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.

May 28, 2026
Today’s guests are paying closer attention to what they eat. They still want pizza, pasta, and classic Italian food, but they also want better ingredients, fresh preparation, lighter choices, and meals that do not feel overly processed. That is why Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen is becoming a stronger choice for guests searching for a healthier pizza chain, healthy pizza options, and fresh Italian food made with real ingredients. We operate in the United States and internationally, but the kitchen philosophy has stayed simple. Fresh dough, scratch made sauces, premium ingredients, family recipes, and made to order Italian food come first. Founded by Chef Anthony Russo, the brand was built on authentic New York style pizza and Italian cooking inspired by recipes passed through generations. Instead of relying on frozen shortcuts, Russo’s focuses on fresh daily prep, clean ingredient choices, and real flavor. A Healthier Pizza Chain Starts With Better Ingredients A healthier pizza does not mean removing everything people love about pizza. It starts with how the food is made. At Russo’s, the pizza starts with house made dough prepared fresh daily using premium all natural flour. The sauce is made in house. Fresh mozzarella, fresh garlic, herbs, vegetables, and extra virgin olive oil are used throughout the kitchen. That matters because many guests today are reading labels and asking better questions. They want to know what is in their food, how it is prepared, and whether the restaurant uses fresh ingredients or heavily processed shortcuts. Russo’s gives guests a better way to enjoy New York style pizza without losing the taste, comfort, or quality they expect. Fresh Pizza, Pasta, and Italian Food Made Daily Russo’s menu is built around fresh preparation. The kitchen uses scratch made marinara sauce, slow simmered meat sauce, house made dressings, fresh salads, premium beef, all natural chicken, seafood, and brick oven pizza made fresh to order. The menu also includes pasta dishes, chicken entrées, seafood pasta, salads, calzones, and Italian classics prepared with traditional cooking methods. This gives guests more than one way to enjoy a meal. They can choose a fresh pizza, a salad with protein, grilled salmon, chicken, seafood, pasta, or a lighter Italian entrée based on what fits their appetite. Healthier Pizza Options Without Losing Flavor For guests looking for healthy pizza options, Russo’s focuses on freshness, quality, and customization. Guests can enjoy hand stretched New York style pizza with fresh toppings, premium mozzarella, scratch made sauce, and brick oven baking. They can also choose gluten free options, lighter toppings, fresh vegetables, salads, or protein focused menu items when available by location. The goal is not to turn pizza into diet food. The goal is to serve pizza made with better ingredients and fewer shortcuts. That is what makes Russo’s different from many large chain pizza restaurants. Better Choices for GLP 1 and Wellness Focused Guests More guests are now thinking about portion control, protein intake, fresh vegetables, and balanced meals. This has become even more common as GLP 1 lifestyle habits and wellness focused dining continue to grow. Russo’s menu naturally gives guests more flexibility. A guest may want a smaller portion, a salad, grilled chicken, seafood, fresh vegetables, or a protein balanced Italian meal. Another guest may want authentic brick oven pizza made with fresh dough and real ingredients. Both guests can find something that works for them. That is why Russo’s can be positioned as a healthier pizza and Italian restaurant choice for modern diners who still want comfort food made better. Authentic Italian Food With Family Recipes Russo’s is not only a pizza restaurant. It is an Italian restaurant built around Chef Anthony Russo’s family recipes, fresh ingredients, and scratch cooking. The menu includes New York style pizza, fresh pasta, seafood dishes, chicken entrées, salads, calzones, and Italian comfort food made with care. Many of these recipes come from Italian family traditions. That gives the food a more personal story and helps guests understand why Russo’s focuses on fresh preparation instead of mass produced shortcuts. A Healthier Pizza and Italian Restaurant Choice Across the USA and Beyond Russo’s serves guests across the United States and internationally. Even with national and global operations, the brand continues to focus on fresh dough, made to order pizza, scratch made sauces, and authentic Italian recipes. For guests searching for the healthiest pizza choice, a healthy pizza chain, fresh Italian food, or a family friendly Italian restaurant, Russo’s offers a menu built around better ingredients and more flexible choices. Guests can dine in, order takeout, schedule pizza delivery, plan catering, enjoy lunch specials, or visit their nearest Russo’s location for fresh New York style pizza and Italian food. Fresh Choices Guests Can Order at Russo’s Russo’s menu gives guests several fresh and balanced options, including brick oven New York style pizza, fresh salads, grilled chicken dishes, seafood entrées, salmon, chicken Saltimbocca, burrata salads, pasta dishes, calzones, and classic Italian entrées. Guests can also customize many menu items based on appetite, preference, and lifestyle. This helps make Russo’s a strong choice for families, office lunches, group meals, takeout nights, and guests who want Italian food made with fresh ingredients. Find your nearest Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen location and enjoy fresh New York style pizza, scratch made pasta, salads, seafood, and authentic Italian entrées made with better ingredients. Frequently Asked Questions Why is Russo’s considered a healthier pizza chain? Russo’s focuses on fresh ingredients, house made pizza dough, scratch made sauces, premium olive oil, fresh vegetables, and made to order Italian food instead of relying heavily on frozen or overly processed ingredients. Does Russo’s serve healthy pizza options? Yes. Guests can choose fresh vegetable toppings, lighter pizza options, salads, grilled chicken dishes, seafood entrées, gluten free options at select locations, and customizable menu items based on their preferences. What type of pizza does Russo’s serve? Russo’s is known for authentic New York style pizza baked in a brick oven using hand stretched dough, premium mozzarella, scratch made sauce, and fresh toppings. Is Russo’s only a pizza restaurant? No. Russo’s is also an Italian restaurant serving fresh pasta, seafood dishes, salads, calzones, chicken entrées, catering options, lunch specials, and family style Italian meals. Does Russo’s operate outside the United States? Yes. Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen operates across the United States and internationally while continuing to focus on fresh ingredients, scratch cooking, and authentic Italian family recipes.
May 25, 2026
Russo’s NY Pizzeria has long been known in Houston for New York-style pizza, casual Italian favorites, and a welcoming dining experience. According to a CultureMap Houston article, the Russo name is now connected to a new restaurant concept called Anthony’s New York Italian, which quietly opened with a more refined approach to Italian dining. While Russo’s NY Pizzeria remains a go-to spot for pizza, pasta, calzones, and family meals, Anthony’s introduces a more elevated side of the brand. Anthony’s New York Italian appears to offer a more elegant and personal restaurant experience compared to the fast casual style Russo’s is best known for. Instead of focusing primarily on quick, casual New York-style pies, the new restaurant creates a setting better suited for date nights, special occasions, and guests looking for a more polished Italian dining atmosphere. The concept gives the Russo brand a chance to showcase a more upscale interpretation of New York Italian food while still staying connected to the recipes and hospitality that made Russo’s recognizable. For fans of Russo’s NY Pizzeria, the quiet opening of Anthony’s New York Italian is an exciting step forward. It shows how the brand continues to grow beyond its well-known pizzeria roots while still honoring classic Italian flavors. With a more elevated and elegant dining experience, Anthony’s New York Italian adds another layer to the Russo story and gives Houston diners a new way to enjoy the flavors of New York Italian cuisine.  Source: CultureMap Houston https://houston.culturemap.com/news/city-life/popular-stories-betelgeuse-betelgeuse-arrest/
May 25, 2026
Russo’s NY Pizzeria is getting attention for one of its most satisfying Italian favorites: the calzone. A recent Chowhound article highlighting impressive chain restaurant calzones points to the continued popularity of this classic folded pizza-style dish, and Russo’s NY Pizzeria is a natural fit for the conversation. Known for New York-style pizza, fresh ingredients, and hearty Italian menu options, Russo’s offers calzones that deliver the kind of comfort food experience guests expect from an authentic neighborhood pizzeria. A great calzone starts with the right balance of dough, cheese, fillings, and flavor. At Russo’s NY Pizzeria, calzones are made with the same Italian-inspired approach that has helped the brand become recognized for its pizza and pasta. Each calzone gives guests a warm, baked, handheld meal filled with rich cheese and savory ingredients, making it a great choice for lunch, dinner, takeout, or a casual family meal. For customers who love pizza but want something a little different, a calzone offers the perfect mix of crispy crust, melted cheese, and classic Italian flavor. As more diners search for flavorful alternatives to traditional pizza, Russo’s NY Pizzeria calzones continue to stand out as a filling and memorable menu option. Whether ordered on their own or paired with other Italian favorites, they reflect what Russo’s does best: serving approachable, satisfying New York-style Italian food with quality and consistency. For anyone craving a hearty calzone from a trusted pizzeria, Russo’s NY Pizzeria remains a delicious place to start. Source: Chowhound https://www.chowhound.com/2173521/impressive-chain-calzones/
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