What are the conditions that must be met before I can open my Aw Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant for business?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
within 6 months of signing the Franchise Agreement.
You may not open your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant for business until: (1) you have completed the build-out of the restaurant premises and installed all fixtures, furniture and equipment; (2) we determine that your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant has been constructed, equipped, decorated and stocked with inventory, materials and supplies in accordance with plans and specifications we have approved; (3) you and any operating manager have completed our initial training and your employees have completed pre-opening training to our satisfaction; (4) the initial franchise fee has been paid in full; and (5) you have furnished us with evidence of required insurance coverage. You must begin operating your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant within 12 months of the date you sign the Franchise Agreement. (Franchise Agreement, Section 4.7.)
Training
Before your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant opens, you and any operating manager must attend and complete to our satisfaction, an initial training program on the operation of a Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant, which currently lasts 24 days (6 days a week for 4 weeks). The initial training program will be at a restaurant owned by our affiliate in Chicago or other location determined by us. Certain portions of the initial training program may be adjusted or eliminated by us in our discretion based on your skills and experience. We expect to conduct initial training classes as needed. Although we do not charge a fee for the initial training program for up to 2 people, you will be responsible for all compensation, travel, lodging and other living expenses incurred by you and any manager attending training.
If, we determine during a training program that you (or your approved Owner) are not qualified to manage a Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant, we can require you to attend and successfully
complete additional training or we can terminate your franchise, effective upon delivery of written notice to you. If we determine during a training program that any proposed operating manager is not qualified to manage your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant, you may select and enroll a substitute manager in the training program for additional fees.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–29)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there are several conditions you must meet before opening your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant. These stipulations ensure that each location meets Aw's standards for quality and service. The estimated time between signing the franchise agreement and opening your restaurant is 6 to 18 months. This timeframe depends on securing an approved site, obtaining necessary permits and licenses, and completing the build-out of the premises. You must secure a lease for an approved site within 6 months of signing the Franchise Agreement.
Specifically, prior to opening, you must complete the build-out of the restaurant, including installing all fixtures, furniture, and equipment. Aw must determine that your restaurant is constructed, equipped, decorated, and stocked according to their approved plans and specifications. You and any operating manager are required to complete Aw's initial training program, and your employees must complete pre-opening training to Aw's satisfaction. The initial training program currently lasts 24 days.
Additionally, the initial franchise fee must be paid in full, and you must provide evidence of the required insurance coverage. You are also required to purchase and use Aw's mandated point of sale (POS) system, Microworks Prism, along with the necessary hardware, which costs between $12,000 and $19,000. A separate computer, costing around $500, is also required. Furthermore, you must begin operating your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant within 12 months of signing the Franchise Agreement. Meeting all these conditions is essential for a successful launch and adherence to Aw's franchise standards.