Al’s #1 Italian Beef is Chicago’s original Italian Beef sandwich. The Founder’s grandfather (Anthony Ferreri) invented the sandwich in 1917 and distributed it at lower-budget (“Peanut”) weddings and by sandwich truck. Today, the recipe remains a well-guarded family secret.

Founder Al Ferreri opened Chicago’s first beef stand in 1938, which remained the only beef stand in Chicago for more than a decade. As you might guess, it was followed by countless imitators – yet still stands as city’s true original. 

Al’s Beef has been recognized and celebrated by hundreds of prestigious food critics and media outlets, is beloved by leading chefs (Anthony Bourdain, Gordon Ramsay, Bobby Flay, Guy Fieri, Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro), and has been featured on The Today Show, in The New York Times, Bon Appetit, Esquire magazine, Chicago magazine, Food & Wine magazine, and many, many more.

With its simple menu and engaging origin story, Al’s Beef represents a chance for a new generation of fans to experience this legendary all-natural, slow-cooked regional sandwich at compact venues in major metro areas, at drive-through venues in suburban areas, in hotel lobbies, airports, on food trucks, and via third-party and in-house delivery. 

From an execution standpoint, Al’s Beef franchises can utilize a hub-and-spoke commissary/satellite model. And while the cooking process is exacting, it does not require an elevated chef – and a single commissary kitchen at one location can service up to ten micro-footprint restaurants within a specified service area. 

Backed by a legendary brand, an affordable price point for the guest, and a high profit margin for the owner, Al’s #1 Italian Beef is an amazing franchise opportunity.