Ledo Pizza: Redefining Tradition with Rectangular Pizzas

Ledo Pizza is a well-established American pizza chain that first opened its doors in 1955 in Adelphi, Maryland. Founded by Robert Beall and Thomas Marcos, the brand steadily expanded its footprint and today operates out of its headquarters in Annapolis, Maryland.

The company took its first step into franchising in 1979, awarding its inaugural franchise location to the Fireside Restaurant in Berwyn Heights, Maryland.

Ledo Pizza has carved out a distinctive niche in the pizza market with its signature rectangular pizzas, known for their thin, crispy crust, sweet tomato sauce, and smoked provolone cheese. This unique combination has helped the brand build a dedicated following and stand out in a highly competitive industry.

Training

Ledo Pizza provides a comprehensive set of training programs to its franchisees to ensure they are well-prepared to operate their stores:

1. Initial Training Program: Ledo Pizza requires franchisees and their designated managers to complete an initial training program consisting of both classroom and on-the-job instruction. This includes specific training across various restaurant operations like counter service, food preparation (grill, topping, pulling, rolling), and administrative topics such as sanitation, hiring employees, and financial management.
2. Business and Food Service Courses: Franchisees and managers may also be required to complete additional food service and business courses prescribed by Ledo Pizza. These courses may be provided by governmental agencies, third-party organizations, or Ledo Pizza itself.
3. On-Site Opening and Start-Up Assistance: Following the store opening, Ledo Pizza provides at least one week of on-site assistance to help with opening procedures and start-up training. This support is aimed at ensuring smooth operations from day one.
4. Ongoing and Additional Training: Ledo Pizza may offer or require ongoing and supplemental training sessions to franchisees and their management teams. These programs address operational improvements, system updates, and new business developments.
5. Periodic Operational Assistance: The franchisor also offers periodic general assistance in areas such as food preparation, inventory control, administrative functions, and marketing strategies, as outlined in the Operating Manual.

Territory Protection

Ledo Pizza offers its franchisees a form of territory protection by granting an exclusive territory around the franchised store. The franchisor agrees not to operate or license another Ledo Pizza restaurant within the franchisee’s Exclusive Territory without the franchisee’s written consent.

This protection ensures that while the Franchise Agreement remains effective, the territory boundaries cannot be altered without the franchisee's approval. However, the territory protection is not absolute.

Ledo Pizza reserves the right to engage in alternative sales activities within a franchisee’s territory, such as licensing wholesale or retail food distributors and selling pre-packaged products through grocery or convenience stores.