Chicago Franchise Systems, Inc. operates 3 different franchise concepts including Nancy's Pizzeria, Al's Beef, & Doughocracy Pizza + Brews. They have operated since 1990 when President & CEO Dave Howey took over the popular Nancy's Pizzeria chain of pizzerias. Nancy's Pizzeria, a Chicago based family pizza restaurant, was started by Rocco and Nancy Palese back in 1971 and has never looked back after the invention of the Stuffed Pizza Pie. Today, there are 32 Nancy's locations across the Chicagoland & Southern Illinois area as well as Missouri, North Carolina, & Georgia. In 2017, the stuffed pizza became available to be shipped directly to any home or business across the United States. CFSI, Inc. operates Al's Beef, a legendary Italian beef stand that invented Italian Beef way back in 1938. Today, it is regarded as one of the best sandwiches in the country, as said by Food Network, Esquire Magazine, Playboy, USA Today, Travel Channel, Thrillist, Chicago Tribune, Men's Journal, The Daily Meal, and Food & Wine to name a few. Today, there are 9 Al's Beef locations in the Chicagoland area. CFSI, Inc. launched Doughocracy Pizza + Brews, a fast casual pizza place that gives customers the "Freedom to Choose" their own toppings on a hand stretched pizza crust that can be paired with local craft beers. There is 1 franchise location that calls itself home in Geneva, IL.