kids encyclopedia robot

Schlotzsky's facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Schlotzsky's
Subsidiary
Industry Restaurants
Genre Fast food
Founded 1971; 54 years ago (1971) in Austin, Texas, U.S.
Founders Don and Dolores Dissman
Headquarters 200 Glenridge Point Pkwy, Suite 200,
Atlanta, Georgia
,
U.S.
Number of locations
330+
Area served
United States
Key people
William Armstrong (President)
Megan Thomas (VPM)
Randy Hayworth (VPO)
Products Sandwiches, pizzas, salads, calzones, soups
Parent Focus Brands

Schlotzsky's is a popular American restaurant chain. It is famous for its unique sandwiches and pizzas. The company's main office is in Atlanta, Georgia.

Schlotzsky's has over 330 locations across the United States. Most of these restaurants are in the southern and southwestern parts of the country. However, the company is growing and opening new places in other areas too. Schlotzsky's is also part of a larger group of brands called Focus Brands.

The Story of Schlotzsky's

Starting with "The Original" Sandwich

Schlotzsky's began in 1971 in Austin, Texas. A couple named Don and Dolores Dissman opened a small shop. Their first and only menu item was a special sandwich called "The Original."

This sandwich was made with different meats, cheeses, and black olives. It was served on a freshly baked, toasted bun. The idea for "The Original" came from a type of sandwich called a muffuletta.

New Owners and More Choices

By 1981, Schlotzsky's had grown to 100 franchise stores. That year, some real estate investors bought the company. They were John and Jeff Wooley and Gary Bradley.

The Wooley brothers later took over the chain completely. They decided to add more items to the menu. Soon, customers could enjoy specialty pizzas, toasted wraps, salads, and soups.

Challenges and Changes

Schlotzsky's continued to grow, reaching its peak in 2001 with 759 stores. However, after this, sales started to slow down. In 2004, the company faced some financial difficulties.

To help the company, new leaders were brought in. The Wooley brothers eventually left the board of directors. Later that year, Schlotzsky's had to go through a legal process to reorganize its business.

Euless Texas Schlotzsky
A Schlotzsky's restaurant in Euless, Texas

A Fresh Start and New Look

After this, a company called Bobby Cox Companies bought Schlotzsky's. Under new management, the company worked hard to improve its restaurants. They made the menu simpler and stronger.

In 2006, Focus Brands bought Schlotzsky's. Focus Brands also owns other well-known chains like Moe's Southwest Grill, Carvel, Cinnabon, and Auntie Anne's.

With Focus Brands, Schlotzsky's began a big makeover. They updated their restaurants with a new, bright, and modern design. They also improved their menus and added items from Cinnabon. This new look was called "Lotz Better."

Catchy Slogans

Schlotzsky's has used several fun slogans over the years. Their current slogan, launched in 2021, is "It's a mouthful."

Some past slogans include:

  • "All 'Round, Lotz Better"
  • "Lotz Better"
  • "Every Bite Lotz Better"
  • "Funny name. Serious sandwich"
  • "No substituteskys"
  • "Just one sandwich, it's that good."

See also

kids search engine
Schlotzsky's Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.