‘Wichcraft Looks For Enthusiastic Franchisees To Support Exciting New Growth Opportunities

’Wichcraft is a segment-redefining restaurant featuring a chef-crafted menu of made-to-order sandwiches, salads, small plates and other gourmet menu items. Chef Sisha Ortúzar and seven-time James Beard award-winning celebrity chef Tom Colicchio opened the first ’Wichcraft in 2003 in New York City’s Flatiron District. Now, ’Wichcraft is looking for the right partners to join Chef Colicchio’s ambitious team.

With a menu defined by sustainable proteins and chef-inspired ingredients suited for all appetites, ‘Wichcraft is paving the way to a new kind of lunch hour. Given its emphasis on elevated ingredients, ‘Wichcraft is confident that its menu sets it apart from the heavily saturated sandwich franchise segment.

“There are so many other sandwich restaurants, but we believe we deliver both a unique product and service that incorporates hospitality into the fast casual scene,” said ‘Wichcraft’s Director of Finance, Maryrose Galvez. “That is why we are so eager to franchise beyond our home state.”

The brand’s eagerness to expand also comes from a desire to pounce at the right moment. A younger customer base is resulting in a higher demand for healthy options as opposed to a frozen, pre-made lunch. There is also an ever-growing segment ready for ‘Wichcraft’s chef-approved offering: 73% of millennials across global markets will pay more for sustainable products. ‘Wichcraft’s hardworking demographic is looking for high-quality offerings done fast and the brand is ready to provide.

While ‘Wichcraft has targeted a few early growth franchise markets—including Virginia and North Carolina—what the company is really looking for now is the right franchisee.

“Although we have some ideal markets in mind, if we find the right operator then we are more than willing to partner with them,” said President Dan Guaricci. “‘Wichcraft is more interested in people than in the place. We first and foremost want to find the right partnership.”

According to Guaricci, ‘Wichcraft’s ideal franchisee has to have passion and integrity when it comes to operating their business. “There are certain characteristics we can’t teach,” he said. “Our ideal partner should be willing to put in the effort and be eager to grow with the brand. We are looking for someone who will have pride in what we do together.”

As the company begins to expand outside of New York’s competitive market, ‘Wichcraft hopes to translate its established business culture and culinary pride into franchising.

“No one is working at ‘Wichcraft just because it’s a job,” said Guaricci. “All of our team members are here for the long haul and are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. Everyone involved has an intense passion and drive in everything they bring to the brand. Becoming part of the team means becoming part of the ‘Wichcraft family and family works together.”

‘Wichcraft currently has five restaurant locations opened, including three legacy locations and two refreshed, 2.0 locations. The brand has a confident and established timeframe for the future, with a clearly stated goal of 10 locations purchased before next year and 25 locations by the end of 2021.The investment range to open a ‘Wichcraft is $927,500 to $1.194 million, estimated with New York costs and a $45,000 franchise fee. For more information about franchising opportunities with ‘Wichcraft, please visit *