McHenry Times

Woodstock Chamber of Commerce & Industry issued the following announcement on Apr 21.

Antioch Pizza Shop has been the go-to neighborhood spot for more than four decades and today, the brand announced a strategic franchising initiative that will accelerate its expansion plans amid a thriving pizza industry landscape. Captivating an audience with a family-friendly dining experience, high quality meals and a hardworking staff who are passionate about providing guests with great service has positioned Antioch Pizza Shop to bring a piece of the pie to target markets.

 

With seven locations open and three more in development in Illinois and Wisconsin, Antioch Pizza Shop has endeared itself to countless local residents, redefining standards for not only serving premium pizza, sandwiches, wings and pasta, but building personal connections within the communities each restaurant serves. Now, as stores’ revenues continue to grow each year, the brand has set its sights on targeted franchise growth, zeroing in on key markets throughout the Midwest and Southeast.

 

“We’ve seen how our dedication to the communities we serve has bred success, and we think it’s time for people from all over the Midwest and Southeast to experience what makes Antioch Pizza Shop special,” said Art Wicklein, co-owner of Antioch Pizza Shop. “What sets us apart from other concepts is our high standards, excellent customer service, great food and amazing reputation, and we’re ready to bring Antioch Pizza Shop to even more markets.”

 

Antioch natives and husband and wife duo Art and Karen Wicklein bought Antioch Pizza Shop from the original owner in 2008 as they were looking for a recession proof business. The pizza shop had been a staple in Antioch since its founding in 1977, and the couple has since expanded the brand from one location to seven and now has plans to grow by targeting single and multi-unit deals across Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin with the goal of having more than 30 locations open or in development by 2026.

 

“Our team is committed to growing the brand alongside like-minded franchise owners who share the same passion and energy for life and believe in our mission of phenomenal customer service,” said Karen Wicklein, co-owner of Antioch Pizza Shop. “Our time-tested recession proof concept is thriving in a market segment with significant staying power, and individuals will recognize the great opportunity we have to offer.”

 

With an innovative menu, fans of the brand love its famous double-decker pizza loaded with fresh mozzarella cheese and topped with fresh toppings, or the popular Chicago pub style thin crispy crust pizza. In addition to the exceptional pizza, Antioch Pizza Shop also serves homemade Italian beef sandwiches made daily and topped with fresh melted mozzarella cheese and roasted sweet peppers, pasta, salads, wings, ice cream and other desserts.

 

As the brand expands into key markets, Antioch Pizza Shop is actively seeking qualified single and multi-unit owners looking to invest in an exciting fast casual concept. Ideal Antioch Pizza Shop franchisees must have restaurant operations and management experience, as well as share the brand’s values and mission to positively impact the local communities it serves. Franchisees must have a minimum net worth of $250,000 and meet the minimum liquid assets requirement of $150,000. The total investment per restaurant ranges between $135,000 and $495,500 for a single unit.

 

For more information on the franchise opportunity, visit https://antiochpizzashopfranchise.com.

 

For more information on Antioch Pizza Shop, visit https://www.antiochpizzashop.com.

 

About Antioch Pizza Shop

 

Founded in 1977, Antioch Pizza Shop has been feeding Antioch and the surrounding communities delicious top-quality pizza, sandwiches, pastas and more for more than 40 years, and it all started from a recipe shared by friends. The brand strives to keep a close community connection with an inviting environment and friendly service because “it’s not just pizza; it’s passion.”

 

The brand currently has seven locations with three more in development and is actively seeking qualified franchise candidates. For more information on the Antioch Pizza Shop franchise opportunity, visit https://antiochpizzashopfranchise.com.