Ralph's Targets Quality Franchisees, Markets for Growth

For more than 115 years, Philadelphia has been treated to some of the best Italian cuisine in the country.

What began in 1900 as a small neighborhood eatery in South Philly, Ralph’s Italian Restaurant has experienced decades of success thanks in large part to an entire lineage of contributions. Now, Ralph’s is looking to grow its legacy by adding new members to its family.

The traditional at-home style Italian dining option is entering the world of franchising. As the brand narrows its search for potential franchisees, Ralph’s has partnered with Larry Barto, a real estate manager with SMB Franchise Advisors, to help with the strategic initiative.

For more than 35 years, Barto has implemented and managed franchise development strategies by assisting in site selection, demographic analysis, establishing broker relationships and more. Since Barto has opened hundreds of retail and restaurant locations throughout the U.S., working with him was a no-brainer.

“We started working with Larry and he found us properties the very next day. He’s almost too helpful,” said Rubino, president of Ralph’s franchise program. “He came in with the mindset that he was part of our family. He learned about our history and about all of our business relationships—that’s not a normal process. Every partner we have is an extension of our family, and Larry has already made himself a member.”

Working alongside Barto, Ralph’s has begun targeting prospective franchisees and possible locations throughout the East Coast. Rubino said they are doing their due diligence with every aspect of the franchising process.

“We’re methodical with everything we’re doing,” he said. “We’re looking at potential franchisees as if they’re a part of our family. So, to help them with the process, we’re looking at real estate options before they’re here. We go about the search as if they aren’t part of the equation—as if we’re doing it for ourselves.”

Rubino said they are dedicated to helping franchisees find success and this comes down to being involved in the process every step of the way - just like you would for family.

“When franchisees look at locations, one thing they may overlook is the advantage of purchasing a building that used to be a restaurant,” he said. “They can save hundreds of thousands of dollars just by purchasing a place with an existing kitchen that has an exhaust system. It’s a game-changer. When we look at locations, we’re looking at them as if it’s us spending our own money.”

Among the areas being targeted for expansion include Newark, Cherry Hill, Marlton and Hoboken, New Jersey; Washington, D.C.; Pittsburgh and additional locations throughout Pennsylvania.

“Family is very much a part of everything we’re trying to accomplish,” Rubino said. “We’re looking forward to working with each franchisee in lockstep to make sure they’re experts in everything from development and training to food preparation and customer service.”