Photo courtesy of Pizza Factory
Love pizza? Love working in the food and beverage business but sick of working for someone else? If you have dreams of opening your own pizza shop but you’re hesitant about going it alone, you may want to consider franchising. Franchising allows you to run your own company but with the training, proven system, and marketing support of a recognized brand behind you.
Best Pizza Franchises According to Franchise Owners
At Franchise Business Review, we survey thousands of franchisees across hundreds of brands to find out which franchises are the best based 100 percent on franchisee satisfaction. Our most recent research looked at the top-rated food franchises and revealed that pizza franchises are not only popular with those looking to operate their own shop, they also tend to have high ratings when it comes to franchisee satisfaction.
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2026’s Award-Winning Pizza Franchises
1. Pizza Factory
Based in California, this family-friendly restaurant tends to make their customers feel like they’re in their hometown pizzeria. Pizza Factor first began franchising in 1986. Since then, it has grown to over 100 locations across the western United States. No matter the location, Pizza Factory has deep roots in the community, supporting local causes and partnering with local schools through the “No Bully Zone” program.
Pizza Factory looks for franchisees that are hard working, excited to be a part of a team, and ready to become their home town’s pizzeria. They welcome multi-unit restaurant franchises.
Ernie Amorim, a multi-unit Pizza factory franchisee, shares his journey as an operator on a recent episode of our podcast, From A to Franchisee. Listen now.
Thinking about joining the Pizza Factor family? Download a free franchisee satisfaction report here.
Cash Required: $130,000
Initial Investment: $324,000 – $879,000
2. Donatos Pizza
At just 19-years-old, in 1963, Jim Grote opened the first Donatos Pizza, franchising the brand in 1991. Today, Donatos remains a family-owned business, with over 460 locations in 29 states and boasts average net revenue over $1.2 million per year. Known for their Edge to Edge® thin crust pizzas and generous toppings, Donatos emphasizes quality, customer satisfaction, and goodwill.
Learn more about Donatos Pizza franchise opportunities.
Cash Required: $200,000
Initial Investment: $457,000 – $990,000
3. LaRosa’s Pizzeria
Crediting their start with the entrepreneurial spirit of Buddy LaRosa, LaRosa’s Pizzeria has grown from their first location in Cincinnati to more than 60 franchises across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. And they’re looking to expand beyond the Midwest! Known for its distinctive sweet sauce and innovative customer experience, LaRosa’s boasts Average Unit Volume, Net Sales over $2M.
When you decide to purchase a LaRosa’s Pizzeria, LaRosa’s New Store Opening Team will help you and your staff get your location up and running. They even stay for two weeks upon opening to ensure your pizzeria is operating to perfection!
Learn more about opening a LaRosa’s Pizzeria.
Cash Required: $500,000
Initial Investment: $800,000 – $1M
4. Pizza Ranch
When Adrie Groeneweg realized there was no place to get pizza in his hometown of Hull, Iowa, he opened the first Pizza Ranch in 1981. The concept quickly gained popularity, leading to the opening of the first franchise location in 1984. Today, Pizza Ranch remains a family-owned, faith-based operation with more than 200 locations across 14 states.
Pizza Ranch isn’t your typical pizza joint. Their innovative buffet concept features an extensive selection of specialty pizzas, crispy fried chicken, fresh salads, and desserts. Their “Request and You Shall Receive” promise means if you don’t see your favorite pizza on the buffet, they’ll make it fresh just for you.
Learn more about Pizza Ranch franchise opportunities.
Cash required: $500,000
Initial Investment: $1.9M – $5M
See all Top-Rated Food and Beverage Franchises!
5. Westside Pizza
Founded in 1996 in Colville, Washington, Westside Pizza grew from one hometown shop to dozens of locations across the West. They’ve been quietly building an impressive track record ever since. With average unit revenue of $785K, the brand has built consistent profitability and customer loyalty that’s hard to ignore.
What makes Westside Pizza appealing for first-time franchise owners is its low startup costs, flexible floor plans, and robust training.
Learn more about joining the Westside Pizza family.
Cash Required: $150,000
Initial Investment: $214,000 – $570,000
Ready to Buy a Pizza Franchise?
Food and beverage franchises offer an exciting opportunity for business owners who don’t mind making a bigger financial investment, working long hours, and managing a large and diverse workforce. Food operators remain some of the most passionate in all of franchising, and while the investment is higher, so is the potential for return.
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As a prospective franchisee it’s important to do your homework and compare opportunities side-by-side—looking at both well-known brands, as well as smaller, lesser-known companies. Every food franchise has its own culture, and as a prospective franchisee you should carefully consider how that culture fits with your own business and personal goals before committing to a brand.
As you learn more about the many pizza franchise opportunities available, you can depend on FBR to be a trusted source of unbiased market research. In addition to the best pizza franchises we also rate the food franchise brands across all categories. You can see this year’s complete list of Top-Rated Food Franchises here.
