Dom DiDiana created the Slice Factory in 1998 and began franchising in 2017. The concept has since grown to over a dozen locations throughout the Chicago area, promising convenience (all of its new locations include a drive-thru) and community partnership. Otherwise, its menu is pretty straightforward for a pizza concept – appetizers, salads, pastas, pizza and wings. It also features three desserts – brownies, fried dough and its signature Nutella Bites. That said, DiDiana notes the menu has consistently evolved to delight current customers while also attracting new ones.
“We are constantly adding new items, sauces and healthy options to keep it fresh,” he said in a recent interview. Keeping it fresh means partnering with local restaurants and food providers; the company plans to work with Tempesta Market, Mauro Provisions and Rosebud to introduce new varieties of its signature Jumbo Slice, for instance.
“The star of our menu – the Jumbo Slice – has been and will always be a staple,” DiDiana said.
Also in the spirit of keeping things fresh, DiDiana recently created the Sweet Spot, offering housemade doughnuts, fresh gelato and coffee.
“After years of customer feedback, we saw a need to cater to our customers’ sweet tooth,” he said.
There are now three Slice Factory locations with the new Sweet Spot concept – in Bolingbrook, Bridgeport and Lyons, Illinois. The new offerings create a robust revenue stream in the morning daypart, which was previously a major gap for the company. Early signs have been positive, and DiDiana is bullish accordingly.
“Although Sweet Spot is still in its infancy, we have seen upwards of 10% growth in revenue to our locations,” he said. “Our projections for 2024 are to see that double to 20%. Our future goal for our Sweet Spot locations is to increase our [average unit volumes] by 30% without adding extra expenses.”
Every Slice Factory location is either open for 24 hours or through the late-night daypart, so having that uptick in traffic in the morning better supports the company’s operating model.
“It attracts more guests to come early to grab a morning coffee or doughnut before work,” DiDiana said. “Sweet Spot brings something special to our locations and holds the same values we do in trying to deliver happiness to our guests.”
There are plans to extend the Sweet Spot to additional Slice Factory locations, but nothing to share at this time. DiDiana does expect the Sweet Spot option, and its incrementality, to help attract Slice Factory franchisees for future growth. Slice Factory is currently seeking franchise partners to expand the brand in the Chicago Metro area, as well as throughout Northwest Indiana and Southern Wisconsin.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
