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Wayback Burgers is a fast casual premium burger franchise specializing in fresh juicy burgers, flavorful chicken sandwiches, signature cheesesteaks, real ice cream milkshakes and many more.
What started as a small-town hamburger joint can now be found in over 35 states and developing in 41 countries. The first restaurant opened in Newark, Delaware in 1991 and began offering franchise opportunities in 2008. Starting with 10 original locations, there are now over 170 restaurants worldwide.
Wayback Burgers’ continued success stands on menu diversity, world-class support, flexibility and putting the guest first. The brand prides itself on its evolving culture – incorporating good old-fashioned values of hard work, guest service and unrivaled franchisee support while leaning toward the future with technological advances that solidify it as an industry leader.
Wayback Burgers is led by an executive team that has decades of franchising experience combined together, including:
- John Eucalitto, CEO, who has over 31 years of franchise experience
- Patrick Conlin, president for over five years now, who has over 37 years of experience in the industry. Since graduating college in 1985, Patrick has been a franchisee, area developer and for the last five-plus years, he has also been working on the franchisor side of the business
- Bill Chemero, CFE, who has been a chief development officer at Wayback Burgers for 15 years and in franchise development for more than 41 years
Through Wayback Burgers Master Franchise Program, an individual is awarded their master franchise rights for a country, ultimately stepping into the franchisor’s development and operational roles for specific countries/provinces. Wayback Burgers provides its master franchisees with a comprehensive business model to help grow the brand around the world with the same enthusiasm, passion and support systems that exist in the U.S.
Rick and Shayne De Dominicis are master franchisees of Atlantic Provinces, Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Canada. Since starting their master franchisee journey in 2018, they have awarded 30 restaurants. As a testament to their success, they were recognized as Master Franchisee of the Year in 2021. Rick De Dominicis talks about finding a venture that would reshape his life.
What is your background prior to joining Wayback Burgers?
RD: I have a long history of working in the restaurant business. It wasn’t until 2018 when visiting the United States I found Wayback Burgers and knew this was the next step in my career. It was that simple act of kindness and exceptional guest service at the restaurant that left a lasting impression and laid the foundation that would reshape my future.
What has led to success and growth?
RD: For us, aside from providing excellent guest service and superior burgers, people are the key ingredient to success. I have four key team members by my side growing the business: Tyler Babuin – regional director of operations, Mike Holding – director of operations, Ryan den Teuling – director of growth and Isabelle De Dominicis – marketing assistant. For me, this is a family-run business, my wife as my partner and my daughter works in marketing. Success and growth drive from treating our team with the utmost respect. When we bring a new franchisee into Wayback Burgers, they are not just another number but part of the family. I strive to keep a personal relationship with everyone and treat them with respect. This is the same reason I bought into Wayback Burgers. Our values are aligned. They care about their franchisees and I take this back to my own franchisees.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
RD: I have master franchisee rights for many parts of Canada and my goal is to continue developing my markets and work towards making us a household name. In 2022, we reached 30 restaurants awarded and our goal is to award 50 restaurants by the end of 2023. Keeping this momentum, I know we are well on our way to meeting our goal of Wayback Burgers being a family staple.
What part of being a master franchisee do you enjoy most?
RD: The relationships with the franchisees. I strive to create an honest and truthful relationship with each franchisee. We are in this together and we need to be and we need to be comfortable.
How would you describe the support from corporate?
RD: They are dedicated to us and I know that I can pick up the phone at any given time. Having strong support creates a culture that they care about us as master franchises. It is a great, never-ending support system. My advice for other master franchises is to have a strong marketing plan and focus on word of mouth and social media for lead generation.
At a glance
Year established: 1991, franchising in 2008
Country of origin: United States
Number of franchised outlets: 170
Location of units: Worldwide
Investment range: $500,000-$600,000 to open a single restaurant
Minimum required capital: Master franchisee and area developer depends on country/province/region
Contact: bchemero@waybackburgers.com waybackburgers.com/franchising/
