The 22-unit Milio’s Sandwiches chain has been sold to a group of friends that includes its first franchisee, the company announced on Wednesday.
The ownership group includes Brian Bergen, Timm Heller, Todd Mancusi, Tony Mancusi and Chris Gentilli, all of whom have long-standing ties to the Madison, Wis.-based chain.
Gentilli was its first franchisee, having opened a restaurant in 2004. Bergen’s wife, Carol opened a franchise in Madison in 2008 along with Heller—who has been in the food industry for more than 20 years along with the Mancusis.
“Milio’s has a great product, a fanatical following from our loyal customers, and one of the best groups of employees around,” Bergen said in a statement. “We couldn’t think of a good reason why we shouldn’t buy the company, even with the pandemic. We know Milio’s. We care about Milio’s, the people, the customers and our communities. It was an easy decision.”
They take over a brand that has been in decline in recent years—system sales averaged a 4.2% annual decline in the five years through 2019. The pandemic appears to have made things worse—the chain operated 33 restaurants at the end of 2019, according to data from Restaurant Business sister company Technomic. Milio’s said the chain now operates 22 locations, suggesting an 11-unit decline in 2020.
Milio’s was started in Madison, near the University of Wisconsin, in 1989, when it was initially known as Big Mike’s Super Subs. It changed its name to Milio’s in 2004 when it began franchising. Franchisees operate all but one of the 22 locations, which are in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
Bergen, Heller and the Mancusis are alums of Madison West High School and have known the brand for years. The company’s new president, Gerard Helminski, has been with Milio’s since 2000 and has held numerous leadership roles.
“Together, with our staff and franchise owners, we have a strong commitment to improve our stores continually, offer an exceptional experience to our guests, and be here for another 32 years and then some,” Helminski said in a statement.
Milio’s said it plans to keep “existing fan favorites” on the menu but suggested that it would work on new offers and promotions this year. The company also plans to make technology upgrades, including a new “mobile app experience” and a new loyalty program.
“Milio’s has a rich history and strong foundation,” Bergen said in a statement. “We’re known for great customer service, high-quality ingredients and our signature bread baked fresh every four hours, every day, in every store. We will stay true to our roots while looking for ways to improve and grow.”
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