Moreover, during a new franchisee’s first year in operation, they only have to pay royalties equating to 2.5% of gross sales instead of the standard 5%, Dyer said.
Typically, the initially franchise fee is $30,000, but this year, in recognition of Togo’s 50th anniversary, the company knocked that fee down to $15,000. “We’re looking for actively engaged owner operators that are excited about operating a restaurant business, and getting involved in their local communities to build the brand and build the business,” Dyer said.Īccording to the company, franchisees will have to make a total investment ranging between $238,500 and $477,700. So much so that Togo’s feels greater Northern Nevada has the potential to hold at least 12 restaurants, said Dyer, pointing to Carson City, Winnemucca and Elko as cities the brand is targeting for future expansion. “And Northern Nevada is much more business friendly, and has lower real estate costs and lower labor costs.” “The biggest reason that makes the Reno market attractive to Togo’s,” Dyer said, “is all of the California transplants like Dave that have grown up on the brand in California and other parts of the West Coast are now living in Reno, and have familiarity with the brand but don’t have the ability to access it because we don’t currently have a presence there. John Dyer, director of franchise development and real estate at Togo’s, said the company plans to open a franchise in Sparks by late summer. Reno resident Dave Erickson, center, is turning his taste for Togo’s into a business venture and helping bring the brand to Reno-Sparks. With that, Erickson signed a franchise agreement with Togo’s to open the company’s first location in Northern Nevada. So he decided to turn his taste for Togo’s into a business venture and help bring the California-based brand to the region. “And during the whole time my son and all of his friends from California that were at UNR complained about the lack of sandwich options.”Įrickson didn’t want to just wait and hope Togo’s would migrate to Northern Nevada. “My wife and I relocated here and we agreed that we’re missing those Togo’s flavors and quality,” said Erickson, whose youngest son attended the University of Nevada, Reno and still lives in the area. If Erickson and his family wanted to savor Togo’s sandwiches, they had to drive back to California, traveling roughly 100 miles before reaching the nearest one in Auburn.
Simply put, there were no Togo’s in Reno - or anywhere in Northern Nevada, for that matter. That changed a year ago, in April 2020, when the Bay Area native moved to Reno. Growing up in the Bay Area and attending college in San Jose, where the Togo’s franchise was founded, Erickson could always count on his favorite sandwich shop being a short drive or walk away. Dave Erickson likes Togo’s sandwiches - a lot.