Green Mill Restaurants Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Green Mill Restaurants is a casual dining franchise recognized for its signature deep-dish pizza, flavorful pasta dishes, wings, and a wide selection of beer. The concept traces its origins back to 1935, when it first opened as a soda fountain in St. Paul, Minnesota, where the company is still headquartered today.
By the mid-1970s, Green Mill had transitioned into a full-service restaurant and introduced Chicago-style deep-dish pizza in 1975, a menu item that quickly became its hallmark. The brand soon embraced franchising, expanding its footprint with multiple locations across Minnesota.
In 2018, it further diversified with the launch of Green Mill On The Go, a fast-casual model designed for takeout and carryout customers seeking convenience without compromising quality.
The franchise offers a broad menu that extends beyond pizza, including sandwiches, salads, pasta, and a complete bar service. Green Mill also caters for events of all sizes, building a strong reputation in both dine-in and catering markets.
With a heritage rooted in the Midwest, the brand stands out for its blend of tradition, menu variety, and strong franchisee support. Its focus on consistent quality and customer satisfaction continues to attract both loyal guests and prospective franchise owners.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Green Mill Restaurants franchise? It costs on average between $1,672,000 – $2,493,000 to start a Green Mill Restaurants franchised restaurant.
This covers construction, kitchen equipment, furnishings, initial inventory, and other opening expenses. The total investment can vary based on several factors, such as the chosen restaurant format, the location, and whether the property is leased or purchased.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $45,000 |
| Training-Related Expenses | $90,000 to $115,000 |
| Rent Security Deposit and First Month’s Rent | $0 to $17,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $900,000 to $1,200,000 |
| Equipment and Trade Fixtures | $450,000 to $850,000 |
| Signage | $35,000 to $50,000 |
| Opening Inventory and Smallwares | $50,000 to $70,000 |
| Insurance | $10,000 to $20,000 |
| Initial Advertising and Promotional Costs | $25,000 |
| Miscellaneous Start-Up Costs | $10,000 to $16,000 |
| Liquor License | $4,000 to $10,000 |
| Quality Control Inspection Fee | $1,500 annually |
| Academy Fee | $1,200 annually |
| Additional Funds – 3 months | $50,000 to $75,000 |
| TOTAL | $1,671,700 to $2,493,000 |
Download the Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Green Mill Restaurants locations are there?
As of the latest data, Green Mill operates about 19 locations in the U.S.
What is the total investment required to open a Green Mill Restaurants franchise?
The total investment required to open a Green Mill Restaurants franchise ranges from $1,672,000 to $2,493,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Green Mill Restaurants franchise?
Ongoing fees for a Green Mill Restaurants franchise typically include a royalty fee of 4% of gross sales and a marketing/advertising contribution of 2% of gross sales.
What are the financial requirements to become a Green Mill Restaurants franchisee?
To qualify as a Green Mill Restaurants franchisee, prospective franchisees are generally expected to have a minimum net worth of $5 million and at least $1 million in liquid capital.
Who owns Green Mill Restaurants?
The Green Mill Restaurants franchise is owned by Green Mill Restaurants, LLC, a hospitality company based in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. SharpSheets is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any franchisor mentioned on this website. Where noted, figures are taken from the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In some cases, we may provide independent calculations or estimates based on publicly available information. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
