Opening a Pizza Franchise: What Will It Cost?

Everyone loves pizza, and that passion has made the pizza industry a smart investment. The global pizza industry is on a stable growth trajectory, with a forecasted market value of $222.5 billion and an expected CAGR of 4.5% by 2032. In the United States, the pizza industry was valued at $46.9 billion for 2022 alone. It’s clear to see why this category is so popular with franchise owners. 

You’ve got a lot of options when it comes to choosing a pizza franchise. Although many different factors go into making a choice – including menu options, the company’s values, and its viability in your market – your franchise investment and costs stand out from the rest.  

Investing in the Top Pizza Franchises 

Let’s take a look at what it costs to invest in a few of the nation’s top pizza franchises. All of the information for these franchises can be found at Entrepreneur’s Franchise Center. 

Pizza Franchise 1

• Franchise fee: $25,000 
• Initial investment: Starting at $412,000  
• Minimum net worth: $700,000 
• Minimum liquidity: $350,000 
• Royalty fee: 6% 
• Third-party financing available 

With over 6,200 locations across the United States, this is the world’s largest pizza chain. Near-universal name recognition and brand loyalty may help these franchises build customer bases faster. This franchise offers both traditional dine-in restaurant locations, as well as nontraditional franchises.  

Pizza Franchise 2

• Franchise fee: $25,000 
• Initial investment: Starting at $273,000  
• Minimum net worth: $750,000 
• Minimum liquidity: $250,000 
• Royalty fee: 6% 
• Third-party financing available 

This recognizable brand is focused on delivery and takeout, making it a lower-cost option than pizza franchises with dine-in formats. On occasion, it will waive the franchise fee during recruitment drives. It is growing rather quickly, with a 12.4% increase in franchise locations over the last three years. 

Pizza Franchise 3

• Franchise fee: $20,000 
• Initial investment: Starting at $393,000  
• Minimum net worth: $400,000 
• Minimum liquidity: $200,000 
• Royalty fee: 6% 
• Third-party financing available 

This franchise brand also has near-universal name recognition and specializes in grab-and-go options. They don’t offer dine-in formats, but instead offer several different models geared toward delivery and carryout, including drive-thru windows. Financial benefits are available for qualified military veterans, members of Gold Star families, and first responders. 

Pizza Franchise 4

• Franchise fee: $25,000 
• Initial investment: Starting at $367,000  
• Minimum net worth: $350,000 
• Minimum liquidity: $125,000 
• Royalty fee: 5% 
• Third-party franchising available 

Unlike many other pizza franchises, this brand specializes in take-and-bake pizza that customers cook at home. Its unusual business model reduces operational costs, making it a lower-cost investment. Keep in mind, however, that this brand does not appear to be on a growth trajectory: over the last three years, its number of open locations has decreased by 13%. Qualified veterans receive 50% off the franchise fee. 

Pizza Franchise 5

• Franchise fee: $25,000 
• Initial investment: Starting at $285,000  
• Minimum net worth: $600,000 to $1.2 million 
• Minimum liquidity: $200,000 to $600,000 
• Royalty fee: 5.5% 
• Third-party franchising available 

This brand has been in the franchising space for over four decades. Like many other pizza franchises, their focus is delivery and carryout. While their initial investment is average, their net worth requirement is high among comparable brands. They offer discounts on their franchise fee for veterans, first responders, and multi-unit owners. 

Investing in Hungry Howie’s 

• Franchise fee: $25,000 
• Initial investment: Starting at $432,000 
• Minimum net worth: $650,000 
• Minimum liquidity: $220,000 
• Royalty fee: 5.5% 
• Third-party franchising available 
• Additional discounts for qualified veterans and multi-unit franchise owners 

At Hungry Howie’s, we’re proud to provide savvy investors with an affordable way to enter the booming pizza industry. Our brand is growing fast – in 2023, our franchise ranked #8 in pizza sales nationwide. We’re pioneers, having been in the franchise space since 1982, and our emphasis on convenience and technology makes us uniquely equipped to thrive in the post-pandemic environment.  

With a 2023 AUV of $1.2 million for our top 25% of franchisees*, as well as an AUV of nearly $860,000 across all franchise locations**, the numbers show that our approach is good for business. 

Invest in one of the fastest-rising brands in pizza! Reach out to Hungry Howie’s today to explore your franchise opportunities. 

*Based on Gross Sales of the top performing 25% (or 70 units) of Hungry Howie’s Franchised Units that were open for the entire 53-week period from December 26, 2022 through December 31, 2023. Franchised Units means all Hungry Howie’s Units that were open and reported sales for the entire fiscal year, and excludes units in the State of Florida (see footnote***), affiliated units, units which opened or closed during the above fiscal year, units which are not obligated to and do not report sales to us, and units closed for more than ten consecutive days during the above fiscal year due to a force majeure event. The Franchised Units are in 20 states and have reasonably similar operations as those being offered for sale. Refer to Hungry Howie’s 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document for additional information. 

** Based on Gross Sales of All Units (or 314) of Hungry Howie’s Franchised Units that were open for the entire 53-week period from December 26, 2022 through December 31, 2023. Franchised Units means all Hungry Howie’s Units that were open and reported sales for the entire fiscal year, and excludes units in the State of Florida (see footnote***), affiliated units, units which opened or closed during the entire fiscal year, legacy units which are not obligated to and do not report sales to us, and units that were closed for more than ten consecutive days during the entire fiscal wear due to a force majeure event. The Franchised Units are in 20 states. These Franchised Units have reasonably similar operations as those being offered for sale. See Item 19 of Hungry Howie’s 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document for additional information.