Kono Pizza Franchise in 2024: Costs, Fee & FDD

Kono Pizza, founded in 2002 by Rossano Boscolo, a Master of Culinary Art, revolutionized the pizza industry with its unique concept of “Pizza da Passeggio” (walkaway pizza) served in a cone shape. This innovative idea, developed through extensive culinary and technological research, debuted at the Triennial Exhibition in Milan in 2004, capturing the attention of pizza lovers around the world. Kono Pizza’s success led to rapid expansion, both domestically in Italy and internationally. By 2014, after the concept was discovered by a franchisee team in Thailand, the brand saw accelerated growth, especially after collaborating with the Master Franchiser in Montreal. Since then, Kono Pizza has become a leader in the mobile hospitality industry, offering a fresh take on a beloved classic.

The core product of Kono Pizza is, of course, its signature pizza cone, which combines the convenience of fast food with the deliciousness of traditional pizza. Customers can choose from a variety of toppings, making it customizable to their tastes. Alongside pizza, Kono Pizza offers complementary products such as pasta cones, salads, and desserts, expanding the options for both savory and sweet cravings. The brand’s focus on portability and quality appeals to a wide range of customers, from busy professionals looking for a quick meal to families and food enthusiasts wanting to experience something innovative. Kono Pizza has successfully tapped into the fast-casual dining market, offering a unique and satisfying dining experience.

Currently, Kono Pizza operates in multiple countries, with locations across Europe, North America, and beyond. There are currently over 100 Kono Pizza locations operating in 20 countries. The brand has seen impressive growth, with franchises expanding rapidly in both urban and suburban locations. While specific statistics on the number of locations and daily customer base may fluctuate, Kono Pizza’s presence continues to grow, particularly in countries like Canada and the United States. This growth highlights the franchise’s ability to tap into diverse markets and its potential for continued international expansion. Kono Pizza’s mobile concept has also positioned it as a strong player in the mobile hospitality industry, making it a convenient and exciting choice for customers on the go.

Kono Pizza provides its franchisees with comprehensive support, including a well-established training program that equips new owners with the skills needed to successfully operate their locations. From marketing materials to operational procedures, franchisees receive the tools and guidance necessary for success. The franchise model encourages collaboration, creating a team environment across its locations, from Canada to the United States. This support system fosters a sense of community among franchisees, all working toward the shared goal of spreading the innovative concept of pizza cones to new audiences. The dedication to excellence, combined with a unique and appealing product, makes Kono Pizza an exciting franchise opportunity.

Kono Pizza Franchise Insights

1. Kono Pizza’s innovative “Pizza da Passeggio” (walkaway pizza) concept has gained global recognition, leading to rapid expansion in Europe, North America, and beyond, with over 100 locations internationally.
2. With a growing presence in Canada and the United States, Kono Pizza has capitalized on the mobile food trend, appealing to customers seeking quick, customizable meals in a fun and unique format.
3. Kono Pizza’s low-cost, high-return franchise model makes it an attractive investment option, especially given its unique product and international appeal. The brand’s successful presence in 20 countries reflects its adaptability and growing popularity in diverse markets.

How much does it cost to open a Kono Pizza franchise?

Understanding the potential investment size and capital requirements is crucial when considering opening a Kono 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 Kono 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 Kono Pizza below from the most recent Item 7 below:

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

To open a Kono Pizza franchise or a similar mobile pizza concept in the quick-service food industry, you will need to meet certain financial requirements, which vary depending on the size of the operation and location. Here are the likely financial requirements to open a Kono Pizza food truck or a similar franchise:

• Total Investment The estimated total investment for a Kono Pizza food truck ranges from $154,000 to $238,000, which covers all costs associated with setting up and operating the franchise, including the truck, equipment, inventory, initial marketing, and working capital. 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.
• Capital Required Typically, you will need at least 20-30% of the total investment in available capital (liquid assets) to cover the initial expenses. Based on the total investment, this would range from approximately $31,000 to $71,000 in liquid assets to ensure the franchisee can manage startup costs and early operational expenses.
• Net Worth For mobile food franchises like Kono Pizza, the estimated required net worth typically falls between $300,000 to $500,000. This reflects the importance of having the financial strength to support the business through its early growth stages and manage any unexpected expenses.

How much does a Kono Pizza franchise owner make?

Calculating the salary of a Kono 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 Kono 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.

Kono Pizza Revenue & Gross Sales

While gross sales figures are not publicly available, several factors likely contribute to the performance of Kono Pizza’s U.S. franchisees. Location plays a crucial role, with high-traffic areas like festivals, city centers, and events driving foot traffic. Additionally, the brand’s innovative, portable pizza cone concept appeals to customers seeking a unique dining experience, boosting sales potential.

Which key factors impact the average revenue performance of Kono Pizza franchisees?

The performance of Kono Pizza’s U.S. franchisees is likely influenced by several key factors. A prime contributor is location, with franchises situated in high-traffic areas such as city centers, tourist destinations, or popular event venues benefiting from a steady stream of customers. Additionally, the unique nature of Kono Pizza’s product—pizza served in a cone—appeals to both traditional pizza lovers and those seeking a quick, innovative meal, helping to attract a broad customer base. Effective marketing, including local promotions and social media engagement, can also drive awareness and repeat business. Furthermore, the support from the franchise system, including training, operational guidance, and a strong brand reputation, plays a critical role in ensuring franchisee success and consistent sales performance.

Kono Pizza Franchise Operational Costs

When opening a Kono Pizza franchise, it’s important to consider the key ongoing operational costs that will directly impact your profitability. Here’s a breakdown of the primary ongoing operational costs:

• Food and Beverage Supplies The cost of ingredients, packaging, and beverages will be a significant ongoing expense. As a mobile food business, keeping stock levels in check while maintaining freshness is crucial for controlling costs.
• Labor Costs Wages for staff, including cooks, cashiers, and possibly drivers for event-based service, will be a consistent expense. Managing labor efficiently is key to minimizing costs without sacrificing service quality.
• Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance Regular maintenance of the food truck and equipment is necessary to ensure your business runs smoothly. This includes repairs, fuel, and periodic servicing of appliances such as ovens and refrigerators.
• Insurance Comprehensive insurance coverage for your food truck, equipment, liability, and any employees is a must to protect against potential risks and accidents.
• Licensing and Permits Depending on your location, you may need various permits for operating a food truck. These fees can vary but are essential for legal compliance.

By understanding these operational costs, you can better prepare for the financial commitments of running a Kono Pizza franchise. Managing these expenses effectively is crucial to maintaining profitability and long-term success.

Kono Pizza Franchise Fees

When opening a Kono Pizza franchise, understanding the ongoing fees is crucial to managing your financial planning and ensuring the success of your business. Below is a breakdown of the primary fees you can expect to pay as a Kono Pizza franchisee:

• Continuing Monthly Royalty Fee The royalty fee increases over the years based on a structured scale. In Year 1, you’ll pay $833.33 per month, with gradual increases each year until Year 5, where the fee reaches $1,166.67. From Years 6 through 10, the monthly royalty fee will stabilize at $1,250. This fee is based on the gross sales of the franchise and contributes to ongoing support from the franchisor.
• National Advertising Fee Kono Pizza currently charges a $500 annual advertising fee, which is designed to help fund national marketing campaigns. However, the franchisor may opt to switch to a monthly or weekly fee, which could be up to 2% of your gross sales from the previous month or week, depending on the sales performance. This fee is intended to build brand recognition and attract customers to the franchise system.
• Additional Fees There may be extra costs associated with training programs, technology, and other services offered by Kono Pizza.

By understanding these ongoing fees, you can better plan for the financial responsibilities of operating a Kono Pizza franchise. These fees ensure you receive continuous support, marketing, and resources to grow your business, making it essential to factor them into your budget for long-term success.

Kono Pizza Franchise Earnings

While specific earnings data for Kono Pizza franchises is not readily available, we can provide an informed overview based on industry standards and franchise characteristics. In the mobile food and quick-service restaurant industries, earnings can vary significantly based on factors such as location, local demand, and the effectiveness of the franchisee’s operations. Typically, franchises that offer unique or convenient products, such as Kono Pizza’s portable pizza cone, tend to perform well in high-traffic areas like festivals, busy urban centers, or tourist attractions. The ability to scale operations through food trucks or pop-up locations also provides opportunities for reaching a broader customer base, leading to potential for higher sales.

Earnings potential is heavily influenced by the franchisee’s commitment to marketing, customer service, and operational efficiency. With strong support from the franchisor, including ongoing training, marketing assistance, and a proven business model, franchisees can maximize their earnings by targeting the right markets and maintaining high service standards.

How to Open a Kono Pizza Franchise

Becoming a Kono Pizza franchisee involves a structured process designed to ensure that you are fully prepared to operate your business successfully. The journey begins with your initial inquiry and continues through several steps that help you evaluate the opportunity, secure financing, and prepare for your grand opening. Here’s an overview of the steps involved:

1. 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).
2. Application and Interview Once you’ve reviewed the FDD, you will complete an application form. This may be followed by interviews with the Kono Pizza team to assess your suitability as a franchisee. The franchisor will evaluate your financial capacity, business experience, and motivation to succeed.
3. Financial Approval After your application is approved, you’ll work with the franchise team to secure financing if needed. Kono Pizza may assist you with identifying potential lenders or financing options. You’ll need to ensure you meet the required liquid assets and net worth to proceed.
4. Signing the Franchise Agreement Upon financial approval, you will sign the franchise agreement. This formalizes your relationship with Kono Pizza and outlines your responsibilities as a franchisee.
5. Training and Preparation Before opening your location, you’ll complete Kono Pizza’s comprehensive training program. This includes both classroom and on-the-job training, covering everything from operations to marketing and customer service.
6. Site Selection and Build-Out Once training is complete, you will work with Kono Pizza to identify a suitable location for your food truck or mobile unit. The franchisor may assist with site selection and the build-out process to ensure your unit meets brand standards.
7. Grand Opening and Operations Once your location is ready, you’ll launch your business with a grand opening event to attract customers and generate buzz. Afterward, you’ll begin regular operations, supported by Kono Pizza’s ongoing assistance and marketing programs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Unique Product Concept: Kono Pizza offers a distinctive cone-shaped pizza, which stands out in the quick-service food market and attracts customers looking for something different, particularly at events or high-traffic locations.

Flexible, Mobile Format: As a mobile franchise, Kono Pizza allows you to operate in various locations like festivals, sports events, and busy streets, offering flexibility and the potential to reach different audiences.

Relatively Lower Initial Investment: Compared to traditional quick-service restaurants, a food truck model typically has lower startup costs and overhead, which may be appealing for new entrepreneurs or those looking to minimize financial risk.

Cons

Market Variability: Success for a mobile food business can heavily depend on location and event attendance, making revenue inconsistent. Local demand and competition can significantly impact profitability.

Weather Dependence: Outdoor and mobile food businesses are often affected by weather, which can limit sales during certain seasons or adverse weather conditions.

Additional Operational Demands: Running a food truck requires logistical skills for event coordination, as well as managing vehicle maintenance and mobility-related expenses, which can add complexity.

Potential Brand Recognition Challenge: Although Kono Pizza is growing, it may not have the same brand recognition as some larger franchises. Building a loyal customer base may require extra marketing effort in new areas.