Highest-Earning Pizza Franchises: Which One Should You Invest In?

The pizza industry is one of the most profitable and competitive sectors in the U.S. With thousands of locations nationwide, top pizza franchises have built strong brand recognition, loyal customer bases, and proven business models. Below is a list of the leading pizza franchises, detailing their startup costs, franchise fees, and market presence to help you evaluate the best investment opportunities.

• Number of U.S. Locations: 6,854

• Startup Costs: Ranges from $156,450 to $743,500

• Franchise Fee: $10,000

• Number of U.S. Locations: 6,739

• Startup Costs: Ranges from $297,000 to $2,109,000

• Franchise Fee: Not publicly disclosed

• Number of U.S. Locations: 4,217

• Startup Costs: Ranges from $393,000 to $1,719,000

• Franchise Fee: $20,000 (first location), $15,000 for additional locations

• Number of U.S. Locations: 3,320

• Startup Costs: Ranges from $198,130 to $1,093,980

• Franchise Fee: $5,000 - $25,000

• Number of U.S. Locations: 1,222

• Startup Costs: Ranges from $242,000 to $633,092

• Franchise Fee: Not publicly disclosed

• Number of U.S. Locations: 1,086

• Startup Costs: Ranges from $308,469 to $557,879

• Franchise Fee: Not publicly disclosed

• Number of U.S. Locations: 485

• Startup Costs: Ranges from $714,000 to $1,092,000

• Franchise Fee: Not publicly disclosed

• Number of U.S. Locations: 518

• Startup Costs: Ranges from $303,075 to $885,600

• Franchise Fee: Not publicly disclosed

• Number of U.S. Locations: 448

• Startup Costs: Ranges from $592,000 to $1,153,000

• Franchise Fee: $30,000

• Number of U.S. Locations: 395

• Startup Costs: Ranges from $443,500 to $1,007,500

• Franchise Fee: $25,000

• Number of U.S. Locations: 25

• Startup Costs: Ranges from $87,500 to $125,000

• Franchise Fee: $0

PizzaForno is revolutionizing the pizza industry by bringing first-to-market 24/7 automated pizza vending to the United States. Unlike traditional pizza franchises that require costly real estate, labor, and overhead, PizzaForno’s technology-driven model offers a low-cost, high-margin opportunity for entrepreneurs.

With 25 locations across the U.S. and growing rapidly, PizzaForno machines operate independently, allowing owners to generate revenue around the clock with minimal involvement. Startup costs range from $87,500 to $125,000, making it one of the most affordable options in the pizza franchise space. Even better—there’s no franchise fee, so owners can maximize their return on investment from day one.

PizzaForno’s innovative approach is disrupting the QSR industry, making fresh, hot pizza available anytime, anywhere.

The success of a pizza franchise hinges on several key factors that can significantly influence profitability. First and foremost is brand recognition. Established brands like Domino's and Pizza Hut benefit from their well-known names, which attract customers more easily than independent shops. According to a September 2023 Harris Poll, pizza remains the most popular food in the U.S., with Americans consuming over 30 million slices a year, ensuring a broad customer base.

Location is another critical factor; franchises situated in high-traffic areas tend to perform better due to increased visibility and accessibility. Additionally, a well-designed menu that caters to local tastes can boost sales; flexibility in offering gluten-free or vegan options allows franchises to tap into broader demographics, enhancing appeal. For example, many successful franchises leverage technology, from sophisticated online ordering systems to innovative delivery mechanisms that meet growing consumer demand for convenience.

Lastly, operational efficiency can directly impact profit margins. Streamlining kitchen operations and training staff effectively are essential for keeping labor costs manageable and service quality high. As noted by various industry experts, these elements collectively contribute to a pizza franchise's overall success.

Profit margins in the pizza industry can vary significantly. On average, the gross profit margins for pizza shops range from 30% to 35%, with net profit margins typically hovering between 10% to 20%. However, these figures are influenced by a range of factors, including menu offerings, operational costs, and labor efficiency. For instance, a pizza franchise leveraging effective cost control and strategic pricing can see net profits soar—even reaching upward of 20% in ideal scenarios. The key to maximizing these margins lies in effective management of food costs and operational expenses, highlighting the importance of comprehensive training and efficient workflows.

When it comes to untraditional franchises, like PizzaForno's automated pizza vending machines, profits can range higher due to the reduced overhead and location expenses. If you're curious, we wrote an in-depth article covering the profitability of pizza vending machines.

When evaluating pizza franchise profitability, key factors include annual revenue per store, profit margins, and operational efficiency. Below is a breakdown of the three most profitable pizza franchises in the U.S., ranked based on reported average sales per unit (AUV) and net profit margins.

• Average Revenue Per Store: $1.3M - $1.5M

• Net Profit Margin: 15% - 20%

• Why It’s Profitable:

  • Strong brand recognition and global presence

  • Industry-leading delivery & carryout operations

  • High adoption of tech-driven ordering & loyalty programs

  • Lower operational costs compared to dine-in competitors

Domino’s is the undisputed leader in pizza franchising, consistently outperforming competitors in sales volume and profitability. Their emphasis on efficient delivery logistics, digital ordering platforms, and low overhead costs makes it an attractive option for franchisees.

• Average Revenue Per Store: $900K - $1.2M

• Net Profit Margin: 14% - 18%

• Why It’s Profitable:

  • Low-cost business model with minimal staffing

  • Focus on carryout over dine-in, reducing labor costs

  • Uses vertically integrated supply chains to cut ingredient expenses

  • Affordable pricing model with high customer volume

Little Caesars' Hot-N-Ready model allows for quick service, high turnover, and lower labor costs, making it one of the most profitable pizza franchises for investors seeking low startup costs and high ROI.

• Average Revenue Per Store: $900K - $1.1M

• Net Profit Margin: 10% - 15%

• Why It’s Profitable:

  • Strong brand equity and nationwide presence

  • Diverse revenue streams (dine-in, delivery, takeout)

  • Well-established franchise support and marketing

  • New focus on off-premise dining (delivery & carryout expansion)

While Pizza Hut remains a major player, it operates on higher overhead costs due to its dine-in model, making it less profitable than Domino’s or Little Caesars for new franchisees looking for the highest ROI.

If you’re looking for the highest profit margins, Domino’s remains the best-performing franchise due to its strong AUV and tech-driven business model. However, Little Caesars offers the most affordable entry point for new franchisees, while Pizza Hut maintains a stable market position despite higher operational costs.

For entrepreneurs seeking an alternative to traditional pizza franchises, PizzaForno presents a low-cost, high-margin solution with no franchise fees and minimal labor costs—an innovative way to tap into the pizza industry without the risks of traditional franchising.

Starting a pizza franchise involves various costs that can significantly affect your investment decisions. The initial outlays typically include franchise fees, equipment costs, and real estate expenses. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

1. Initial Franchise Fees: These fees can range from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the brand. For instance, popular brands like Domino's charge around $25,000, whereas brands like Little Caesars require around $15,000 to $20,000.

2. Total Startup Costs: The overall investment required to start a franchise usually falls between $200,000 to upwards of $1 million. For example, Pizza Hut franchise startup costs range from $295,000 to $422,000. Conversely, smaller chains might offer a lower entry cost.

3. Operational Costs: Ongoing expenses such as royalty fees (ranging from 3% to 8% of gross sales) and advertising contributions also play a role in determining overall profitability. Brands like Papa John's require a royalty of about 5%, supplemented by an 8% advertising fee.

These costs highlight the need for potential franchisees to conduct extensive market research and financial planning to ensure that they select the best franchise opportunity.

The earning potential from owning a pizza franchise can vary widely based on several factors including location, brand strength, operational efficiency, and market conditions. Research indicates that successful franchisees can earn annual profits ranging from $100,000 to over $1.5 million. For example, Domino’s locations often report average annual revenues between $700,000 and $1 million, with some franchisees achieving significantly higher figures in prime locations.

Investing in a pizza franchise is not without its risks. Labor shortages, fluctuations in ingredient costs, and market competition pose potential challenges that can impact profitability. Franchisees must also navigate regulatory compliance and changing consumer preferences. It's crucial to have a solid business plan and the ability to adapt in a competitive marketplace.

In summary, while the potential for high profit exists within the pizza franchise industry, success relies heavily on smart management decisions and understanding the dynamics of the market.

The pizza franchise industry offers lucrative opportunities, but success depends on factors like brand recognition, startup costs, operational efficiency, and location strategy. While traditional franchises like Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and Little Caesars have well-established business models, they also come with high initial investments, ongoing royalty fees, and labor-intensive operations.

PizzaForno presents a revolutionary alternative—a fully automated, 24/7 pizza vending solution that eliminates the need for on-site staff and drastically reduces overhead costs. With no franchise fees, a low-cost startup model, and high-margin potential, PizzaForno provides an accessible and profitable way to enter the pizza business with minimal risk.

If you're considering a pizza business investment, it's essential to weigh the costs, market demand, and operational challenges. Whether you choose a traditional franchise or an innovative automated model like PizzaForno, the key to success lies in smart location selection, cost management, and leveraging technology to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Start your journey with PizzaForno today! Avoid the high costs and labor challenges of traditional franchises with our cutting-edge, 24/7 automated pizza vending model. Learn more by applying to become a licensee!

Sources & References:

1. Statista - https://www.statista.com/statistics/261888/ranking-of-pizza-chains-based-on-us-sales/

2. SharpSheets - https://sharpsheets.io/blog/dominos-franchise-profits-costs/

3. Wolf of Franchises - https://wolfoffranchises.com/little-caesars-franchise/

4. PMQ Pizza Power Report 2025 – https://www.pmq.com/the-pizza-power-report-2025-the-top-30-pizza-chains-in-the-u-s/

5. Domino’s Franchise Information – https://biz.dominos.com/

6. Pizza Hut Franchise Information – https://franchise.pizzahut.com/

7. Little Caesars Franchise Information – https://franchise.littlecaesars.com/

8. Papa John’s Franchise Information – https://www.papajohns.com/franchise/

9. Marco’s Pizza Franchise Information – https://www.marcos.com/franchise/

10. Papa Murphy’s Franchise Information – https://franchising.papamurphys.com/

11. MOD Pizza Franchise Information – https://modpizza.com/franchising/

12. Hungry Howie’s Franchise Information – https://franchising.hungryhowies.com/

13. Jet’s Pizza Franchise Information – https://www.jetspizza.com/franchise/

14. Round Table Pizza Franchise Information – https://roundtablepizza.com/franchising/

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. Profit margins, revenue figures, and startup costs can vary based on location, market conditions, and individual business operations. Always conduct thorough research and consult with financial professionals before making any investment decisions.