20 PIZZA FRANCHISES CHALLENGING

April 26, 2016
Pepperoni pizza slice on a wooden board with melted cheese, visible sauce, and more pizza in the background.

There’s certainly no shortage of pizza businesses already in existence. But there’s always room for more. If you’re interested in owning your own pizza franchise, but want more options than just Pizza Hut and Domino’s take a look at the list of pizza franchises below.

Available Pizza Franchises

Slice of pizza being lifted, with melted cheese stretching downward. Toppings include pepperoni and sausage.

Papa John’s is one of the more popular nationwide brands that has franchising opportunities available. The company offers both traditional and non-traditional franchise opportunities, so even those with access to unique venues or locations can consider it as an option. New franchisees should expect initial startup costs for an average sized restaurant to come out to about $250,000.

Little Caesars

Close-up of a pepperoni pizza cut into triangular slices. Pepperoni is red-orange against a backdrop of melted cheese on golden crust.

Little Caesars started with just one pizza restaurant in Metro Detroit in 1959. And since then it has grown to become an internationally recognized brand. The company prides itself on unique offerings, like its $5 Hot-N-Ready pizzas, along with quality, training and community involvement. The initial investment can range from $314,000 to $1,335,500. And the company has markets available for franchise growth around the country.

Marco’s Pizza

Pizza with meatballs, tomatoes, and green peppers.

Marco’s Pizza currently has hundreds of stores throughout the U.S., with even more opportunity for growth in select markets. If you want to start a multi-unit development, you can sign a three to five store deal for access to an exclusive territory. You’ll need to spend between $221,592 and $421,592 to get started with a traditional franchise location.

Sam & Louie’s

Pizza topped with black olives, green and red peppers, and red onions.

Sam & Louie’s currently has locations in five states, with interest in expanding even further. The company has heavy interest in expanding in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. The total initial investment ranges from $327,500 to $468,700. And there are royalties and marketing fees involved as well.

Red Brick Pizza

Close-up of pizza with pepperoni, green peppers, red onion, black olives, and sausage.

RedBrick Pizza specializes in brick oven pizzas made with quality ingredients. The fast casual restaurant chain currently has franchise opportunities available in Missouri, Kentucky, Nebraska and Illinois, as well as further growth in its current markets. You can choose between single and multi unit developments. And the cost depends on which option you choose.

Hungry Howie’s

Close-up of a pepperoni pizza on a red surface. The crust is golden brown, and the cheese is melted.

Hungry Howie’s is a nationwide brand with further expansion opportunities in select states. There are even more opportunities available for those interested in multi unit developments. The company offers training, a nationwide distribution network and marketing assistance. The initial investment typically falls between $239,700 and $472,000.

The Pizza Press

Hand holding a slice of pizza with stretching melted cheese, basil, and sauce.

The Pizza Press is a restaurant chain that uses the concept “publish your own pizza.” Guests get to create their own custom pizzas. So franchisees can create a real experience for the customers in their area. The company is currently seeking out franchise expansion in several states, mainly those in the western half of the country. And you’ll need a minimum liquidity of $200,000 per restaurant to get one of these pizze franchises.

Papa Romano’s

Two pizzas: a circular one with pineapple and ham, and a square one with pepperoni and sausage.

Papa Romano’s is a Michigan based pizza chain that also offers things like subs, salads and wings. The company offers training and ongoing support for franchisees. And there are both single and multi unit developments available.

Pizza Ranch

Pizzas in various flavors on display at a restaurant. Close-up of a pizza with toppings and a sign reading

Pizza Ranch has a dine-in/carryout restaurant model with a focus on creating a welcoming environment for guests. The company provides training, marketing assistance and ongoing support to franchisees. The total initial investment starts at above $1 million. And single and multi unit developments are available.

CiCi’s Pizza

Pepperoni pizza on a wooden platter, sliced into wedges.

CiCi’s is a pizza buffet chain with 442 locations nationwide. Franchisees are required to invest $125,000 per restaurant. The company provides marketing support, training and distribution. And there are even incentives available to veterans to make the initial investment easier.

East of Chicago Pizza Company

A slice of cheesy pizza being pulled from a whole pizza, with cheese stretching.

East of Chicago Pizza Company is a Midwestern chain that has been in business for more than 20 years. The company has a proven business model and a dedication to creating pizzas and other food items with quality ingredients.

Happy’s Pizza

Two pizzas, one with peppers and the other with pepperoni, surrounded by vegetables.

Happy’s Pizza is a chain that provides delivery, carry-out, dine-in and catering options for customers. The company provides services for training, real estate, marketing and more. Happy’s has existing locations throughout the country and even more slated to open soon.

My Pie Pizza

Pizza with a slice removed, on a paper-lined tray, beside a pint of beer. Dark wood table background.

My Pie is part of the growing fast casual custom pizza market. Franchise opportunities are currently available nationwide. You’ll need between $190,000 and $545,000 in build-out costs. There are also royalties and local ad fees involved when buying these pizza franchises.

Papa Murphy’s

Pizza slice with melted cheese, vegetables, and olives on a wooden board. One slice being pulled away, cheese stretching.

Papa Murphy’s has over 1,500 stores nationwide that serve take ‘n’ bake pizza. The company provides training and support to franchisees. And there are current and future markets open to expansion around the country.

Russo’s New York Pizzeria

Close-up of a pizza with pepperoni, ham, peppers, olives, and mushrooms on a wooden board, with cheese and olives nearby.

The Russo’s brand actually contains two restaurant chains, Russo’s New York Pizzeria and Russo’s Coal Fired Italian Kitchen. Both restaurants exemplify the fast casual restaurant environment and focus on using quality ingredients. The company has been in business for more than 30 years and provides, training, marketing, management structure and even culinary research to franchisees.

Rosati’s Pizza

Deep-dish pizza with a slice being lifted by a spatula. Red sauce covers the cheese, and tomatoes are nearby.

Rosati’s is a restaurant chain that specializes in authentic Chicago style pizza. The company provides training and assistance with site selection and various other aspects of running your franchise. You’ll need at least $100,000 in liquid assets to get started.

Vocelli Pizza

Pepperoni pizza with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and onions in the background.

Vocelli Pizza specializes in artisan pizzas and other classic Italian dishes. The company has been around for more than 25 years and falls into the growing fast casual segment. Your total startup costs can range from $146,000 to $317,900.

Kono Pizza

Pizza cone with visible toppings, set against a world map background. The cone has a browned, bread-like exterior and filled with cheese and sausage.

Kono offers a unique take on pizza. The Kono Cone changes the entire shape of traditional pizza in an effort to make it easier to eat. The company also aims to provide healthier alternatives to pizza fans. If this opportunity appeals to you, you’ll just need some business savvy and at least 100,000 in liquid capital to get one of these pizza franchises.

Fox’s Pizza Den

Pepperoni pizza on a metal tray, sliced into sections, with a red background.

Fox’s Pizza Den is a family owned business that prides itself on being accessible to potential franchisees. The company’s $10,000 franchise fee and flat $300 per month royalty rate make it a fairly affordable option compared to other pizza franchises. The company also helps with site selection, business plans, inventory and more.

Jet’s Pizza

Square pepperoni pizza in a box, cut into squares with melted cheese and a white plastic support in the middle.

Jet’s is a pizzeria chain that provides carryout and delivery. The company provides training, opening assistance and ongoing support to franchisees. Jet’s charges a $20,000 franchise fee and collects royalties based on a percentage of acquired inventory rather than just taking a percentage of gross sales.

Interior of a restaurant with lime green booths, square tables, and a brick wall decorated with framed photos and a menu board.
By Russo’s Franchise Development Team September 26, 2024
Choosing the ideal pizza franchise can be a daunting task. Many franchises charge royalty fees and require you to purchase supplies through their commissary, often with hidden fees embedded in the cost of goods. It’s essential to ask the right questions, like, “What is the typical food cost within their system?” If your cost of […] The post Best Pizza Franchise – Finding the Right Pizza Franchise for Your Success appeared first on Russo's New York Pizzeria Franchise.
By Russo’s Franchise Development Team July 9, 2024
What does it take to open a franchise restaurant?   Owning a franchise restaurant can offer several benefits, including: 1. Established Brand: Franchises come with a well-known brand name and reputation, which can attract customers more easily than starting a new, independent restaurant. 2. Proven Business Model: Franchisors typically provide franchisees with a proven business […] The post What is the Benefit of owning Franchise? appeared first on Russo's New York Pizzeria Franchise.
By Russo’s Franchise Development Team November 9, 2023
Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen recently finalized a franchise agreement with first-time franchise entrepreneurs, Kevin Barth and Phuong Thai. The deal entails the establishment of a new Russo’s franchise location in Mesa, Arizona, scheduled to open its doors in the Spring of 2024, as outlined in an official announcement. Thai, in the press […] The post Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen Expanding with a New Franchise Location in Mesa, Arizona appeared first on Russo's New York Pizzeria Franchise.
Show More