Blaze Pizza Franchise in 2025: Costs, Fee & FDD
Explore Blaze Pizza’s franchise potential! With over 300 locations and a unique build-your-own pizza concept, uncover the investment costs, earnings, and growth opportunities in our detailed analysis. Discover if this fast-casual brand can overcome recent setbacks and talks of bankruptcy to continue being an attractive franchise opportunity.
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Blaze Pizza, founded in 2011 by Elise and Rick Wetzel, alongside Chef Brad Kent, has swiftly made its mark in the fast-casual pizza sector. Known for its modern and energetic ambiance, Blaze offers a unique take on pizza with its “build-your-own” concept. This approach allows customers to customize their pizzas with a variety of fresh ingredients, baked in a blazing hot oven in just minutes. The brand has carved out a niche for itself by combining quality with speed, catering to the growing demand for fast, fresh, and flavorful dining options.
Blaze Pizza’s core product is its artisanal pizza, made with high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. Customers can choose from a range of sauces, cheeses, and toppings to create their perfect pie. Besides pizzas, Blaze also offers salads, desserts, and drinks, including their signature s’mores pie. The brand targets a broad audience, from busy professionals to families looking for a quick yet satisfying meal. Its focus on customization appeals to those who appreciate a personalized dining experience.
As of now, Blaze Pizza boasts an impressive footprint with over 300 locations across the U.S. and several international markets. The franchise has shown remarkable growth, continually expanding its reach and increasing its daily customer base. This scale reflects its strong market presence and the effectiveness of its business model in attracting a diverse clientele.
Blaze Pizza supports its franchisees with a comprehensive training program and ongoing support. The initial training covers all aspects of running a Blaze Pizza restaurant, from operational procedures to marketing strategies. Franchisees benefit from a well-established supply chain and a robust support system that includes marketing resources, operational assistance, and ongoing business development. This support ensures that franchisees are well-equipped to succeed and thrive in the competitive fast-casual dining landscape.
As of 2024, the franchise has appeared in the news exploring a potential bankruptcy filing. Potential franchisees will need to consider this development as part of their analysis.
Blaze Pizza Franchise Insights
- Blaze Pizza has over 300 locations globally and continues to expand, with a significant presence in the U.S. and operations in countries like Canada, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
- The brand is known for its rapid service, with pizzas cooked in just 180 seconds at 900°F, which appeals to time-conscious customers without sacrificing quality.
- Blaze Pizza’s average annual revenue per unit is around $1.2 million, reflecting strong sales performance in the competitive fast-casual market.
- The company is backed by influential investors, including NBA superstar LeBron James, which has helped elevate its brand visibility and appeal.
Blaze Pizza Franchise Key indicators
Unit Growth YOY (%)
-4%
vs industry 1%
Total U.S. Franchised Units
283
3-Year Failure Rate
16%
vs industry 11%
Sales-to-Investment ratio
1.4:1
How much does it cost to open a Blaze Pizza franchise?
Understanding the potential investment size and capital requirements is crucial when considering opening a Blaze Pizza franchise. These financial commitments, including initial franchise fees, equipment costs, and ongoing operational expenses, impact the feasibility and profitability of the venture. Thoroughly evaluating these factors ensures that potential franchisees are prepared for the financial responsibilities and can make informed decisions about their ability to sustain and grow the business, ultimately contributing to long-term success.
Min & Max Investment
Opening a Blaze Pizza franchise involves several key costs, which are outlined in Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). You can see a breakdown of the costs to open a Blaze Pizza below from the most recent Item 7 below:
| Type of Expenditure | Minimum Investment | Maximum Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Architect / Engineer | $12,500 | $27,500 |
| Permits and Liquor Licensing | $5,000 | $25,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $275,000 | $475,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment, and Décor | $185,000 | $300,000 |
| Signage and Graphics | $15,000 | $34,500 |
| Grand Opening Kit, Menu Boards | $4,900 | $5,500 |
| Computer/Information Systems | $3,000 | $15,000 |
| Uniforms, Initial Inventory, and Smallware | $24,000 | $41,500 |
| Grand Opening Advertising Program | $10,000 | $30,000 |
| Grand Opening Free Pizzas | $0 | $6,000 |
| Insurance Deposits | $500 | $5,000 |
| First Month’s Rent / Security Deposit | $3,000 | $24,000 |
| Initial Training Expenses | $4,000 | $8,500 |
| Professional Fees | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $20,000 | $45,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $596,900 | $1,087,500 |
Item 7 in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is the “Estimated Initial Investment” section. It outlines the total costs a franchisee can expect to incur when starting a franchise, including the initial franchise fee, equipment, inventory, real estate, and other startup expenses. This section is crucial because it provides potential franchisees with a detailed understanding of the financial commitment required, helping them assess affordability and plan their investment strategy effectively.
Required Capital
When considering a Blaze Pizza franchise or a similar fast-casual restaurant, it’s essential to understand the financial requirements. While exact figures can vary, here’s a detailed look at the estimated capital needs:
- Initial Investment Typically ranges from $597,000 to $1.09 million. This estimate includes costs for site selection, leasehold improvements, construction, kitchen equipment, signage, furniture, fixtures, and initial inventory. It also accounts for working capital to cover initial operating expenses such as payroll, utilities, and marketing during the startup phase. Assuming that you will finance your franchise investment, you should plan to have 20% of the total investment amount in the form of equity (cash) for the investment.
- Liquid Assets You’ll need around $250,000 to $500,000 in liquid assets. This ensures you have sufficient cash on hand to manage upfront costs, including down payments, lease deposits, and to sustain the business during the first few months when cash flow might be tight.
- Net Worth A minimum net worth of approximately $1.5 million is generally required. This reflects your overall financial stability, ensuring that you have the resources to support the business long-term, including the ability to secure financing, if necessary, and handle unforeseen expenses.
How much does a Blaze Pizza franchise owner make?
Calculating the salary of a Blaze Pizza franchise owner involves analyzing gross sales to determine total revenue, assessing operational efficiency to understand profit margins, and accounting for franchisor fees and additional expenses such as rent, utilities, and payroll. Effective management of these factors can significantly impact the profitability and financial success of a Blaze Pizza franchise owner. This comprehensive financial analysis helps estimate net profits, from which the owner’s salary can be derived. A clear understanding of these factors ensures accurate salary projections and financial planning for sustainable business operations.
Blaze Pizza Revenue & Gross Sales
Based on most recent analysis, Blaze Pizza franchises achieved a median gross sales of $1,208,454, reflecting gross sales stabilization in recent years. The brand maintains a strong position in the fast-casual pizza market, continuing to generate substantial sales across its franchise network. This performance underscores the importance of location and operational efficiency in maximizing revenue.
Which key factors impact the average revenue performance of Blaze Pizza franchisees?
Several factors likely contributed to Blaze Pizza’s U.S. franchisee median gross sales this past year. Economic conditions, including inflation and rising operational costs, may be putting pressure on both consumer spending and profit margins. Additionally, increasing competition in the fast-casual dining sector may be impacting customer traffic. Shifts in consumer behavior, such as a greater preference for delivery and takeout over in-store dining, might also influence sales patterns. Furthermore, supply chain disruptions have affected inventory availability and costs, contributing to the overall revenue performance. Despite these challenges, Blaze Pizza’s brand strength and adaptability remain key to navigating these fluctuations.
Blaze Pizza Franchise Operational Costs
When opening a Blaze Pizza franchise, understanding the primary ongoing operational costs is crucial for managing your business effectively. These costs can significantly impact your profitability, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
Key operational costs include:
- Labor Costs Wages, benefits, and payroll taxes for your staff are a major expense, especially given the need to maintain a skilled team for consistent service quality.
- Food and Beverage Costs The cost of ingredients and beverages is substantial, particularly since Blaze Pizza emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Utilities Expenses for electricity, gas, water, and waste management are ongoing and essential for keeping the restaurant running smoothly.
- Rent and Occupancy Costs Leasing your restaurant space, along with property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, are critical expenses to factor into your budget.
Effectively managing these costs is vital to ensuring your franchise operates profitably and efficiently. Careful planning and cost control can help you maximize your return on investment.
Blaze Pizza Franchise Fees
When investing in a Blaze Pizza franchise, it’s essential to understand the ongoing fees associated with maintaining your franchise. These fees are crucial for supporting the brand’s overall operations, marketing efforts, and continuous development, all of which contribute to the success of your business.
- Continuing Royalty Blaze Pizza requires a 5% royalty fee on gross sales, payable every Wednesday. This fee supports the ongoing development of the brand, including research, product innovation, and operational support.
- Creative Fund Contribution Franchisees contribute 2% of weekly gross sales to the Creative Fund, which finances brand-building initiatives to drive customer traffic.
- Additional Fees There are additional fees for training programs, technology, and other items provided by Blaze Pizza that may be applied.
Understanding these fees and planning for them is essential for your financial management. By staying on top of these obligations, you can focus on growing your franchise and maximizing profitability.
Blaze Pizza Franchise Earnings
The earnings for a Blaze Pizza franchise owner can vary based on location, operational efficiency, and management practices. On average, Blaze Pizza franchisees experience median gross sales of $1,208,454. Based on these sales figures, an owner-operator can expect estimated earnings (EBITDA) of around $180,000 annually. This would be a 15% EBITDA margin. This figure reflects earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA).
This estimate considers the average performance of franchises, but actual earnings can be influenced by factors such as lease agreements, local market conditions, and cost control. Effective management and strategic operations can enhance profitability, making it crucial for prospective franchisees to thoroughly evaluate these factors to optimize their earnings potential. Additionally, if an owner is semi-absentee, you can expect profitability to be lower due to the need to hire management to help operate the location.
How to Open a Blaze Pizza Franchise
Embarking on the journey to become a franchisee involves several critical steps that ensure you’re well-prepared and aligned with the franchise system. The process is designed to help you understand the business, secure financing, and set up your franchise for success. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this journey:
- Initial Inquiry You or your franchise specialist submits an initial inquiry basic information about your interest and background. You should also conduct thorough research on the franchise, including seeing all of the information available on the Vetted Biz franchise intelligence platform, including access to the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
- Application and Evaluation Complete and submit a franchise application, including your personal financial information and business background. The franchisor will review your application to assess your suitability.
- Interviews and Site Visits Engage in interviews with the franchisor to discuss your goals and fit with the brand. Visit existing franchise locations to gain insights into daily operations and speak with current franchisees.
- Franchise Agreement and Financing Review and sign the franchise agreement, which outlines your rights and obligations. Secure the necessary financing for the initial investment, including costs for site development and working capital.
- Training and Preparation Participate in the franchisor’s training program, covering operational procedures, marketing strategies, and management skills. Prepare your site by securing a location, obtaining permits, and setting up the restaurant.
- Grand Opening and Operations Launch your franchise with a grand opening event supported by the franchisor’s marketing initiatives. Begin daily operations, focusing on maintaining the brand’s standards and delivering quality service.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Strong Brand Recognition: Blaze Pizza has established itself as a popular brand in the fast-casual pizza segment, with a unique build-your-own pizza concept that attracts a broad customer base.
Growth Potential: With over 300 locations and a growing international presence, Blaze Pizza offers significant expansion opportunities, reflecting its successful business model and market appeal.
Operational Efficiency: The brand’s focus on speed and quality, with pizzas baked in just 180 seconds at 900°F, supports high customer turnover and satisfaction.
Community Engagement: The brand often engages in local community activities and promotions, helping franchisees build a strong local presence and customer base.
Cons
Competitive Market: The fast-casual dining sector is highly competitive, with numerous pizza and casual dining options, which may impact market share and profitability.
Revenue Fluctuations: As indicated by the recent 2% decrease in median gross sales, franchisee earnings can be subject to fluctuations due to factors such as economic conditions and market competition.
Supply Chain Dependence: Blaze Pizza’s reliance on specific suppliers for ingredients and equipment means that any disruptions in the supply chain could affect your ability to maintain consistent product quality and availability.
