Vocelli Pizza: Delivering Classic Italian Quality Since 1988

Vocelli Pizza is a U.S.-based pizzeria franchise known for its artisan-style pizzas and Italian-inspired menu. Founded in 1988 by Varol Ablak in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, the company began franchising in 1993.

Today, Vocelli Pizza is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and operates nearly 100 stores across several states, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, and Virginia.

Vocelli Pizza offers a diverse menu featuring handcrafted pizzas, strombolis, subs, salads, and appetizers.

The franchise emphasizes quality ingredients, such as dough made with spring wheat and extra virgin olive oil, fresh-packed sauce from vine-ripened California tomatoes, and 100% real Wisconsin mozzarella cheese. This commitment to quality has helped Vocelli Pizza stand out in the competitive pizza industry.

Training

Vocelli Pizza provides a structured and mandatory training program for all franchisees and key staff members to ensure consistent operations across its locations. The training must be completed to the Franchisor's satisfaction before a store can open.

1. Pre-Opening Training Conference
   This one-day training must be completed within 30 days after the franchise agreement is signed. It is required for the franchisee and any designated Operating Partner or General Manager.
2. Franchise Training Program
   Spanning three to eight weeks, this program includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training. It covers procedures, policies, on-site operations, and staff training, and is conducted at the Franchise Support Center in Pittsburgh, PA, and at designated training stores.
3. Certified Management Training Program
   Mandatory for the Operating Partner and General Manager, this program certifies them to manage a Vocelli Pizza store. The training may be extended based on participant performance.
4. Refresher Courses and Regional Sessions
   Franchisees and their staff must attend ongoing training, including refresher courses and sessions focused on new products or procedures. These are conducted periodically and often held regionally.

Territory Protection

Vocelli Pizza does not grant franchisees an exclusive territory. Franchisees may face competition not only from other Vocelli Pizza franchisees but also from company-owned outlets and other distribution channels controlled by the franchisor.

However, each franchisee is assigned a Delivery Zone (DZ), which is typically based on an 8-minute drive time radius during peak hours around the store’s approved location.

This Delivery Zone offers limited territorial protection by defining a primary service area but does not prevent the franchisor from placing other outlets outside of it, even nearby. The franchisor retains the right to operate or license others within special venues like airports or stadiums, even if those are within the DZ.