Donatos Pizza Franchise Deep Dive: Units, Costs and Earnings

Brand history

Donatos Pizza is a pizza franchise brand that was originally started in 1963 with $1,300 and a dream. Founder Jim Grote was on a mission to “promote goodwill through product and service, principles and people.” Now, Donatos Pizza has grown to occupy markets nationwide and is on track to continue expanding.

There are currently over 460 Donatos Pizza locations. While some Donatos Pizza restaurants stand on their own, the brand has also partnered with Red Robin to offer its pizza at select locations. In a sea full of pizza shops, Donatos’ elevated — but still convenient and accessible — approach to classic flavors, unique combinations, subs, salads and wings helps it to stand out and positions it for ongoing growth.

Donatos Pizza is a pizza franchise concept offering dine-in, carry-out and delivery services. Like many pizza concepts, it also has salads, wings, calzones, sides and desserts on the menu. In addition to serving great food, Donatos has demonstrated a commitment to serving people and communities through fundraising, volunteering and nurturing other partnerships.

Sales and earnings

According to the brand’s 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document, top-performing franchised locations captured an average of $2,422,555 in net sales in 2022. The average across all franchised locations was $1,056,219.

The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Donatos Pizza franchise ranges from $457,244 to $989,654. This includes the following costs:

• Initial Franchise Fee: $30,000

• Security Deposit Under Lease: $2,000 - $11,000

• One Month’s Rent, Real Estate Expenses: $2,000 - $11,000

• Leasehold Improvements/Construction: $35,500 - $454,000

• Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment: $297,244 - $346,154

• Computer System: $18,000 - $23,000

• TRIO Software License Fee: $4,500

• Liquor License: $0 - $10,000

• Opening Inventory and Supplies: $15,000 - $20,000

• Grand Opening Marketing, Initial Marketing Expenses: $25,000 - $30,000

• Training Expenses: $1,000 - $15,000

• Miscellaneous Opening Costs: $2,000 - $5,000

• Additional Funds (3 Months): $25,000 - $30,000

Franchise costs

Donatos Pizza assesses a franchise fee of $30,000.

• James E. Grote — Founder

• Jane M. Grote Abell — Chief Purpose Officer

• Thomas Krouse — Chief Executive Officer

• Kevin King — President

• Douglas V. Kourie — Chief Financial Officer

• Jeff Baldwin — Vice President of Development and Franchising

• Tony Capuano — Vice President of Franchise Operations

• Jodie Conrad — Chief Marketing Officer

• Christina Jackson — Chief People Officer

• Steven Graves — Chief Information Officer

• Family-owned Donatos Passes the Ownership to the Next Generation

• Donatos Rolls Out Budget-Friendly Bakery Crust Pizza

• Donatos Pizza Makes Massive Texas Debut as Four Franchise Groups Simultaneously Secure Deals

• Why Donatos Pizza Is Ready for a Big Franchise Push

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