54 Canadian Franchise Association http://www.cfa.ca | http://www.LookforaFranchise.ca
BIG HITTERS
Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill and Bar
‘He shoots, he scores!’ both on and off the ice. That’s
how life goes for the iconic former Toronto Maple Leaf
now turned sports bar owner. Wendel Clark opened his
first location in Vaughan, Ontario in 2008.
“Wendel’s as a concept is a restaurant with a sports-bar
twist. It’s owned by a Leaf legend, and provides superb,
affordable food in a sports environment. We make sure
there’s not a bad seat in the house. We’ve tried to emulate
Wendel’s characteristics. He’s a down-to-earth man who
is not going to let you down – that’s what the restaurant
tries to emulate, as well,” explains Sam D’Uva, President
of Dynamic Hospitality and Entertainment Group, which
owns Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill and Bar.
Right now, there are locations in Brampton, Burling-
ton, Hamilton, and Vaughan, with plans to open three
new locations a year. “We want to grow, but we want to
grow modestly at first,” says D’Uva.
There are many benefits to running a Wendel Clark’s
franchise, says D’Uva. “We’ve probably got the lowest
start-up costs, and lowest royalty fees moving forward.
Hopefully, you also have satisfaction in what you’re
doing, and are very profitable.”
Franchisees should be passionate about both sports
and people. “You have to take pride in delivering the best
possible experience for guests. Knowledge and experi-
ence in the industry is an asset, but we put franchisees
through an in-depth training program. A love of sports
and people are traits we look for. The guest is first and
foremost,” says D’Uva.
Training is an intense six-to-eight week program,
wherein franchisees are taken through every aspect of
operating the restaurant. D’Uva says franchisees should
feel comfortable leaning on the franchisor to get through
the rough periods, especially in the beginning.
It’s a competitive field, so you need to stick to the
game plan, advises D’Uva. “If you stick with what is tried
and proven, you’ll succeed.”WENDEL CLARK’S CLASSIC GRILL AND BAR
STATS
Franchise units in Canada: 3
Corporate units in Canada: 1
Franchise fee: $25K
Investment required: $400K minimum
Start-up capital required: $100K minimum
Available territories: All of Canada, US
In business since: 2007
Franchising since: 2013
CFA member since: 2013