The Paladino's Italian Eatery Franchise Opportunity
Own a franchise that brings authentic Chicago flavor to the Western U.S.
Experienced and dedicated founder presence • Homemade fresh daily • Highest quality ingredients
REQUEST FRANCHISE INFORMATION OR CALL +1 (312) 973-1575
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The Paladino's Italian Eatery BRAND STORY!
There’s something special about an Italian beef made in the authentic Chicago style. It’s a robust, savory, flavorful experience that satisfies and makes diners return for more.
Paladino’s Italian Eatery knows what goes into a great Italian beef sandwich and all the other classic Italian recipes Chicago is famous for. It’s at the heart of our Italian Food Franchise model and guides our growth.
We’ve been serving up authentic blue-collar Italian food in Arizona for more than 10 years. Working from family recipes passed down and perfected over generations. And it all began when brand founder Bob Paladino moved his family from Chicago to Arizona over a decade ago.
Bob missed Chicago’s hearty, Italian family-style meals anyone would long for after a long day’s work. And when he couldn’t find a restaurant around him that served the kind of classic Italian food he craved, he decided to open his own Italian eatery.
Paladino’s began as a small deli and expanded into a full Italian restaurant when Bob’s son-in-law, Rick Slayton, moved to Arizona and became CEO of the business. Today, Paladino’s Italian Eatery is a hit with locals and tourists alike and one of the most exciting Italian food franchise opportunities in the Western U.S.
Meet Rick the CEO and Family
Paladino’s Italian Eatery CEO, Rick Slayton, grew up loving the flavors and atmosphere of Chicago’s classic Italian diners. It was part of his upbringing. And it gave him an appreciation for quality food made by hand. Served in generous portions for reasonable prices.
When Rick’s father-in-law, Bob Paladino, opened a deli that brought that same spirit and menu to Arizona, Rick saw an opportunity to become part of the culture and cuisine he cherished.
Rick moved to Arizona to join and expand Bob’s restaurant. Before long, he had established Paladino’s Italian Eatery as a beloved destination for authentic Chicago flavors. Prepared with love and served with an eye for quality.
Now, Rick is preparing to bring the Paladino’s Italian Eatery franchises to cities across the Western U.S. He’s created a restaurant experience diners love. And he’s excited to bring that classic taste of Chicago to new locations.
WHY OWN a Paladino's Italian Eatery?
Owning an Italian Food Franchise with Paladino’s connects you with a brand focused on quality. And a cuisine your guests will crave.
We want your franchise to grow, and we’ll be alongside you to help make it happen. We’re dedicated to providing our owners with the knowledge and experience needed to create an expanding brand.
We use only the highest-quality ingredients to help ensure that every meal we serve lives up to our reputation for excellence.
Paladino’s doesn’t use pre-sliced meat — everything is sourced from top brands. We use only Vienna corned beef and pastrami. And our Italian beef is sliced from a round Black Angus choice we slow-roast in-house. No shortcuts here!
Every dish we prepare begins from proprietary family recipes and traditional cooking techniques.
At Paladino’s, homemade is the only way to go. Nothing is frozen or processed. We make every meal fresh to order so our guests can get a superior experience no matter when they visit.
Paladino’s Italian Eatery has created a franchise model designed for rapid expansion. And we’re excited to share it with our future franchise owners to aid their growth.
We bring the taste of Chicago to every neighborhood where we set up shop. Italian beef is becoming a signature American dish across the nation, and we’re proud to serve it.
We’ve built an Italian food franchise in step with new twists on all the favorite classics. It helps us serve up a brand with potential.
Italian Food Franchise Industry DATA
Italian beef and other celebrated Chicago dishes are gaining fans across the nation.
Italian restaurants have long been a favorite destination for Americans. Serving an annual market of more than $86 billion.¹
Much of that demand is aimed at the classic Italian beef sandwich, which is seeing a spike in popularity and elevated cultural prominence.²
The rising demand for Italian beef has also impacted social media — mentions of the Chicago classic cuisine in social conversations have increased by 3.57% over the past year.³
1. “Italian Restaurants in the U.S.,” IBISWorld. Jan 2024 (https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/italian-restaurants-industry/)
2. “Demand for Italian Beef is Booming. Thank ‘The Bear,’” New York Times. Aug 9, 2022 (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/09/dining/hulu-the-bear-italian-beef-sandwich.html)
3. “Italian Beef Sandwich Trends,” Tastewise. Accessed Jan 22, 2024 (https://tastewise.io/foodtrends/italian%20beef%20sandwich)
Italian Food Franchise Industry DATA
Italian beef and other celebrated Chicago dishes are gaining fans across the nation.
Italian restaurants have long been a favorite destination for Americans. Serving an annual market of more than $86 million.¹
Much of that demand is aimed at the classic Italian beef sandwich, which is seeing a spike in popularity and elevated cultural prominence.²
Much of that demand is aimed at the classic Italian beef sandwich, which is seeing a spike in popularity and elevated cultural prominence.²
1. “Italian Restaurants in the U.S.,” IBISWorld. Jan 2024 (https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/italian-restaurants-industry/)
2. “Demand for Italian Beef is Booming. Thank ‘The Bear,’” New York Times. Aug 9, 2022 (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/09/dining/hulu-the-bear-italian-beef-sandwich.html)
3. “Italian Beef Sandwich Trends,” Tastewise. Accessed Jan 22, 2024 (https://tastewise.io/foodtrends/italian%20beef%20sandwich)
What to Expect
Paladino’s Italian Eatery has designed a franchise model built to keep costs low and put investment within reach.
Estimated Initial Investment
$336,750 to $681,000*
Minimum Liquid Capital
$200,000*
*See the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for more information.
Annette W.
“This is hands down our favorite Italian restaurant.”
Pia H.
“I don’t have enough praise for this family restaurant.”
AzIceQueen B.
“If you want homemade, delicious, Chicago-based Italian food, you need to come here.”
Paladino's Italian Eatery Available TERRITORIES
We’re on the move across the Western U.S.!
Our brand is expanding! Paladino’s Italian Eatery is preparing to bring authentic Chicago cuisine to communities across the Western U.S.
We’re already spreading the word across Arizona, with plans for franchises in East Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek, Gilbert, and the Valley.
And that’s just the beginning — over the next few years, we intend to introduce guests in nearby states like Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico to the classic Paladino’s experience.
Contact us today to learn more!
Paladino's Italian Eatery SUPPORT
We want our owners to build their business, and we’ve given them the tools they need to grow.
How PALADINO’S ITALIAN EATERY Supports Its Owners
Vendor Relationships
Marketing Support
Proprietary Systems
Opening Day Support
Training Support
Buildout Assistance
Brand Availability
Ongoing Support
Vendor Relationships
Get the best available product at the best available rates by leveraging our existing vendor relationships.
Proprietary Systems
Access our suite of management tools to help you with daily operations.
Training Support
We train owners in staff and show them how to run an Italian franchise with us.
Brand Availability
Our brand leadership is available to provide guidance and assistance, day or night.
Marketing Support
Leverage our ongoing campaigns to get the word out about your new franchise.
Opening Day Support
We’ll be in the restaurant with you when you open for business to help ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Buildout Assistance
We’re with you throughout the onboarding process to aid you with build, outfitting, staff hiring, and more.
Ongoing Support
We’re there to provide knowledge and advice when you need the extra assist.
From the moment you connect with us, we’re working to assist you in getting your Italian restaurant franchise established and expanding.
Every Paladino’s owner knows we are here to aid in their success. We go above and beyond for them, whatever the issue.
It’s all part of franchise ownership with PALADINO’S ITALIAN EATERY. Our owners are part of our family, and that’s how we treat them.
Steps to Ownership
Next Steps to Your Franchise Journey to Ownership
Step 1
Form Completion
Step 5
Schedule FDD Review
Step 2
Introduction Call
Step 6
Discovery Day
Step 3
Exploratory Call
Step 7
Franchise Agreements
Step 4
Candidate Profile
Step 8
CONGRATULATIONS!
Step 1: Form Completion
Complete the Form and download our eBook to get more information on the Italian food franchise industry and what sets us apart from other brands.
Step 2: Introduction Call
Initial 5- to 10-minute call to answer questions and establish qualifications
Step 3: Exploratory Call
A follow-up call of about an hour that allows us to learn more about each other and share details on the process
Step 4: Candidate Profile
A 10-minute profile creation. After completion, we will send you our FDD and begin the application.
Step 5: Schedule FDD Review
Speak with the President of Franchising to get more information on territories, financials, etc.
Step 6: Discovery Day
Visit our corporate headquarters and meet franchise leadership, including CEO Rick Slayton.
Step 7: Franchise Agreements
Upon mutual agreement, we will send you your Franchise Agreement.
Step 8: YOU are a Franchisee of PALADINO’S ITALIAN EATERY!
Connect with our brand and begin training and preparing your new franchise!