Wienerschnitzel - International Franchise Expo

Wienerschnitzel Press Kit
June 2016
Table of Contents
I.
About Wienerschnitzel
II.
Fast Facts
III.
Recent Press Releases
IV.
Media Highlights
About Wienerschnitzel
Founded by John Galardi in 1961 with a single hot dog stand in Wilmington, California, Wienerschnitzel
(www.wienerschnitzel.com) is a bona fide pioneer of the limited-service food industry. Today,
Wienerschnitzel is the world’s largest hot dog franchise and home of America’s favorite Chili Dog. Based
in Irvine, California, the parent company, Galardi Group, franchises restaurants throughout the U.S.,
including Wienerschnitzel, Hamburger Stand, and Tastee Freez. An iconic American brand with a
devoted following for over 50 years, Wienerschnitzel is poised for exponential growth, both domestically
and internationally. With a refreshed marketing focus, Wienerschnitzel has received tremendous media
attention and accolades including Franchise Times’ “20 to Watch” and voted Best Fast Food in Southern
California by the readers of Los Angeles Daily News for five years and running. In 2016, Wienerschnitzel
was ranked #146 in the coveted Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500. Additionally, the company
recently introduced a unique next generation store design featuring a smaller footprint and a lower cost
of entry; while the simple menu allows for easy execution and lower food costs. As a family owned and
operated company, Wienerschnitzel is in a unique position to always put its franchise partners first and
is actively recruiting passionate franchise candidates to grow with the brand during this very exciting
time. For more information on owning a Wienerschnitzel, visit franchising.wienerschnitzel.com or
contact Ted Milburn - Director, Franchise Development at franchising@wienerschnitzel.com.
Fast Facts
NUMBER OF UNITS:
330 units in 10 states and Guam
TERRITORIES:
USA: Open
International: Master Franchisees Only
RESTAURANT TYPES:
- Free Standing
- In-Line/Street Front
- Heritage
- Non-Traditional
OPPORTUNITY
HIGHLIGHTS:
- NEW cost-effective, and highly compelling restaurant design
- Small real estate footprint requirements
- Simple operations
- Low food costs
- Outstanding products, quality and taste
- New Marketing and Visionary team driving new waves of loyal customers
- Broad customer base with core menu offerings and innovative monthly LTOs
- Extensive, hands-on training
- Over 200 years combined Operations team experience
- Franchise includes Tastee Freez as a simplistic, and scrumptious soft-serve
dessert
- Wienerschnitzel mascot, "The Delicious One", cannot be beat!
- Highly experienced leadership team and strong company financials
- Family owned and operated since 1961. Our franchise partners are our family!
PRODUCT VOLUME:
More than 120 million hot dogs sold annually.
SALES:
Wienerschnitzel experienced 5 consecutive years of year-over-year, same store
sales average increase Jan 1, 2011 - Dec 31, 2015.
MEDIA
IMPRESSIONS:
Approximately 1.45 Billion
(Jan 2015 – April 2016)
BEST-SELLING
MENU ITEMS:
Items featuring Wienerschnitzel’s proprietary chili recipe,
including Chili Dogs, Chili Cheese Dogs, Chili Cheese Fries and Chili
Cheeseburgers account for approximately 40 percent of total sales.
TOP DOGS:
Cindy Galardi Culpepper, CEO & Chairperson
Doug Koegeboehn, CMO
Ken Wagstaff, CFO
Rico Ferrante, Chief Visionary Officer
FRANCHISE
CONTACTS:
Domestic:
Ted Milburn
Phone: (360) 863-6326
Email: tmilburn@galardigroup.com
International:
Geoff Ingles
Phone: (949) 892-2639
Email: gingles@galardigroup.com
HEADQUARTERS:
Galardi Group, Inc.
7700 Irvine Center Drive, Ste. #550
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: (949) 892-2699
WEBSITE &
SOCIAL MEDIA:
www.wienerschnitzel.com
www.facebook.com/Wienerschnitzel
www.twitter.com/wienerschnitzel
www.instagram.com/wienerschnitzel
www.youtube.com/wienerschnitzel
Wienerschnitzel Featured on 100th Episode of “Undercover Boss,” Sunday, May 22 on CBS
CEO of World’s Largest Hot Dog Chain Goes Undercover for Hit Series
IRVINE, California (May 16, 2016) – Wienerschnitzel, Home of America’s Favorite Chili Dog, is proud to
announce that its CEO, Cindy Galardi Culpepper, will appear on the 100th episode of the CBS hit series
“Undercover Boss.” The episode, which follows Culpepper’s journey as she works alongside restaurant
crew members, will air at 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. PT/ET on Sunday, May 22, on the CBS Television Network.
“Having the opportunity to interact with Wienerschnitzel crew members on such an intimate level was a
truly humbling and life-changing experience,” said Culpepper. “From mopping floors to assembling our
famous chili cheese dogs, I worked alongside dedicated employees and learned their personal stories
firsthand.”
Disguised with a nose ring and dark hair with purple highlights, Culpepper, who went undercover as
“Louise,” visited Wienerschnitzel locations in Arizona, Utah and Texas where she took on various roles
including drive-thru operator and manager trainee. She also went incognito as an employee at vendor
partner Kent Quality Foods, which makes Wienerschnitzel’s proprietary hot dogs, in Grand Rapids,
Michigan.
“I wanted to go undercover as part of a continued effort to fulfill our brand promise of ‘serving food to
serve others,’ a commitment that applies to our crew members, guests, the communities we serve, and
our franchise partners,” continued Culpepper. “Through this experience, I’ve gained an unvarnished
view of the inner workings of our restaurants and the individuals who are the backbone of the
organization. I’ve met people who I am beyond proud to have representing Wienerschnitzel and it was a
true joy to create new opportunities for those who do so much for our brand.”
Undercover Boss, in its seventh season, is a two-time Emmy Award-winning reality series that follows
high-level executives as they slip anonymously into the rank-and-file of their own organizations. Each
week, a different leader will sacrifice the comfort of their corner office for an undercover mission to
examine the inner workings of their operation.
Moving forward, Wienerschnitzel plans to strengthen the brand’s purpose as a service company, by
giving back to employees and the communities in which its more than 330 restaurants serve.
Additionally, the brand will put a greater emphasis on operational processes for night shifts and invest in
upgrading technology systemwide.
Wienerschnitzel CEO Cindy Galardi Culpepper goes undercover for 100th episode of Undercover Boss
###
Wienerschnitzel Signs Multi-Unit Deal with New Franchise Group
World’s Largest Hot Dog Franchise to Expand Texas Footprint
IRVINE, California (April 13, 2016) – Wienerschnitzel, home of America’s favorite chili dog, has inked a
three-unit development agreement with PBA Properties to build Wienerschnitzel restaurants
throughout San Antonio, Texas. With a significant presence throughout the Southwest, including 39
Texas locations, PBA Properties will further expand the brand’s statewide footprint in the target growth
market of San Antonio. PBA Properties, with a combined 24 years of experience, plans to open its first
location in early 2017.
“With a proven track record of success in Texas, we saw tremendous opportunity for Wienerschnitzel to
thrive in the San Antonio market,” said franchisee, Patrick Alba of PBA Properties. “We were looking to
diversify our franchise portfolio and recognized Wienerschnitzel as a smart business investment for a
multitude of reasons including low food costs, ease of operation, unique product offerings, and a
forward-thinking marketing strategy. Not to mention Wienerschnitzel is backed by a more than 50-year
legacy, this made us feel extremely secure in our decision.”
With a refreshed focus on franchise expansion, Wienerschnitzel has overhauled its franchise marketing
tools and increased its industry trade presence as the company pursues national growth. In addition,
both new and existing Wienerschnitzel franchisees will have the opportunity to adopt the recently
introduced “Heritage” building design, which features a smaller footprint and, at a lower cost of entry,
takes advantage of real estate where most competitors will not go.
“Based on the growing AUV numbers we’ve consistently seen coming out of our Texas stores, it’s clear
that there is a real demand for the Wienerschnitzel concept throughout the entire state,” said Ted
Milburn, Director of Franchise Development at Wienerschnitzel. “We are primed for nationwide
expansion and we’re proud to add PBA Properties to our growing Wienerschnitzel family.”
Wienerschnitzel currently has 320 locations in 10 states. The company is recruiting passionate franchise
partners with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and is awarding a variety of franchise opportunities
including area development, single unit, and non-traditional venues such as convenience stores. To learn
more about the benefits of owning a Wienerschnitzel franchise, please visit
http://franchising.wienerschnitzel.com/
###
Wienerschnitzel Announces Second Annual Hot Dogs for Homeless Tour
A Month-Long Philanthropic Adventure to Feed the Homeless and Empower Youth
IRVINE, California (March 22, 2016) – Wienerschnitzel, Home of America’s Favorite Hot Dog, has
teamed up with Skate For Change, a non-profit organization that encourages youth to give back to the
lesser fortunate in their communities, for its second annual Hot Dogs for Homeless tour. Beginning
March 25, a Wienerschnitzel-wrapped RV, aptly named the “Wienerbago,” will visit cities with heavy
homeless populations to lift spirits and provide hot meals. This year’s tour is expected to be even more
successful than last year’s, which raised a total of $200,000 for Skate For Change including
Wienerschnitzel’s $100,000 donation match.
“We’re excited to keep the positive energy going, while breaking records and making even more of an
impact with this year’s Hot Dogs for Homeless tour,” said J.R. Galardi, Director of Administration for
Galardi Group concepts and son of company founder. “The sole purpose of this collaboration between
Wienerschnitzel and Skate For Change is to create a positive ripple effect in the communities we visit.
Our success is measured by the number of people we impact, whether it’s providing a meal to those
who need it most, or sparking interest to make real change in the youth we meet along the way.”
Along with Galardi, a key personality on the tour is Mike Smith, youth motivational speaker and Founder
of Skate For Change, who has spoken to over 1 million students. At each destination, the team will serve
Wienerschnitzel hot dogs and provide socks, hats, warm clothes, hygiene kits, and other necessities to
those who need it most.
In addition to feeding the homeless, the “Wienerbago” will stop at high schools along the way to
support Smith’s motivational speaking engagements with the goal to inspire students to become more
involved in their communities. The Hot Dogs for Homeless crew will participate on panels to
communicate the importance of helping those less fortunate and building a legacy. While on campus,
Wienerschnitzel will grill hot dogs and give away merchandise, encouraging students to join them out in
the community to witness firsthand the power of giving back. Students also have the opportunity to
donate to the cause with all proceeds, along with a matched contribution from Wienerschnitzel,
supporting the global expansion of Skate For Change.
“I am proud of what we accomplished during last year’s tour, and I’m confident we’ll have the
opportunity to touch more lives on this second annual journey,” said Smith. “Wienerschnitzel’s unique
level of support for our organization is mindblowing, and the time and resources they provide is far
beyond anything I’ve ever seen. I am honored that Skate For Change has the support of a company that
is just as committed as we are to making the world a better place.”
The tour will be documented by a professional photographer and videographer to capture the
brightened days, motivated youth, and moments of hope the Hot Dogs for Homeless efforts will bring to
communities. For more information, view the tour slide deck and visit
http://www.wienerschnitzel.com/hotdogs4homeless.
Hot Dogs for Homeless 2016 Tour Schedule *

Los Angeles, CA – 3/25-3/29

Bay Area/Sacramento, CA – 3/30-4/3

Reno, NV – 4/4

Las Vegas, NV – 4/6-4/9

Albuquerque, NM – 4/11-4/12

Lubbock, TX – 4/13

Dallas, TX – 4/14-4/17

El Paso, TX – 4/19

Tucson, AZ – 4/20

San Diego, CA – 4/21-4/23
* Dates and locations are subject to change
Wienerschnitzel’s "Wienerbago"
Tour Slide Deck: http://bit.ly/1PeLWZg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wienerschnitzel
Instagram: www.instagram.com/wienerschnitzel
Twitter: www.twitter.com/wienerschnitzel
YouTube: www.youtube.com/wienerschnitzel
###
WIENERSCHNITZEL POISED FOR GROWTH WITH NEW RESTAURANT DESIGN
The Smaller-Footprint “Heritage” Model Pays Homage to the Company’s Iconic A-Frame
IRVINE, California (September 29, 2015) – Wienerschnitzel, the world’s largest hot dog chain, has
announced that its smaller-footprint Heritage restaurant design, currently operating in El Paso, Texas, is
now available for franchising. The new prototype has been engineered to lower investment and
operational costs, while boosting profitability potential and expansion opportunities. Given
Wienerschnitzel’s 19 consecutive quarters of same store sales growth, there has never been a better
time to invest and partner with the brand.
The Heritage model ranges from 730 square feet to 1,400 square feet, depending on desire to add
indoor seating. The layout, which features a walk-up window and drive-thru, can be built on as little as
15,000 square feet. The ability to capture small and irregular shaped parcels of land where many
competitors will not go presents great opportunity. With more real estate options, the efficient design
allows franchisees to expand at a faster rate in both existing and new markets.
“As times change, we understand that the demand for good real estate does not,” said Ted Milburn,
Director of U.S. Franchise Development for Wienerschnitzel. “We’ve designed the Heritage to allow for
increased flexibility without hindering key business functions or customer service, while removing some
of the investment barriers that exist in today’s competitive real estate landscape.”
The Heritage model pays tribute to Wienerschnitzel’s signature 1960s A-Frame, recognizable for its red
roof, unique design, and the drive-thru built smack dab in the center of the building. The new
restaurants will feature retro design accents with a modern twist, and will serve the same classics as
traditional locations including Hot Dogs, Chili Dogs, Chili Cheese Fries, Corn Dogs, and Tastee Freez soft
serve treats.
The El Paso Heritage location which debuted in October 2014, has performed beyond expectations and
has prompted Galardi Group, Wienerschnitzel’s parent company, to move forward with nine additional
locations, four of which are currently under lease. The freestanding El Paso restaurant is 744 square feet
on a 20,000 square foot pad and features a patio with outdoor seating. The prior generation model had
a typical layout of 1,500 square feet, while unit growth throughout the 80s occurred with larger
restaurants that were closer to 2,500 square feet.
Investment levels for the Heritage restaurant can vary from $482,000 to $1.3 million. However, the
Wienerschnitzel team is aiming to narrow costs between $600k and $800k all-in, from ground-up
construction through grand opening on a 20-year lease. In addition to free-standing locations,
Wienerschnitzel is aggressively exploring in-line, end-cap, and urban street properties where square
footage might range from 400 to 1,200 square feet, and build-out could be up to 50 percent less.
Milburn continued, “The Heritage building is the rebirth of an icon and, with our heightened focus on
franchise development, it’s the perfect time to introduce this new compact design.”
Wienerschnitzel Heritage model in El Paso, Texas
###
Wienerschnitzel Signs First International Franchise Agreement
World’s Largest Hot Dog Chain Enters Multi-Unit Deal in Panama
IRVINE, California (June 24, 2015) –Wienerschnitzel, the world’s largest Hot Dog chain, has signed a
master franchise agreement with International Food Concepts, Inc. to begin developing Wienerschnitzel
locations in Panama. The agreement, made with Wienerschnitzel parent company Galardi Group,
outlines commitments to open at least five locations throughout the country, with the first to open in
Panama City this year.
“There’s a significant demand all over the globe for what Wienerschnitzel offers, and that’s craveable
food that’s served fast and at a great value,” said Geoff Ingles, Director of Real Estate and International
Development for Wienerschnitzel. “We’re thrilled to team up with such a talented and seasoned
franchise partner as we enter Panama. We look forward to growing our international presence and
sharing Wienerschnitzel’s famous chili cheese dogs with world.”
With a proven track record of franchise success in the limited service restaurant (LSR) category in Latin
America, International Food Concepts has secured exclusive development rights to the Panama region.
In addition, Galardi Group granted their new international partner a Master Franchise with subsidiary
Tastee Freez, to build and develop single units with no set minimum. The first of the five store deal is set
to open in Panama City later this year. The location will feature a drive thru, and will serve
Wienerschnitzel menu staples including Hot Dogs, Chili Dogs, Chili Cheese Fries, Corn Dogs, and Tastee
Freez soft serve treats.
“We know this market well and we’re eager to bring Wienerschnitzel’s signature menu items, including
its world-famous, secret-recipe chili, to Panama,” said Carlos Ruiz Hernandez, a director and managing
partner at International Food Concepts, Inc. “We fell in love with the food, which is completely exclusive
to the brand, along with its unique value proposition. We’re confident that it’s only a matter of time
before Wienerschnitzel becomes a destination of choice for Panama consumers.”
Wienerschnitzel is currently exploring international franchise opportunities with a focus in Latin America
and the Caribbean. To learn more about the benefits of becoming a Wienerschnitzel franchisee, visit
www.wienerschnitzel.com/franchising.
###
WIENERSCHNITZEL FRANCHISEE RECEIVES NATIONAL INDUSTRY RECOGNITION
Farouk Diab Presented with Spirit of Franchising Award at Multi-Unit Franchising Conference
IRVINE, California (April 7, 2015) – Wienerschnitzel, the world’s largest Hot Dog chain, is proud to
announce that Northern California-based franchisee, Farouk Diab, is the recipient of Multi-Unit
Franchisee Magazine’s 15th Annual Most Valuable Performer (MVP) Award in the “Spirit of Franchising”
category. Diab is one of only ten franchisees in the country to be honored with an MVP Award, which
recognizes the best and brightest in the industry.
After immigrating to the United States from Israel in 1975, at the age of 18, Diab secured his first job in
America working as a janitor at a Wienerschnitzel in San Jose, California. With a greater vision always in
mind, and after working his way through every position in the restaurant, Diab took the steps to become
a limited franchise owner. Today, with 17 locations and three in the pipeline, Diab attributes his success
to the pursuit of excellence, self-discipline, and dedication to leading by example. With 2015 marking his
40th anniversary with Wienerschntzel, Diab has established himself as a leading franchisee; both in terms
of units and operating several of the most profitable stores in the chain’s system of more than 325
restaurants. Diab’s goal moving forward is to open at least two units per year.
“Speaking on behalf of the entire company, Wienerschnitzel is extremely proud of Farouk who has truly earned
this well-deserved recognition as a power player and inspiration in the franchise world,” said Dennis Tase,
president and COO of Wienerschnitzel. “Over the years, Farouk has set many strong examples of effective
leadership, empowering his associates and team members to thrive and has contributed greatly to the overall
success of the brand.”
“In the presence of so many talented franchisees, I feel humbled and overwhelmed with gratititude to receive
this recognition,” said Diab. “I am forever grateful to Wienerschnitzel and the management team for providing
me with a platform to grow and achieve my lifelong dream. It’s been an incredible 40 years and I’m proud to
align myself with such a respectable company that has always treated its franchisees like family.”
According to the judging committee, Diab was chosen as the recipient of the “Spirit of Franchising”
award, for exhibiting extraordinary and enduring performance, achieving stellar growth, and providing
valuable community aid while successfully representing the Wienerschnitzel brand. Diab will receive this
prestigious accolade at the largest gathering of multi-unit franchisees in the nation, the 15th Annual
Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, April 8-10th in Las Vegas.
###
The Tale of the Hot Dog Queen
Coast Magazine
June 2016
Wienerschnitzel CEO has a ‘Lucy’ moment on ‘Undercover Boss’
Orange County Register
May 17, 2016
MOTHER’S DAY: How to thank mom? Start with a chili dog
The Press Enterprise
May 8, 2016
Cindy Galardi Culpepper
Food & Beverage Magazine
April 2016
Delving Into ‘Dogs’, One Wienerschnitzel at a Time
Franchise Times
April 21, 2016
Wienerschnitzel Ink Three-Unit Deal for San Antonio
QSR Magazine Online
April 14, 2016
Chili Dog Chain Expanding San Antonio Presence
San Antonio Business Journal
April 25, 2016
I Ate Through Wienerschnitzel’s Entire New Line of Loaded Po’Taters
FOODBEAST
April 28, 2016
Wienerschnitzel Goes Back to Its Roots
Foodservice Equipment & Supplies
March 2016
Making a Lasting Impression
QSR Magazine
October 2015
Top Dog
Multi-Unit Franchisee
July 2015
An Expanding Fast Food Chain is Cashing in on an Untapped Market
Business Insider
June 30, 2015