Criteria: Freestanding

Please read through the following criteria and requirements for freestanding and lifestyle restaurants.

  • Steps Towards Owning a Johnny's
    • Interested franchise candidates will receive and complete the Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse (Johnny’s) franchise application form.
    • Johnny’s VP of Development will review the franchise application form and determine whether to continue the process by providing the prospective franchisee with a copy of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
    • The prospective franchisee will return the completed receipt page of the FDD and Johnny’s will calculate the end of the fourteen (14) day waiting period.
    • A background check and credit check are initiated by Johnny’s corporate staff.
    • Meeting between applicant and Johnny’s corporate team is established (preferably at a Johnny’s location)
    • Johnny’s franchise review committee underwrites the application and candidate is notified by VP of Brand Development regarding status (approved or denied).
    • Franchise agreement is sent to approved candidate, signed by franchisee and franchise fees are paid.
    • Upon receipt of approved candidate’s franchise fee and signature pages, Johnny’s signs the franchise agreement and sends copy of fully executed document to franchisee.
    • Franchisee attends Johnny’s corporate training program at training hub (West Des Moines, IA).
    • Site documents and specifications are submitted to VP of Development for review by corporate design team.
    • Franchisee completes architectural plans and submits copy to Johnny’s for review and approval.
    • Franchisee obtains all necessary permitting.
  • Requirements Prior to Opening
    • Uniforms are ordered
    • All training to be completed by designated staff
    • Applicable licenses are obtained
    • Opening supply of food, liquor, plate ware, etc. is ordered
    • Cast is hired and trained
    • Occupancy granted along with health permits
    • Pre-opening training completed
    • Launch team assigned
    • Opening media scheduled
    • Open for business
  • Key Candidate Attributes
    • Proven restaurant experience (minimum 5 years as Owner or GM)
    • Consistently strong Guest Satisfaction results
    • Minimum MSA of 200,000
    • Net worth of $5 million and liquidity of $1 million
    • Does not accept breakeven mentality for F&B
    • Understands that Johnny’s can positively impact brand presence in market
  • Restaurant Specifications
    • Recommended restaurant space minimum of 6,000 square feet
    • Seating recommendations: 150 (min) restaurant, 20 (min) bar and 30 (min) boardroom
    • Front of House specifications: recommended 5,200 square feet minimum
    • Boardroom specifications: recommended 800 square feet minimum
    • Kitchen specifications: recommended 2,000 square feet minimum
  • Documentation Requirements
    • Fully completed franchise application (each individual owning 10% or more)
    • Most recent three years tax returns or audited financial statements
    • P&L and balance sheet for existing restaurant operation
    • Business, bank and or credit references