If you’re considering entering the restaurant business with an established name in Italian-inspired fast-casual dining, Mancino’s (more formally known as Samuel Mancino’s Italian Eatery) has historically offered qualified investors an opportunity to operate under a known brand. This guide explains the financial requirements, start-up costs, ongoing fees, support structure, and key considerations for prospective owners.
Note: Mancino’s is a smaller concept compared to major national brands and past public information indicates limited active franchise expansion, so direct verification with the company or its representatives is essential before pursuing ownership.
What Mancino’s Represents
Mancino’s began as a regional eatery known for oven-baked grinders, pizzas, salads, and Italian-inspired menu items prepared with fresh ingredients. It established a modest presence in the Midwest and had previously provided franchising opportunities for investors wishing to bring the concept to new markets.
Estimated Total Investment
The total cost to open and operate a location under the Mancino’s name varies significantly based on location, facility size, build-out scope, and other local factors.
Investment Range
- Low end: ~$130,000
- High end: ~$320,000+
This range generally includes typical restaurant start-up expenditures such as leasehold improvements, kitchen equipment, furnishings, signage, initial inventory, and working capital.
Some earlier summaries note that if land, building, and major assets are purchased rather than leased or leased with improvements, the maximum figure could rise considerably higher (up to several hundred thousand dollars in aggregate).
Initial Fees
Upfront Fee
Estimates for the standard upfront payment required for a Mancino’s location include:
- Franchise fee: Typically around $25,000–$30,000
This fee secures the rights to operate under Mancino’s brand and access the company’s operational system.
Financial Qualifications
To be seriously considered as a candidate for ownership, typical financial thresholds cited include:
- Liquid capital requirement: ~$150,000
- Minimum net worth: ~$300,000
These figures reflect a need for financial stability and available personal or business funds to support restaurant build-out and early operating periods.
Ongoing Fees
After launch, owners are generally expected to contribute ongoing payments that support the brand’s marketing and corporate services and cover rights provided under the operating agreement.
Typical ongoing obligations for a restaurant concept like this (based on available summaries) include:
- Royalty fee: Around 5% of gross sales
- Marketing contribution: Usually 3–4% of gross sales
These percentages help support brand advertising, training updates, menu and product development, and centralized business services.
Major Cost Categories Explained
Below is a breakdown of where your investment typically goes when opening a dining location:
| Category | Estimated Range |
| Franchise fee | ~$25,000–$30,000 |
| Leasehold improvements | Variable by site |
| Kitchen equipment | Depends on configuration |
| Furniture & fixtures | Variable by concept |
| Signage | Included in build-out |
| Initial inventory & supplies | Standard restaurant levels |
| POS & technology | Typical restaurant systems |
| Working capital | Several months’ operating funds |
| Licenses, permits & compliance | Local requirements |
Note: Mancino’s did not publicly publish an exact, current itemized cost table, so these amounts come from available investor summaries and past franchise disclosure figures.
Support and Training
Historically, ownership with this brand has included:
- Pre-opening training: Covering operations, menu preparation, customer service, and management systems.
- Ongoing operational support: Guidance in marketing, supply sourcing, and operational updates to keep restaurants competitive.
Training and support are designed to help owners manage quality and maintain consistent customer experiences.
Market Position and Concept Strength
Mancino’s reputation is tied to:
- Freshly prepared menu offerings like grinders and pizzas.
- A family-friendly casual dining environment.
- Modest regional brand awareness, especially in the Midwest.
However, it’s important to recognize that this is not a major national chain, and available opportunities may be limited compared to larger restaurant franchisors.
Key Considerations Before Investing
- Verify Current Franchise Status
Sources indicate that the franchise opportunity may not be actively marketed nationally, and public directories include references to programs that are older or archival. Confirm with company headquarters whether active territories are available.
- Understand Local Market Costs
Restaurant build-out and real estate costs vary widely across U.S. markets, so initial investment in urban areas could exceed the typical ranges referenced.
- Analyze Ongoing Operating Costs
Beyond royalties and marketing contributions, expect staffing, food costs, rent, utilities, and technology commitments to affect your business’s cash flow.
- Legal and Financial Review
Have a franchise attorney and accountant review any legal documents, particularly older FDDs or disclosure materials, before committing to an agreement.
Summary of Financial Requirements
Here’s a snapshot of the key financial thresholds associated with Mancino’s ownership:
- Total cash investment: ~$130,000 to ~$320,000+
- Franchise fee: ~$25,000–$30,000
- Liquid capital needed: ~$150,000
- Net worth requirement: ~$300,000
- Royalty and marketing fees: ~5% and ~3–4% of gross sales respectively
Final Thoughts
Entering the restaurant ownership space through an established Italian-inspired concept like Mancino’s can appeal to entrepreneurs seeking a business with community appeal and differentiated menu offerings. However, given its smaller scale and potentially inactive expansion status, due diligence and verification of current opportunity availability are essential steps before any investment decision.
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