What is the name of the affiliate of Aw that operates a 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, Papa Rays 2, Inc. and Papa Rays 4, Inc. are affiliates that operate Papa Ray's Pizza & Wings restaurants. Papa Rays 2, Inc. began operating a Papa Ray's Pizza & Wings restaurant in October 2010 and continues to operate it. 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.
This information is relevant for prospective Aw franchisees as it provides insight into the operational experience of Aw's affiliates. Understanding how these affiliated entities manage and sustain their Papa Ray's Pizza & Wings restaurants can offer valuable lessons and benchmarks for new franchisees. It also demonstrates the franchisor's direct or indirect involvement in operating restaurants under the brand.
It is important to note that while Aw has affiliates operating Papa Ray's Pizza & Wings restaurants, Aw itself has never operated one. This distinction highlights that the operational expertise comes from affiliated entities rather than directly from the franchisor. Prospective franchisees may want to further investigate the nature of the relationship between Aw and its affiliates, and how the operational knowledge is shared and transferred to franchisees.
Franchisees should consider asking Aw about the level of support and guidance they can expect based on the experiences of these affiliates. Understanding the performance and challenges faced by Papa Rays 2, Inc. and Papa Rays 4, Inc. can help a new franchisee better prepare for the realities of operating a Papa Ray's Pizza & Wings restaurant.