Cicis
Cicis offers value-priced pizza, pastas, salads, and desserts in dine-in or carry-out formats. Known for its buffet-style dining experience, Cicis operates as a pizza chain with locations across various regions.
About Cicis
Cici Enterprises, LP, doing business as Cicis Pizza and also known as simply Cicis, is an American chain of buffet restaurants based in Coppell, Texas, specializing in pizza. The company was founded in 1985, and started franchising by 1987. In November 2015, the company began a new marketing campaign which included the renaming of the company to Cicis, and a redesigned logo and website.
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Cicis franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment to begin operation of a Cicis Buffet Restaurant is between $694,965 and $1,038,753, while for a Cicis To Go Restaurant, it is between $242,086 and $438,232. [p.1]
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee varies based on the type of restaurant. For a Cicis Buffet Restaurant, it is $30,000, and for a Cicis To Go Restaurant, it is $15,000 (subject to reduction under certain incentive programs). [p.11]
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
Ongoing royalties are calculated as a percentage of franchise restaurant sales related to the performance obligation under the franchise agreement [p.206]. Advertising contributions received from franchisees are recorded as a component of marketing fees in the combined statements of income [p.206, p.222].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
To sell or transfer your franchise, you must provide all requested information and documents to the franchisor [p.144]. This includes executed versions of any relevant documents for the transfer and details about the proposed transferee and its owners [p.103(k)]. Ensure that the transfer meets all requirements set by the franchisor [p.103(k)].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor can terminate the agreement if any grounds for default or termination stated in the Franchise Agreement or the Area Development Agreement do not constitute 'reasonable cause,' as defined by the Virginia Retail Franchising Act or the laws of Virginia. This means that certain provisions may not be enforceable if they do not meet the legal definition of reasonable cause. [p.230]
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The FDD focuses on the need for additional funds during the start-up phase but does not provide specific details about net worth or liquid capital requirements for qualifying as a franchisee.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
You do not receive an exclusive territory under either the Franchise Agreement or Area Development Agreement [p.38]. However, you have a Protected Area where you can operate your Cicis Restaurant without competition from other franchises of the same brand during the term of your agreement, as long as you comply with it [p.38].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides pre-opening services such as training [p.206], and ongoing services including management of the advertising fund contributions, development of training materials and menu items, and restaurant monitoring [p.205]. These services are considered part of a single performance obligation related to providing daily access to symbolic intellectual property over the term of the franchise agreement [p.205].
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor may provide financial performance information if there is a reasonable basis for it and it is included in the disclosure document [p.53]. However, other than the specified historical results from certain outlets, no representations are made about future financial performance or past financial performance of company-owned or franchised outlets [p.57]. Any such information should be reported to the franchisor's Legal Department, the Federal Trade Commission, and state regulatory agencies if received [p.57].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are not specifically restricted to selling any particular items, but there are restrictions on what suppliers you can use. You may have to buy or lease certain items from the franchisor or a limited group of suppliers designated by them [p.3]. For example, you must purchase from JMC certain items needed for developing and operating your Cicis Restaurant [p.11], and you must comply with standards and specifications for purchasing food, beverage items, ingredients, supplies, materials, fixtures, furnishings, exterior signage, equipment, game room equipment, and other products used or offered for sale at your restaurant [p.87].