Franchising

Erbert & Gerbert’s primed for growth with tech, store upgrades

Erbert & Gerbert's has a more modern look featuring graphics reflecting its sandwich combinations. Provided.

October 27, 2021

Erbert & Gerbert's, a 33-year-old sandwich and soup concept based in the Midwest, has reported double-digit growth through the summer thanks to a refocused menu, updated branding and shop design and additional operational and technical leadership, CEO and President Eric Wolfe said in a company press release.

"We are pulling out of the pandemic with a game plan to accelerate growth through improved efficiency, increased quality, and enhanced customer service," he said. "We are outpacing the market recovery by 10%, thanks to our ability to be nimble, respond quickly to consumer needs and deliver the products our loyal fans value the most.

"We also offer an incredible business opportunity for those seeking to pivot jobs. Many people are reconsidering priorities right now and owning a franchise is the perfect opportunity to become your own boss and start a new, rewarding career."

Thriving after the pandemic
Wolfe said the pandemic prompted Erbert & Gerbert's to lean into what the company does best — bold-tasting sandwiches and soups — while removing extraneous menu items. The strategy allowed the company to simplify its operations and staffing model while doubling down on its successful pre-pandemic quick offerings: online and mobile ordering, take-out, in-store and third-party delivery. The brand is also in the process of enhancing its app, which delivers loyalty points for orders, giving customers the opportunity to customize their rewards.

"The customer experience has always been important, and we learned that is still the case during the pandemic," Jeremy Burke, VP of Brand Development & Strategy, said in the release. "People want the best tasting food delivered the way they want it."

Behind the redesign
To oversee the changes, Erbert & Gerbert's has hired Tyler Schwecke as director of operations. He will streamline operations at the chain's 78 shops, as well as the additional 18 opening within the year in Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin, according to the release. Schwecke, who previously was responsible for overall operations for all Las Vegas Jimmy Johns locations, has also served as a franchise consultant for Jimmy Johns corporate in Champaign.

"We have a labor model that works within the current climate, which is supporting our expansion," Schwecke said. "As a Midwestern company, we're excited to grow here in the Midwest with a mix of franchise and corporate stores."

Schwecke is also overseeing the implementation of a store redesign featuring graphics reflecting the bold Erbert & Gerbert sandwich combinations. It debuted in Minneapolis this month, and all future stores will open with the look and existing stores will be retrofitted.