Which Wich
Which Wich offers customizable 'wiches' and other snacks in a retail setting under the WHICH WICH brand. Known for its variety of build-your-own sandwiches, the franchise operates in the quick-service restaurant industry.
About Which Wich
Which Wich Superior Sandwiches is an American fast casual restaurant chain specializing in sandwiches and salads. It has its headquarters in Downtown Dallas, Texas. As of 2022, it has 168 locations open in 27 U.S. states as well as the District of Columbia, along with international locations in Qatar and the United Kingdom.
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Which Wich franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to develop one WHICH WICH Store ranges from $253,500 to $822,250. This includes the initial franchise fee and other expenses but does not include additional costs like debt service or any potential increases due to development agreements for multiple stores [p.1].
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is $30,000 for your first Store and $25,000 for each additional Store. This isn't specified in the excerpts.
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The ongoing royalty fee and advertising obligations may differ between the terms of the Franchise Agreement and any Development Agreement, as these can be materially different from WWFI's current agreements. Additionally, if the transferee is a Business Entity, its Owners must sign a standard form of Guaranty and Personal Undertaking [p.157, p.108]. The specific percentages for royalties and advertising fees are not detailed in the provided excerpts.
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The duration of the initial franchise agreement isn't specified in the excerpts. Additionally, renewal of the franchise agreement is at the sole discretion of WWFI, and no additional renewal terms are granted based on previous considerations [p.138].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
According to the FDD excerpts, you can transfer your franchise, but it requires approval from WWFI for good cause except in cases where WWFI has a right of first refusal to purchase the franchise. [p.5(g)] This isn't specified in the excerpts.
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
According to [p.5], the franchisor can terminate the franchise agreement if there is a failure by the franchisee to comply with any lawful provision of the Franchise Agreement and such failure is not cured within 30 days after being given written notice. This is considered "good cause" for termination. Additionally, this right is subject to the Virginia Retail Franchising Act which generally prohibits franchisor cancellation without reasonable cause ([p.54] and [p.175]).
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
To qualify as a transferee, you must meet WWFI's then-current liquid and net worth requirements as demonstrated to WWFI's satisfaction [p.156]. This isn't specified in the excerpts for the exact amounts or criteria.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory. You may face competition from other franchisees, outlets owned by the company, or competitive brands controlled by the company. However, if you develop five or more Stores and agree to pay 100% of the initial franchise fee for each at the time you sign the Development Agreement, you can obtain limited territorial protection as described in the Protected Development Addendum [p.32].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides training administered by John Looney with over 40 years of experience, along with qualified members of their staff. Training materials come from various sources including their Manual and other tools. Ongoing support includes operational assistance through Area Directors in specific territories, though these directors have no direct business operations or franchise offerings themselves. [p.8, p.29]
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The FDD mentions that a large number of franchised outlets (32) were terminated, not renewed, re-acquired, or ceased operations for other reasons in the last year [p.54]. However, it does not provide an exact total number of current franchised outlets or specify how many have closed or been terminated over multiple years.
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor is permitted to provide financial performance information under certain conditions. Specifically, they can offer actual records of an existing outlet being considered for purchase [p.44]. However, the franchisor does not make representations about a franchisee's future financial performance or past financial performance of company-owned or franchised outlets, and they do not authorize their employees or representatives to make such representations either orally or in writing [p.44].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are restricted from operating a business that offers cold or toasted sandwiches as primary menu items unless it is a WHICH WICH ® Store operated pursuant to a then-currently effective Franchise Agreement. You must purchase all required goods and services from the franchisor or designated sources, including food products, ingredients, uniforms, merchandise, and advertising materials [p.21]. Additionally, you may have to buy certain items from specific suppliers that the franchisor designates [p.3].