Antioch Pizza Shop: A Slice of Community-Centered Excellence

Antioch Pizza Shop, founded in 1977 by Art and Karen Wicklein in Antioch, Illinois, has been serving authentic, handcrafted pizzas for over four decades. The company began franchising in 2016 and continues to be headquartered in its hometown, reflecting its strong connection to local values and traditions.

The franchise offers a broad menu that includes handmade pizzas, fresh salads, comforting pastas, and hearty sandwiches. Franchisees can operate in various formats—full-service dine-in, takeout and delivery, express models, or food trucks—providing flexibility to suit different market needs and investment ranges.

What truly differentiates Antioch Pizza Shop is its deep-rooted commitment to community involvement. The brand supports local schools, sports teams, and nonprofit organizations, hosting over 250 fundraisers annually and contributing more than $50,000 each year to local causes.

Training

Antioch Pizza Shop provides a structured training program to prepare franchisees and their managers for operating a restaurant under its system. This training is mandatory and includes several key components tailored to the role and experience of the participants.

1. Initial Training
   Conducted at the franchisor’s location in Antioch, Illinois (or another designated site), this program includes classroom and manual-based instruction. The length and depth of the training depend on the type of franchise purchased and the attendees' prior experience. This training is free for two people, typically the franchise principal and one designated manager.
2. On-Site Opening Assistance
   Around the restaurant’s launch, the franchisor sends representatives for up to three weeks to provide hands-on support and additional training. The timing and duration are at the franchisor's discretion to ensure a smooth opening.
3. Additional and Refresher Training
   Franchisees, managers, and other staff may be required to attend periodic refresher courses. A standard fee of $500 per person per day applies, excluding travel and lodging, and these fees may change at the franchisor’s discretion.

Territory Protection

Antioch Pizza Shop grants franchisees a protected area, typically a 5½-mile radius, within which no other Antioch Pizza Shop location will be opened or franchised, provided the franchisee complies with the agreement. This applies to both traditional restaurants and food truck franchises.

However, this territory is not exclusive. The franchisor reserves the right to operate in non-traditional venues like malls and airports, and through channels like online sales or catering, even within a protected area. Franchisees are also prohibited from soliciting business in another franchisee’s territory.