a small business model. Below are the investment expenses (per location) that each Mr Gatti’s franchisee is responsible for*:

  • Franchise fee: $50,000
  • Estimated initial investment: ranging from $2,185,973 - $3,660,900

As your franchisor, we also provide valuable training and support efforts to help you get your new FECs off the ground. Our new franchisee training program is structured around two main goals. The first is to educate you on what your life will be like as a Mr Gatti’s franchisee.

This includes in-person instruction and immersion in the day-to-day responsibilities and operations at a Mr Gatti’s FEC. The second goal is to familiarize you with what Mr Gatti’s Pizza does differently than other FEC brands on the market. Once you complete this training, you will have a better understanding of how to leverage our competitive differentiators to create the best FEC experience possible for customers.

Ready to start an FEC franchise of your own? Reach out to the Mr Gatti’s team to discuss if we are a good fit!

*Based on the 2023 FDD for Mr Gatti’s Pizza. Please reach out to us to request an updated copy if you are interested in our franchise opportunities.

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Open a New Mr. Gatti's Franchise

Mr. Gattis Franchise Footer Logo with the ordering management system and order processing system.

This website and the franchise sales information on this site does not constitute an offer to sell a franchise. The offer of a franchise can only be made through the delivery of a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have registered the franchise (or obtained an applicable exemption from registration) and complied with the pre-sale disclosure requirements that apply in your jurisdiction.

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