Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of OPA! Souvlaki?
OPA! Souvlaki was founded in 1997 by Nikos Tiginagas and opened its first location in Market Mall, Calgary, Alberta. To this day, the location in Market mall continues to be a top performer and the brand has expanded with units located throughout Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and in the USA.
What is the meaning of the word OPA!?
The word “OPA!” is used in Greek culture to express a feeling of joy, high spirits and happiness. It captures a time of peace with the issues of the day, and a celebration of the warmth of food, drink, family and being with one’s closest companions.
What is the OPA! Souvlaki concept?
OPA! Souvlaki is a Quick Service Restaurant that features Mediterranean themed cuisine. OPA! Souvlaki has become famous for its great tasting Greek food such as Souvlaki Platters; Souvlaki Wrap Combos; Souvlaki & Salad; Souvlaki Pita; Veggie Pita; Calamari; Salads; and an assortment of beverages.
What are the business advantages in owning an OPA! Souvlaki franchise?
The OPA! Souvlaki franchise concept has proven to have a very strong financial model within a robust food category that features healthy food that is appealing now and in the future.
Where are there OPA! Souvlaki franchise opportunities?
At present, OPA! Souvlaki has exciting franchise opportunities available throughout Canada. OPA! Souvlaki Franchise Group Inc. is currently accepting applications from qualified and highly motivated individuals who share our vision and passion in serving our guests with great tasting food and outstanding customer service.
What support does OPA! Souvlaki provide?
- a proven franchise model
- site selection and lease negotiations expertise
- turnkey store design, construction, fixturing and equipment
- comprehensive pre-opening and in-store training
- on-going field operational support
- bank financing assistance
Do I need food service experience to be successful?
Having food service experience is not necessary, however, OPA! Souvlaki Franchise Group Inc. is seeking candidates who are committed to providing our guests with the highest standards customer service, food quality and cleanliness.
What is the estimated start-up cost of an OPA! Souvlaki franchise?
The estimated start-up costs of a traditional OPA! Souvlaki franchise will vary, depending on the size and condition of the premises, among other factors. On average, a typical new food court unit will cost approximately $290,000 to $325,000 and a typical new store front unit will cost approximately $379,000 to $410,000.
How much cash or unencumbered capital is required?
The estimated cash investment net of a GST refund is approximately 30% to 40% of the estimated total cost. The estimated total cash investment may vary, depending on the amount of the total investment, among other factors. In addition to this, a franchisee will need additional finances for working capital, initial deposits, etc.
Is financing available?
Typically, franchisees obtain financing through the Canadian chartered banks utilizing the Canadian Small Business Financing Act (CSBFA) to finance up to 90% of leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment. The amount of financing will vary from location to location depending on the amount of leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment. OPA! Souvlaki Franchise Group Inc. will review with you in detail the process involved and help you prepare to meet with a bank.
What is the Franchise Fee?
The amount of the initial Franchise Fee is $25,000.
What is the Project Management Fee?
The Project Management Fee is $35,000 and covers the cost of project management, supervision, development and construction of an OPA! Souvlaki franchise.
What is the Site Acquisition Fee?
The Site Acquisition Fee is $10,000 and covers the cost of using third party agent in securing certain locations, if necessary.
What is the term of the Franchise Agreement?
The Franchise Agreement has an initial term of 10 years, plus two 5 year options.
How much is the Royalty?
The amount of the Royalty is 6% of gross sales.
How much is the contribution to the Advertising Fund?
The amount of the contribution to the Advertising Fund is currently 2% of gross sales.
How does the Advertising Fund work?
The Advertising Fund is used in a variety of ways to promote the OPA! Souvlaki brand. In addition to the Advertising Fund, our marketing and operations departments will work with you to establish effective Local Store Marketing strategies and will co-ordinate with you a Grand Opening Promotion within your community.
How is a location selected?
Locations are selected based on availability, traffic, access, parking, visibility, construction costs and lease terms, among other things. OPA! Souvlaki Franchise Group Inc. seeks and negotiates suitable real estate and is typically on the head lease and subleases to the franchisee.
Who builds the OPA! Souvlaki restaurant?
OPA! Souvlaki Franchise Group Inc. provides a “turnkey” build out of the restaurant. Our construction department will co-ordinate the design, construction, fixturing and equipment installation, in accordance with OPA! Souvlaki standards and specifications. This service expedites the build out phase of development, maximizes economies of scale and ensures the consistent image of the OPA! Souvlaki brand.
Can a franchise own more than one OPA! Souvlaki franchise?
OPA! Souvlaki Franchise Group Inc. encourages expansion within the system and many existing OPA! Souvlaki franchisees are multiple unit owners. This is a result of a strong business model and validates the strength of the OPA! Souvlaki franchise concept. Our experience is that multiple store ownership provides many benefits to an OPA! Souvlaki franchisee. Owning multiple units allows a franchisee to capitalize on management efficiencies and economies of scale with the ability to cross promote and cross manage among the units.
What level of sales and income can an OPA! Souvlaki franchise generate?
The sales volume and profitability of an OPA! Souvlaki franchise will vary, depending on many factors, however, the OPA! Souvlaki franchise concept has proven to be a very successful franchise concept.
Where do the products and ingredients come from?
To maintain consistent high quality standards and to leverage purchasing power, OPA! Souvlaki Franchise Group Inc. has established a food service distributor in each market to supply products and ingredients to OPA! Souvlaki franchisees.
Can I speak to existing OPA! Souvlaki franchisees?
OPA! Souvlaki Franchise Group Inc. highly encourages that you conduct due diligence and encourages you to speak to OPA! Souvlaki franchisees. A listing of OPA! Souvlaki franchisees is listed within our Disclosure Document.
What are the next steps to becoming an OPA! Souvlaki franchisee?
OPA! Souvlaki Franchise Group Inc. invites you to complete and submit an OPA! Souvlaki Franchise Application to begin the approval process.