Top 10 Pizza Franchises that Make the Cut

Pizza is extremely popular among consumers and is most likely the most popular dinner option in the United States. So, if you’re looking for a lucrative business, a pizza franchise is an excellent choice. Below are ten of the best pizza franchises you should look into:

1. Pizza Hut

A restaurant chain and international franchise, Pizza Hut is known for its Italian-American cuisine menu. It serves not just pizzas, but its menu also includes pasta, side dishes, and desserts. The company recently announced that it would focus on delivery and carryout as these are the more popular options for its customers.

Pizza Hut franchise comes in two modes of opportunities. The first is the traditional, which requires you to invest anywhere between $367,000 to $2,063,500. The non-traditional way needs an initial investment of $40,600 to $472,000.

2. Domino’s

When it comes to pizza delivery, Domino’s is the name that stands out. Founded in 1960, it is the undisputed global leader in pizza delivery. It is now traded on the NYSE under the symbol “DPZ.” As of the third quarter of 2018, Domino’s has more than 15,300 franchised and company-owned stores in the United States and over 85 across the globe.

You will need to pay an initial franchise fee of $10,000 to start your Domino’s store. The estimated total investment cost ranges from $107,450 to $682,500. 

3. Little Caesars

Operating in 24 countries and territories across the globe, Little Caesars is the third-largest pizza chain in the world. It aggressively pursued expansion plans to include the Middle East and many other countries in its customer list. Aside from pizza, this pizza franchise serves chicken wings, its signature Crazy Bread, and other related food items.

To own a Little Caesars store, you need a net worth of $350,000 and a liquid asset of $150,000. The estimated total investment starts at $379,000, with an initial franchise fee of $20,000.

4. Papa John’s

Also focused on deliveries and takeout, Papa John’s has 5,400 locations as of December 2020. In January 2002, it became the first national pizza chain to offer online ordering to all its customers in the United States. It is one of the most affordable pizza franchises you can find.

To start, you will need a minimum net worth of $750,000 and $250,000 in cash or liquid assets. The initial franchise fee starts at $5,000 and can go up to $25,000. The estimated total investment ranges from $36,500 to $788,930.

5. Marco’s Pizza

Another American restaurant chain that specializes in Italian cuisine, Marco’s Pizza, is a great investment opportunity. It was recently named “Pizza Chain of the Year,” according to Harris Poll EquiTrend Study. With over 1,000 locations across the globe, you can be sure that this is a sound investment.

To qualify for a Marco’s Pizza ownership, you need to have $150,000 in liquid capital and a $450,000 net worth. The initial franchise fee is $25,000, with an estimated investment cost ranging from $242,142 to $633,109.

6. Toppers Pizza

Originating from the midwest, Toppers Pizza is slowly but surely fighting its way to the top of the pizza franchise chain. It gained popularity and reputation from its delectable menu, fantastic culture, and state-of-the-art ordering. Aside from the usual pizzas, it offers a wide range of breadsticks and buffalo wings.

The initial franchise fee is $30,000, and the estimated investment cost is between $322,875 and $578,100. A Toppers Pizza franchisee must have at least $200,000 in liquid assets and a minimum net worth of $400,000.

7. MOD Pizza

Seattle-based restaurant chain MOD Pizza was named by Nation’s Restaurant News as America’s fastest-growing restaurant chain. A considerable part of its popularity is due to its made-on-demand (MOD) pizza that lets you add as many toppings as you like for a flat rate. Its family-friendly atmosphere and locally-inspired interiors add to its appeal.

This pizza franchise requires a $30,000 initial fee and a total investment range of $714,000 to $985,000. You’ll also need a $30,000 to $50,000 working capital to own one.

8. Rosati’s

A popular chain in the Chicago metropolitan area, Rosati’s gives you a taste of authentic Italian flavor. It is famous for its Chicago Deep Dish, Chicago Thin Crust, Double-Dough Pizzas, and many others. It takes pride in using only locally-sourced ingredients and claiming to use no processed or canned items.

As a franchisee, you’ll need to pay an initial fee of $35,000 and an investment cost that ranges from $142,200 to $1,244,000. You’ll be paying a royalty fee of 5% of gross sales.

9. Cicis

Using the unique concept of unlimited pizza, CiCi’s is a pizza buffet restaurant founded in 1985. Customers can choose from no fewer than 15 different kinds of pizzas on a buffet line. This is what makes Cici’s popular with families and big groups. 

To get your own Cici’s pizza franchise, you’ll pay an initial fee of $30,000. In addition, get ready with your estimated total investment, which ranges from $446,000 to $715,000. You’re also expected to allocate 4 to 6% of your net sales as a royalty fee.

10. Jet’s Pizza

Famous for its Detroit-style and New York-style pizzas, Jet’s Pizza also offers submarine sandwiches, salads, and sides. Its signature sandwich, the Jetzee and the Boat helped it reach its status as the twelfth-largest pizza chain in the nation. Founded in1978, it started franchising in 1990 and now has 390 locations across the US.

An initial franchise fee of $25,000 gets you your own Jet’s Pizza store. The estimated investment costs are around $600,000 to $750,000, depending on your location.

Final Thoughts

With 43% of Americans eating pizza at least once a week, a pizza franchise is a rewarding endeavor. And with its prospects growing higher, now’s the best time to start one.