How does Carbones Pizzeria ensure consistency in taste and quality across all franchised restaurants?
Carbones_Pizzeria Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
CES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES**
Because of the unique character of Carbone's pizza, you may only purchase from our approved suppliers various items including all food ingredients in the production of pizzas. The reason for the requirement is that the recipes for these products are unique and original, and it is in your interest and the interest of other franchisees and of M & T Pizza that the taste, texture and other qualities of these products be as consistent as possible. The grant or revocation of approval for a particular supplier will be communicated directly to you. Revocation will generally only occur upon the failure of the supplier to meet our standards. If you would like us to consider approving a supplier or an alternative item that we have not approved, or for which we have not revoked our approval, you must provide us with all information we request regarding the supplier or item. We will then have 30 days from the date you provide us the information to consider the supplier. We do not make our criteria available for approving suppliers or items. We do not charge a fee for our investigation or approval. We will not consider approving a supplier or item for which we only have a single supplier or item.
We have the right to designate a single source or sources from whom you must purchase any required products and services, and we and/or our affiliates may be that single source or one or more of the sources. We and our affiliates may derive revenue from your purchases or leases of goods, services, supplies, fixtures, equipment, inventory, products and other items from our suppliers. We and our affiliates may receive rebates from various suppliers based upon franchisee purchases from the suppliers. These rebates may be based on a flat amount or percentage of franchisee purchases. Currently, these rebates range from $1 to $10 per case purchased depending upon the item purchased to 1-7% of the amount paid by the franchisee for the product, depending on the product. Our affiliate also receives a flat amount from one supplier to our franchise system. During our fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, our affiliate received $159,266 in revenue from rebates paid to it based on franchisee purchases, of which $30,000 was contributed to our Advertising Fund. This information is taken from our affiliate's internal financial statements.
We have sole suppliers for pizza and spaghetti sauce packets, certain seasonings, frozen doughballs, pizza sausage and all products or other items that are branded with our name or trademarks. Additionally, you may only use our sole approved design firm for creating and publishing advertising for your Restaurant.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 12–13)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carbones Pizzeria's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the brand maintains consistency in taste and quality across its franchised restaurants primarily through mandatory sourcing from approved suppliers and adherence to standardized recipes. Franchisees are required to purchase various items, including all food ingredients used in pizza production, exclusively from Carbones Pizzeria's approved suppliers. This requirement is in place because the recipes for these products are unique and original, and Carbones Pizzeria believes that consistent taste, texture, and quality are in the best interest of the franchisees and the brand itself.
Carbones Pizzeria designates sole suppliers for critical items such as pizza and spaghetti sauce packets, certain seasonings, frozen doughballs, pizza sausage, and any products branded with the Carbones Pizzeria name or trademarks. Franchisees must also use the franchisor's sole approved design firm for creating and publishing advertising. All items purchased for restaurant operation, including ingredients, food stuffs, packaging, and supplies, must meet Carbones Pizzeria's standards, which typically relate to the quality and appearance of products to promote uniformity across all franchised locations.
Franchisees cannot deviate from the specified ingredients or recipes without prior approval from Carbones Pizzeria. The FDD indicates that items meeting the franchisor's specifications will constitute over 90% of initial purchases and 70-90% of ongoing expenses. This high percentage underscores the degree to which franchisees are required to adhere to the franchisor's sourcing and operational standards. By controlling the supply chain and enforcing strict recipe adherence, Carbones Pizzeria aims to ensure a consistent customer experience across all franchise locations.