What is the name of the affiliate of Aw that operated the first Papa Ray's Pizza & Wings restaurant?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We have never operated a Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant. Our predecessor and an affiliate based on common ownership, Papa Ray's Pizza 1, Inc., operated the first Papa Ray's Pizza & Wings restaurant from April 2010 to August 2014. Our affiliate Papa Rays 2, Inc. began operating a second Papa Ray's Pizza & Wings restaurant in October 2010 which it continues to operate. Our affiliate Papa Rays 4, Inc. operated a Papa Ray's Pizza & Wings restaurant from October 2013 to February 2016 and from June 2016 to the present.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 10–11)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the first Papa Ray's Pizza & Wings restaurant was operated by Aw's predecessor and an affiliate based on common ownership, Papa Ray's Pizza 1, Inc., from April 2010 to August 2014. This entity, Papa Ray's Pizza 1, Inc., is identified as an Illinois corporation.
It is important to note that while Aw itself has never operated a Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant, its affiliate's experience is relevant. This operational history provides insight into the development of the Papa Ray's Pizza & Wings system, as Papa Ray's Pizza 1, Inc. established the first restaurant and developed the operating system before Aw acquired the rights to it in December 2012.
Additionally, the FDD mentions other affiliates, Papa Rays 2, Inc. and Papa Rays 4, Inc., which have also operated Papa Ray's Pizza & Wings restaurants. Papa Rays 2, Inc. began operating a second location in October 2010 and continues to do so, while Papa Rays 4, Inc. operated a restaurant from October 2013 to February 2016 and from June 2016 to the present. This indicates that Aw has a network of related companies involved in the operation of Papa Ray's Pizza & Wings restaurants, which could provide support and experience for new franchisees.