Andy Lanz got started in franchising right out of the University of Wisconsin in Madison. With the help of his parents, the newly minted economics graduate purchased a Cousins Subs franchise in nearby Verona. Then he added a Figaro’s Italian Pizza franchise as well as a Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream operation, and put them all together inside his first 2,500-square-foot store.
By combining concepts, he could to cater to more than one taste or time, and was able to build steady traffic throughout the day. It just made sense, he says. Grouping franchises also helped his customers, giving them gourmet sandwiches and pizza for lunch and dinner and ice cream in the afternoon–an idea that worked well in the little town just outside of Madison. More.