Understanding Franchising Industries: Why You Should Franchise in the Pizza Category

For entrepreneurs looking to own a franchise, the choice of which industry to enter can be overwhelming with all of the options available in today’s market. From fast food to fitness, each sector has its own unique advantages and opportunities. However, franchising in the pizza industry is something every potential franchisee should consider when beginning their business journey. With its widespread popularity, enduring demand, and growing market potential, Donatos has proven to be reliable, resilient, and a strong choice of investment for our franchise partners. Our brand has provided steadfast support and valuable resources for partners, from our beginnings in 1963 to today. At Donatos, franchise partners are confident not only in their choice of industry, but also in the brand they select to invest and develop in. From our growing industry popularity and reliable demand to our pre-established brand recognition, we’re proud to serve potential franchise partners with a recipe for business success.

Pizza is Popular

Pizza has been a favorite dish in the US for decades. In fact, the pizza industry is worth nearly $50 billion, and over 40% of Americans eat pizza each week, making it the USA’s top dinner of choice. At Donatos, we serve up pizzas loaded Edge to Edge® with abundant toppings on our golden, crispy thin crust that have won customers — and franchise partners — over for 60 years. The enduring popularity of pizza ensures a steady stream of customers, even in challenging economic times. During the recent worldwide pandemic, many businesses struggled to maintain their typical stream of customers, with some even shuttering their doors. However, the same cannot be said for Donatos. Due to the consistency and popularity of our product quality, strong internal supply-chain operations, and loyal customers who love Donatos, we’re proud to say that our sales increased during COVID, and we never ran out of a single product throughout our many locations. By investing in a pizza franchise, future franchise partners can tap into a market with a built-in customer base and a product that has stood the test of time.

Market Growth and Performance

The market growth for pizza has been strong, and entrepreneurs considering starting franchises have a promising future ahead. According to IBIS World, the pizza restaurant industry’s market size increased by 6.2% in 2022, and is projected to continue at an upward trend.

In the competitive pizza category, performance matters, especially in the fast-casual space, and Donatos is one of the strongest financial performers in the pizza segment. Donatos restaurants have a 35% higher AUV than the average of the top 5 pizza chains in the US, and we continue to constantly develop and improve our business models to advance this trend and support our franchise partners. The fast-casual world has been booming, with the industry space projected to hit $364.5 billion in value by 2028. This, in combination with the pizza category, is the perfect pairing for potential franchise partners who are looking for a strong company that can help them succeed.

Established Brand and Support

Franchising with a reputable brand provides a significant advantage in the competitive pizza industry. At Donatos, we boast a strong brand presence and a proven business model. With 60 years of experience under our belt, we’ve done the work for franchise partners in fine-tuning our operations to ensure consistent quality and customer satisfaction.

Franchisees can leverage Donatos established brand reputation and benefit from the ongoing growth, support, and guidance we offer to every franchise partner. From comprehensive training programs and operational assistance to marketing support for franchise partners, Donatos is well-equipped to assist with a myriad of business needs. This commitment to support empowers franchise owners to run their businesses efficiently and effectively, creating a business culture that values serving one another.